Antalya's Biggest Annual Events: 33 Festivals, Sports, and Expos Worth Planning a Trip Around

This guide covers major annual events across Antalya Province that are worth planning a trip around, including film, opera, jazz, traditional oil wrestling, marathons, cycling, golf, triathlon, food, agriculture, digital entertainment, books, and trade shows.

Here, “Antalya” refers to the wider travel region, not just Antalya city. It also includes:

  • Belek and Serik: golf, triathlon, and the ancient theater of Aspendos.
  • Kemer: beaches, music in ancient cities, and extreme motorcycle racing.
  • Kaş: film, jazz, and seaside culture.
  • Alanya: oil wrestling, jazz, and tourism festivals.
  • Elmalı and Kumluca: traditional oil wrestling, agriculture, and Yörük nomadic culture.

Event dates fall into three main categories:

  • Fixed calendar dates: national holidays and commemorations such as April 23, May 19, August 30, and October 29.
  • Generally fixed months: running and diplomacy in April, food in May, jazz in June, classical arts in September, and film festivals and major trade shows from October into November.
  • Dates announced each year: the piano festival, regional produce festivals, oil-wrestling tournaments, and some seaside music events.

January–March: Trade Shows, Road Cycling, and the Start of the Spring Outdoor Season

1. ANFAŞ FoodProduct International Food & Beverage Trade Fair

Typical timing:Early January 2026 Date:January 6–9

Key venue:ANFAŞ Antalya Expo Center

Type:Food and beverage, hotel supply, catering equipment, international trade

ANFAŞ FoodProduct is a major winter trade show for Antalya's food and hospitality industries. Its 32nd edition in 2026 is expected to bring together hundreds of exhibitors with resort hotels, restaurant groups, food producers, and international buyers.

Why we recommend it:

Antalya has a large number of resort hotels, and the hotel buffet, catering supply chain, and tourism food markets are large, making it closer to the actual procurement needs of the hotel and catering industry than the regular consumer food exhibition.

Note:

This is a business-focused trade show, not a public tasting festival. Check the current edition's registration, age, and industry-access requirements before visiting.

Travel value: ★★☆☆☆, ★★★★★ for those in the food and hospitality industry

2. Winter International Wrestling Series

Typical timing:January

Key venue:Kemer Göynük Arena and other venues

Type:Freestyle wrestling, classical wrestling, international ranking matches

Antalya's mild winters make it a frequent host for major events organized by the Turkish Wrestling Federation and United World Wrestling. In 2026, the Yaşar Doğu, Vehbi Emre, and Hamit Kaplan international series took place in Kemer from January 8 to 11.

Why we recommend it:

It showcases modern competitive wrestling, completely different from traditional oil wrestling on summer grass. Participants usually include the Turkish national team and top-level athletes from multiple countries.

Travel value: ★★★☆☆, wrestling enthusiasts ★★★★☆

3. Tour of Antalya

Typical timing:February to March 2026 Date:March 12–15

Type:International multi-day road cycling race, UCI European Tour

Founded in 2018, the Tour of Antalea uses a multi-stage format to connect coastal highways, mountains, the old town, and modern tourist areas. The 2026 event will feature four stages and be included in the UCI International Cycling Calendar.

Why we recommend it:

The TV broadcast will pass through the Mediterranean coast, the Taurus Mountains, and resort areas, making it a spectacular road cycling race. Regular visitors can watch for free at the start, finish, or along the urban stage.

Note:

The route changes every year, and not all stages pass through the center of Antalya. The mountainous terminus may require driving yourself or booking transportation in advance.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, ★★★★★ for cycling enthusiasts

April–May: Peak Season for Running, Diplomacy, Golf, Food, and Agriculture

4. Runtalya Antalya Marathon

Typical timing:Late March or early April 2026 Date:April 5th, children's run on April 4th

Key area:Cam Piramit, Konyaaltı, and city roads

Type:Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and children's run

Founded in 2006, Runtalya has grown into one of Turkey's larger mass-participation running events and is typically staged as a three-day sports festival. The 2026 program includes marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K races.

