If you’re curious about where to go and what to see, our carefully curated Istanbul August event calendar has all the answers.
August Calendar In Istanbul
THEATER
“Pink Diamonds” at Trump Culture and Performance Center
Step into the glittering world of “Pink Diamonds,” a play that captures a night in the lives of two jewelry partners with contrasting personalities. One is a charming womanizer with a love for life and wealth, while the other is a solitary and inexperienced man navigating the complexities of relationships. Penned by Michael Pertwee and translated by Gencay Gürün, this two-act play is brought to life under the direction of Serkan Üstüner. The stellar cast includes Billur Yazgan, Ceyhun Fersoy, Lami Filozof, Sinan Çalışkanoğlu, and Cansu Tosun. Join us on Thursday, August 1, at Trump Culture and Performance Center for an evening of laughter with this award-winning production.
“Cırcır Böcekleri İtler ve Biz”, Selami Çeşme Özgürlük Parkı Amfi Tiyatro
Picture this: two brothers, one an urban, educated screenwriter, and the other a free-spirited thief who finds solace in the wilderness. This compelling play immediately draws you into their world as you witness the transformative journey of these siblings, who discover and reshape each other’s lives as the seasons change around a single tree. In this tale, dreams clash with reality, the city battles against nature, and knowledge faces off with ignorance. As the brothers struggle within a system of their own making, the question arises: can man escape the very trap he has constructed with his own hands?
If you find yourself intrigued by this question, don’t miss the performance of “Cırcır Böcekleri İtler ve Biz” featuring Serhat Teoman, Buğra Gülsoy. Catch this thought-provoking production at Kadıköy Municipality Selamiçeşme Özgürlük Parkı Amfi Tiyatro on Friday, August 2.
EXHIBITIONS
“Senin Beklenmedik Karşılaşman” at Istanbul Modern
Renowned artist Olafur Eliasson delves into themes of light, color, perception, movement, geometry, and the environment in his first solo exhibition in Turkey, “Your Unexpected Encounter.” This exhibition is a vivid reflection of the intricate web of relationships Eliasson has woven through various fields of research. As you explore the exhibition, you’ll embark on a journey that mirrors the artist’s own, enriched by maritime themes like navigation, inspired by Istanbul Modern’s unique location on the Bosphorus. The experience invites visitors to actively engage in a dynamic process of discovery through installations and site-specific works. Curated by Öykü Özsoy Sağnak, Nilay Dursun, and Ümit Mesci, “Olafur Eliasson: Senin Beklenmedik Karşılaşman” is on display at Istanbul Modern until February 9, 2025.
“Arrhythmia” at Borusan Contemporary
For those eager to explore the intricate connections between art and science, Mat Collishaw’s “Arrhythmia” offers a fascinating journey. Drawing inspiration from two towering figures—Albrecht Dürer, with his Renaissance philosophies and methodologies, and Ernst Haeckel, known for his 19th-century scientific ideas—Collishaw merges these historical perspectives with the capabilities of modern artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies. The result is a compelling exploration of how these combined forces can disrupt the rhythm of our responses to the world, aptly titled “Arrhythmia.” This exhibition also invites reflection on new interpretations of nature amidst today’s pressing climate crisis. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this thought-provoking exhibition at Borusan Contemporary, open until August 18, 2024.
FESTIVALS
“Istanbul Festival” at Festival Park Yenikapı
The Istanbul Festival returns for its third edition, celebrating the vibrant diversity of the arts in perfect harmony. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience with a lineup featuring three internationally renowned music artists. Set in the expansive Festival Park Yenikapı, the event will unfold over 17 days, from August 2 to 18, bringing together millions of music enthusiasts and showcasing more than 30 local and international performers.