Why we recommend it:

The route combines the city avenue, palm trees, coastline, and some historic landscapes; Antalya's spring climate is also more suitable for long-distance running than midsummer.

How to participate:

  • Want to compete seriously:Choose a full or half marathon.
  • Want to experience the atmosphere:Choose 10 kilometers.
  • Regular travelers:Choose a 5-kilometer social run.
  • Bringing children:Participate in the children's run the day before.

Travel value: ★★★★★, a must for runners

5. Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Typical timing:April 2026 Date:April 17–19

Key venue:Belek NEST Congress and Exhibition Center

Type:International politics, diplomacy, security, economy, and global governance

Hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum will be held for its fifth edition in 2026, inviting national leaders, ministers, representatives of international organizations, scholars, media, and policy experts to discuss international affairs.

Why it matters:

This is the annual event with the highest international political impact in Antalya. During the forum, demand for Belek's five-star hotels and convention facilities rises sharply, while traffic controls and security measures intensify.

Note:

It is not a tourism festival where the general public can freely purchase tickets and enter the venue; it is mainly aimed at invited delegates, media, academia, and diplomatic groups. The most direct impact on ordinary tourists is rising hotel prices and increased road security.

Travel value: ★★☆☆☆, ★★★★★ for diplomacy and international relations professionals

6. YÖREX Regional Products Fair

Typical timing:In the past, it was mostly in autumn, but in recent years the schedule may be adjusted 2026 Date:April 22–26

Key venue:ANFAŞ Expo Center

Type:Local foods, geographical indication products, traditional handicrafts, and regional culture

YÖREX centers on the concept of "What is most famous where you are?" showcasing cheeses, honey, olive oil, spices, desserts, textiles, and geographical indication products from different Turkish provinces in Antalya. 2026 marks the 14th edition.

Why we recommend it:

Visitors don't have to travel across all of Turkey to fully understand the local products of the Black Sea, Anatolia, Aegean Sea, the Southeast, and the Mediterranean region. The threshold for public participation is generally lower than for pure trade shows.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, ★★★★★ for food and local culture enthusiasts

7. Turkish Airlines Open

Typical timing:From late April to early May 2026 Date:April 30 to May 3

Key venue:Belek National Golf Club

Type:DP World Tour International Professional Golf

The event was founded in 2013 and returned to the DP World Tour in 2025 after a several-year hiatus. The 2026 event will be held as the final event of the Asian Tour, with a total prize pool of $2.75 million.

Why we recommend it:

Belek is a renowned winter golf destination in Europe and the Mediterranean region, with a concentration of courses, resorts, and tournament facilities. Compared to some events in the UK or the US, transportation and accommodation here are easier to combine into a holiday itinerary.

Note:

The competition usually lasts four days. For the first time, you can choose the first two rounds, which have relatively lower ticket prices and crowd pressure; The atmosphere on the final day was the best.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, ★★★★★ for golf enthusiasts

8. Kumluca Agriculture and Greenhouse Festival

Typical timing:From late April to early May

Key venue:Kumluca

Type:Agriculture, greenhouse cultivation, nomadic migration shows, agricultural product competitions, and oil wrestling

Kumluca is one of Antalya's major greenhouse-farming districts. Its annual festival typically features reenactments of Yörük seasonal migration, tomato or pepper-eating contests, produce displays, concerts, traditional sports, and community activities. The 2026 festival took place in early May.

Why we recommend it:

It showcases the agricultural economy behind the seaside resort. Visitors see not only hotels and beaches but also greenhouses, farmers, seasonal harvests, and the nomadic culture of Yörük.

Note:

Kumluca is a long way from central Antalya, so it works best as part of a trip that also includes Olympos, Çıralı, or Adrasan.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, best for local culture

9. FoodFest Antalya International Gastronomy Festival

Typical timing:May 2026 Date:May 8–10

Key venue:Karaalioğlu Park

Type:Antalya cuisine, famous chefs, agricultural products, cooking demonstrations, and markets

The 5th FoodFest 2026, themed "Every Table Has a Story," will focus on showcasing Antalya seafood, olive oil dishes, beans, tahini, citrus fruits, and surrounding agricultural products.