Mark your calendars for August 4, when world-famous DJ Lost Frequencies takes the stage alongside Turkish pop sensation Hande Yener for an electrifying performance. On August 8, legendary DJ Tiësto, who last performed in Turkey 12 years ago, will return to dazzle his fans. Known as “The Greatest DJ Of All Times,” Tiësto headlines the world’s biggest music festivals and is sure to deliver an unforgettable night. Then, on August 12, brace yourself for a show-stopping performance by Jason Derulo, the music prodigy behind hits like “Whatcha Say,” the YouTube sensation “Swalla,” and chart-toppers “Wiggle” and “Slow Low,” featuring rap icon Snoop Dogg.
This year’s Istanbul Festival is a must-attend event, blending the best of local and global talent in a spectacular celebration of music and culture.
“Burgazada Music Festival” at Burgazada Garden of Eden
Returning for its third year, the Burgazada Music Festival has quickly earned a reputation for its eclectic and diverse musical lineup. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Garden of Eden, this year’s festival on August 3-4 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience with an array of unique performances.
One of the highlights includes “Neon Lies,” a one-man show from Croatia that will captivate audiences with its minimal darkwave sound. Another standout is Brek, whose velvety voice and nostalgic melodies have garnered significant attention. Punk Rock enthusiasts will be thrilled by Robin, while multi-instrumentalist Görkem Karabudak brings his distinctive sound to the festival. Fans of psychedelic rock will find themselves immersed in the kaleidoscopic universes created by Klan and Hayvanlar Alemi, both known for weaving hallucinatory stories into their compositions. The lineup also features Morunay, a Post-Punk band hailing from Eskişehir, and Sunset Stream, all set to deliver memorable performances that span various musical genres.
CONCERTS
“Aşkın Nur Yengi Symphonic Concert” at Harbiye Open Air Theater
Prepare for an enchanting evening as one of Turkey’s most powerful female voices, Aşkın Nur Yengi, graces the stage at Harbiye Open Air Theater on August 7th. Accompanied by the Pera Philharmonic Orchestra, this special concert, titled “Aşkın Nur Yengi Symphonic,” promises a journey through time, with the artist’s mesmerizing voice bringing her timeless hits to life in a symphonic arrangement. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a night of musical magic under the stars.
“Ari Abdul” at Blind
Brooklyn’s vibrant music scene is sending some captivating sounds our way! Ari Abdul, the rising star from New York who has quickly carved out a niche in the dark alternative pop genre, is making her way to Turkey. Known for blending a unique mix of visual and stylistic influences, Ari creates an enigmatic atmosphere that draws listeners into her world. With her breakout hits “Babydoll” and “Babydoll – Speed,” which have collectively amassed over 130 million streams this year alone, she’s set to bring her haunting melodies and immersive stage presence to Asmalımescit’s newest live music venue, Blind, on August 14th.
“Selda Bağcan” at Maximum Uniq Open Air
Prepare for an extraordinary musical experience with Selda Bağcan, one of Turkey’s most cherished and globally recognized artists. On August 17th, she will take the stage at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava, offering a performance that promises to be a true celebration of music. Known for her powerful voice and deep connection with her audience, Bağcan’s concerts are a blend of her iconic protest songs and beloved Turkish folk melodies. If you’ve ever wanted to sing along to classics like “Gesi Bağları,” “Yaylalar,” “Neredesin Sen,” and “Sivas’ın Yolları” with Selda Bağcan herself, this is a concert you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for a night of unforgettable music under the open sky.
“Die Antwoord” at Maximum Uniq Open Air
Prepare yourself for an electrifying night as the legendary South African rap-rave duo, Die Antwoord, returns to the stage! After a five-year hiatus from touring, they are back with not only new music but also their feature-length documentary “ZEF: The Story of DIE ANTWOORD.” Following three years of intense studio work, the duo has released their latest album, “Uit de Hemel Gevallen,” showcasing their innovative and boundary-pushing sound. As part of their ‘Reanimated’ world tour, Die Antwoord will bring their fresh creative energy to Istanbul on August 26, 2024, with a highly anticipated performance at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava. Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary event live!