Why we recommend it:

Karaalioğlu Park is located near the old town and coastal cliffs, where visitors can schedule the Food Festival, Kaleiçi, Hadrian's Gate, and sea views all on the same day.

Recommended Try:

  • Antalya piyaz, sesame sauce white bean salad.
  • Charcoal-grilled meatballs Şiş köfte.
  • Mediterranean olive-oil mezze.
  • Crispy flavored ice cream Yanık dondurma.
  • Local citrus, honey, and sesame products.

Travel value: ★★★★★, the top choice for culinary travel

10. DIGIFEST Antalya

Typical timing:In recent years, in May 2026 Date:May 14–17

Key venue:Cam Piramit and its surroundings

Type:Esports, augmented reality sports, robotics, digital technology, and youth activities

DIGIFEST combines digital competition with physical sports, including HADO augmented reality sports, esports competitions, tech experiences, youth programs, and interactive displays. The 2026 event will be held continuously for four days.

Why we recommend it:

Antalya's major events usually focus on tourism, agriculture, and traditional culture, while DIGIFEST represents the city's younger, more modern side. Many features stand out visually and are also suitable for families with children.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, ★★★★★ for teens and gamers

11. May 19 Youth and Sports Day Torch Parade

Fixed Hours:May 19th every year

Main route:Usually, it starts from Konyaaltı Varyant and heads to the city center's celebration area

Type:National memorials, torch parades, concerts, youth sports

May 19 commemorates Atatürk's arrival in Samsun in 1919 and is Turkey's official festival for youth and sports. Antalya usually organizes torch parades and large free concerts attended by thousands.

Why we recommend it:

This is an excellent opportunity to experience modern Turkish national identity and secular civic culture. Turkish flags, youth groups, bands, and local residents come together in an event with strong public participation.

Travel value: ★★★★☆

May–August: Beach Art, Jazz, Film, and Highland Oil Wrestling

12. Sandland International Sand Sculpture Exhibition

Typical timing:Spring opens with a new season theme, with key visits from May to October; It currently also serves as a permanent exhibition

Key venue:Lara Beach

Type:Giant sand sculptures, lighting, outdoor art, and parent-child activities

Sandland has been held continuously since 2006, covering about 7,000 square meters, using around 10,000 tons of sand to create large sculptures, making it one of Antalya's most consistent annual beach art projects.

Why we recommend it:

Daytime is ideal for observing the sculpture's details, and after sunset, the lights come on for a better visual effect. The location is close to Lala Beach, perfect for swimming and seaside dinner.

Note:

Today, it is closer to a seasonal open-air sand sculpture museum than just a few days of street festivals. Themes and works are updated regularly.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, families: ★★★★★

13. Akra Jazz Festival

Typical timing:Early to mid-June 2026 Date:June 5–20

Key venue:Akra Antalya open-air stage

Type:Jazz, world music, soul, funk, and cross-border pop

2026 marks the ninth edition, with performances set in the Mediterranean and Bey Mountains, typically spanning jazz, Turkish pop music adaptations, world music, and large band projects.

Why we recommend it:

Its most striking feature is not the scale, but the environment: the audience watches the performance on an open-air platform, with the Mediterranean Sea and mountain nightscape directly behind the stage.

Note:

Tickets are usually sold individually, not for a single ticket to watch the entire festival. Popular artist shows may sell out early.

Travel value: ★★★★★, jazz and night-view enthusiasts

14. Kaş International Film Festival

Typical timing:June 2026 Date:June 10–14

Key venue:cinemas, open-air spaces, and cultural venues across Kaş

Type:International short films, independent films, documentaries, and directorial exchanges

2026 marks the fifth edition. The festival transforms Kaş's harbor, old town, and small cultural spaces into screening venues, organizing competitions, exchanges, and workshops.

Why we recommend it:

Unlike the Golden Orange Film Festival, which emphasizes the national film industry and red carpet, it is smaller in scale and offers a stronger sense of interaction. During the day, you can swim or take a boat, and in the evening, you can attend movie events.

Note:

Kaş is far from downtown Antalya and should be considered a two- or three-day independent itinerary rather than a day round trip.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, best for film fans and seaside vacationers

15. International Manavgat Motorcycle Festival

Typical timing:June to July

Key venue:Manavgat, Side, and coastal camp areas

Type:Motorcycle cruises, camping, rock music, modified cars, and community activities

The Manavgat Motorcycle Festival is one of Antalya's more stable summer motorcycle cultural events, attracting Turkish and international motorcycle clubs. Events typically include fleet parades, camping, concerts, and motorcycle shows.

Why we recommend it:

You can combine Side Old City, Manavgat Waterfall, beaches, and motorcycle culture, with a style completely different from the city center art festival.

Note:

Specific dates and campsites change each year, so accommodation arrangements should not rely solely on on-site camping.

Travel value: ★★★☆☆, ★★★★★ for motorcycle enthusiasts

16. Feslikan Highland Oil Wrestling Festival

Typical timing:July 2026 Date:July 19

Key venue:Feslikan Plateau

Type:Turkish oil wrestling, highland festivals, music, and local cuisine

The 28th Feslikan Oil Wrestling tournament was held in 2026. Wrestlers coat themselves in olive oil, wear traditional leather kispet trousers, and compete by weight or rank on a grass field.

Why we recommend it:

Temperatures on the plateau are usually cooler than along the Antalya coast, and the event strongly reflects Yörük highland culture. Spectators sit close to the field, while live drums and ceremonial announcements create an absorbing atmosphere.

Note:

Public transportation is limited, and traffic can back up when everyone leaves. Bring sun protection, drinking water, and shoes suitable for walking on grass.

Travel value: ★★★★★, for traditional culture enthusiasts

17. Gökbel Highland Oil Wrestling and Culture Festival

Typical timing:From late July to early August Core Oil Wrestling Day 2026:August 2

Key venue:Alanya Gökbel Plateau

Type:Oil wrestling, horseback riding, archery, ball games, cross-country and highland festivities

The Gökbel Festival has grown from an oil-wrestling tournament into a multi-day highland festival. Its 20th edition in 2026 centered on the main wrestling matches on August 2.

Why we recommend it:

It feels more like a large local sports event than a one-day wrestling event, featuring horseback riding, archery, cross-country, football, and family entertainment, offering a glimpse into mountain culture beyond Alanya seaside tourism.

Travel value: ★★★★★

September: Historic Oil Wrestling, Opera in Ancient Theaters, and Seaside Jazz

18. Historical Elmalı Yeşilyayla Oil Wrestling Festival

Usual pattern:The first weekend of September 2026 Date:September 4–6

Key venue:Elmalı

Type:Historical oil wrestling, religion and local traditions, music, and markets

Elmalı oil wrestling is considered one of the oldest oil wrestling events in Turkey, and in local tradition, it is even considered to predate the famous Kırkpınar. The 2026 event is scheduled for September 4–6.

Why we recommend it:

If you can only watch a traditional oil wrestling event in Antalya, Elmalı usually has more history and national influence than smaller events in the city center, with many top Başpehlivan-level wrestlers participating.

Note:

Elmalı lies in the inland mountains and has limited lodging, so book well ahead for the main competition weekend.

Travel value: ★★★★★, the top choice for traditional Antalya activities

19. Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

Typical timing:September 2026 Date:September 12–26

Key venue:Aspendos Ancient Theater

Type:Opera, ballet, symphony, and large-scale stage productions

The festival has been held since the 1990s, and 2026 marks the 33rd edition. The performances are held in the exceptionally well-preserved ancient Roman theater, with participation from the Turkish National Opera and Ballet system as well as domestic and international art troupes.

Why we recommend it:

This is Antalya's most distinctive annual performing-arts experience. Opera, ballet, and symphonic productions unfold inside a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman theater whose atmosphere can be as memorable as the performance itself.

Note:

  • The stone steps of the ancient theater are hard, so it is recommended to bring a cushion.
  • Public transportation is limited after evening shows.
  • Choose official tickets and shuttle services, and don't rely on last-minute rides.
  • High heels are not suitable for the ancient theater stone path.

Travel value: ★★★★★, a must for classical art

20. Phaselis Festival

Typical timing:Late September

Key venue:Phaselis Ancient City near Kemer

Type:Classical music, jazz, world music, and nighttime performances in the old city

The Phaselis Festival stages concerts among the ruins of an ancient Lycian port city. Recent editions have generally run for five or six days; the 15th festival took place September 22–27, 2025. As of early August 2026, the full 2026 schedule had not yet been announced.

Why we recommend it:

Phaselis features an ancient theater, pine forests, historic streets, and bays. Compared to the large-scale formal production in Aspendos, the performances here are smaller and more intimate, with environments closer to nature.

Travel value: ★★★★★

21. Fall Jazz Events in Kaş and Alanya

Typical timing:September

Key venue:Kaş and Alanya's waterfront, historic district, and open-air stage

Type:Jazz, world music, and nighttime seaside performances

Antalya forms a coastal jazz route in autumn: Akra Jazz in the city center, Kaş Jazz Festival in Kaş, and Alanya regularly hosts Alanya Jazz Days. These are important annual music events in Antalya.

Why we recommend it:

The sea is still warm in September, and the hottest summer has passed. The combination of a seaside vacation during the day and listening to music outdoors at night is ideal.

Note:

The three locations are far apart, so it's not suitable to switch venues on the same night. You should choose one based on your accommodation area.

Travel value: ★★★★☆

October: Books, Old-Town Culture, Extreme Sports, Film, and Tourism

22. Antalya Book Fair

Typical timing:Early October, about ten days 2026 Date:October 2–11

Key venue:Cam Piramit

Type:Books, publishing, author signings, lectures, and children's reading

The Antalya Book Fair is promoted by the city government and will be held in 2026 for the 16th edition. According to the city government's report, the number of visitors in 2024 exceeded one million, making it a particularly large event among local city book fairs in Turkey.

Why we recommend it:

Visitors can find Turkish photography, history, archaeology, architecture, travel, and children's picture books. Even if you don't speak Turkish, you can learn about Antalya through art books and local publications.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, ★★★★★ for book lovers

23. Kaleiçi Old Town Festival

Typical timing:The second week of October, lasting four days 2026 Date:October 8–11

Key venue:Kaleiçi and Karaalioğlu Park

Type:City tours, street performances, art, workshops, and international ancient city forums

The 11th edition will be held in 2026. The event is not only a street culture festival but also invites municipal representatives from historic cities around the world to discuss ancient city preservation, cultural tourism, and urban cooperation.

Main highlights:

  • A large parade through the narrow streets of the old town.
  • Stilt walking, acrobatics, bands, fire shows, and traditional costumes.
  • Art exhibitions, ceramics, photography, water exploration, and street workshops.
  • Free concerts and guided tours of the old town.
  • International Historic Cities Forum.

Why we recommend it:

This is Antalya's most accessible city festival for general visitors. Most events are within walking distance in the old town, many are free, and they pair naturally with Hadrian's Gate, the old harbor, and Kaleiçi's Ottoman-era houses.

Travel value: ★★★★★

24. Sea to Sky Hard Enduro

Typical timing:October 2026 Date:October 7–10

Key venue:Kemer Beach, forests, canyons, and Tahtalı Mountain

Type:Hard Enduro extreme motorcycle

Sea to Sky is characterized by "from sea to sky": the race starts near the Mediterranean beach, passes through forests, rocks, riverbeds, and steep slopes, and finally advances to a mountain finish over 2,000 meters above sea level. The 2026 competition will be held from October 7 to 10.

Why we recommend it:

The competition connects the beach resort area with the extreme terrain of the Tauros Mountains, highlighting both visual impact and competition difficulty. Beach Race is the easiest to watch, while Mountain Race is the most challenging.

Note:

Many locations on the mountain course are not suitable for general spectators to reach on their own; only the officially designated viewing areas and transportation routes should be used.

Travel value: ★★★★★, motorcycle and extreme-sports enthusiasts

25. Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival

Usual schedule:Late October, about a week 2026 Date:October 24–31

Key venue:Cam Piramit, AKM, and the city cinema

Type:Turkish films, international films, red carpets, competitions, and public screenings

The Golden Orange Film Festival originated from the summer cultural events in Aspendos in the 1950s, and in the 1960s it developed into a film festival. Today, it is one of Turkey's oldest and most influential film awards and festivals. The 63rd edition will be held in 2026.

Main content:

  • Turkey's National Feature Film Competition.
  • Documentary and short film competitions.
  • International film screenings.
  • Directors, actors, and screenwriters communicate.
  • Opening parade and awards ceremony.
  • Free or low-cost screenings for the general public.

Why we recommend it:

This is one of the most effective activities for understanding modern Turkish society. Many films deal with family, urban-rural differences, immigration, politics, earthquakes, women's and youth life.

Note:

Turkish films may not have Chinese subtitles; some only have English subtitles; Tickets for popular premieres and post-screening meetups require advance ticket collection.

Travel value: ★★★★★, a must for film fans

26. International Antalya Tourism Fair

Typical timing:Late October 2026 Date:October 26–28

Key venue:ANFAŞ Expo Center

Type:Travel, hotels, airlines, travel agencies, travel technology, and destination marketing

2026 marks the eighth edition and is an international professional exhibition aimed at the global tourism industry. Hotel groups, destinations, tourism boards, travel agencies, and tourism technology companies will participate in the exhibition together.

Why we recommend it:

Antalya is a world-class vacation destination, so the exhibition is closer to the large hotels, charters, all-inclusive vacations, and Mediterranean tourism markets, not just for general travel product sales.

Note:

This is primarily a B2B fair and offers limited value to casual visitors, but it is highly relevant to hotel, airline, travel-agency, and destination-marketing professionals.

Travel value: ★★☆☆☆, ★★★★★ for tourism industry professionals

27. Turkish Republic Day Celebrations

Fixed date:Every year on October 29th

Key area:Cumhuriyet Meydanı, Konyaaltı, Karaalioğlu Park, and various administrative districts

Type:Torch parades, concerts, flag-raising, and national commemorations

Republic Day commemorates the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Antalya typically hosts large torch parades, free concerts, and public commemorative events, with many national flags displayed in the city center and coastal roads.

Why we recommend it:

October 29 often overlaps with the Golden Orange Film Festival, the tourism fair, and other cultural events, making it one of the liveliest dates on Antalya's civic calendar.

Travel value: ★★★★★

Late October–December: Culture Route, Triathlon, Agricultural Technology, and Piano Season

28. Antalya Culture Route Festival

Typical timing:From late October to early November, lasting nine days 2026 Date:October 31 to November 8

Key venue:Museums, ancient towns, squares, theaters, and public spaces

Type:Music, exhibitions, theater, opera, children's activities, and digital art

Antalya is one of the regular cities for the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Culture Route Art Festival." The event spans multiple venues, including free large-scale concerts, heritage tours, exhibitions, children's programs, and formal stage performances.

Why we recommend it:

It does not have a single main venue, but instead spreads the event throughout the city. Visitors can choose the old town, museums, concerts, or family routes according to their interests.

Travel value: ★★★★★

29. IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye

Usual pattern:Late October or early November 2026 Date:November 1st

Key venue:Belek

Type:1.9 km swimming, 90 km cycling, 21.1 km running

The race starts at the Mediterranean beach, with the bike route passing through Belek Resort, the course, the EXPO area, and roads around Aspendos, and finally concludes with a half marathon.

Why we recommend it:

The route is flat, with outstanding sea views, and mature resort hotel infrastructure, making it ideal for participants who want to combine triathlon with family vacations.

Note:

This is a high-intensity endurance event; you can't just sign up for it because of the beautiful scenery. Regular visitors can watch from the beach start, transfer area, and finish line.

Travel value: ★★★★☆, triathletes: ★★★★★

30. Antalya International Guitar Festival

Typical timing:November

Key venues:Urban Cultural Center and Concert Hall

Type:Classical guitar, jazz guitar, solo, ensemble, and masterclass

The Antalya International Guitar Festival invites guitarists from both Turkey and abroad every year, with programs ranging from classical solos to flamenco, jazz, and crossover music.

Why we recommend it:

Although smaller in scale than the piano festival, the performance space is smaller, making it easier for audiences to experience the performance up close, and it is also suitable for professional students to attend masterclasses.

Travel value: ★★★★☆

31. Growtech Antalya

Usual schedule:Late November 2026 Date:November 24–27

Key venue:ANFAŞ Expo Center

Type:Greenhouses, seeds, irrigation, plant nutrition, and agricultural technology

Growtech is positioned by the organizers and partner organizations as one of the world's largest specialized greenhouse agriculture exhibitions. In 2026, greenhouse equipment, irrigation, seedling cultivation, plant protection, and agricultural production technologies will continue to be showcased.

Why we recommend it:

Antalya is not only a tourist city, but also a center for greenhouse vegetables and modern agriculture in Turkey. The exhibition directly showcases climate control, water conservation, seedling cultivation, and facility agriculture technologies.

Note:

The exhibition is highly specialized, so regular visitors don't need to make a special trip; Participation from the agriculture, horticulture, seed, and greenhouse industries is highly valuable.

Travel value: ★★☆☆☆, ★★★★★ for agricultural industry professionals

32. Antalya International Piano Festival

Typical timing:From late November to mid-December

Key venue:Aspendos Hall and Perge Hall of the Antalya Cultural Center

Type:Classical piano, jazz, chamber music, symphony, and crossover music

The Piano Festival was founded around 2000 and joined the European Festival Association. The 25th edition in 2025 will be held from November 27 to December 13; As of early August 2026, the full official program for 2026 has not yet been announced, but the long-term schedule will still mainly be from November to December.

Why we recommend it:

The program is not limited to traditional piano solos; it may also include piano and symphony performances, jazz, pop crossovers, and performances by young musicians.

Note:

Third-party websites have already predicted the 2026 date, but before the city government officially announces it, it is not advisable to purchase tickets that are non-refundable or cannot be changed.

Travel value: ★★★★★, classical music lovers

33. New Year's Eve in Antalya

Fixed Hours:On the evening of December 31st

Key area:Kaleiçi, Konyaaltı, Lara, Belek, and large resort hotels

Type:Hotel dinners, concerts, bar parties, and small-scale fireworks

Antalya does not have city-level New Year's Eve fireworks that are fully fixed and uniformly organized every year like London or Dubai. The celebration is mainly organized by hotels, bars, restaurants, resorts, and various municipal districts.

How to choose:

  • Want to experience the neighborhood's bars and nightlife:Kaleiçi。
  • Want to take a walk by the seaside:Konyaaltı or Lara.
  • Want a full dinner and performance:Belek Five-Star Hotel.
  • Want to lower your budget:Downtown restaurants plus a waterfront countdown.

Note:

Don't judge whether you can see fireworks solely based on the "seaview hotel" promotion; directly confirm whether fireworks, concerts, and minimum spending are arranged that year.

Travel value: ★★★☆☆

The Six Best Travel Windows by Event Density

1st choice: October 2–November 8

Events can follow one another almost continuously: Antalya Book Fair → Kaleiçi Old Town Festival → Sea to Sky → Golden Orange Film Festival → International Antalya Tourism Fair → Republic Day → Antalya Culture Route Festival → IRONMAN.

This is Antalya's busiest window of activity, and the weather is usually more comfortable than midsummer.

2nd choice: April 17–May 17

A strong itinerary can combine Antalya Diplomacy Forum → YÖREX → Turkish Airlines Open → Kumluca Agriculture and Greenhouse Festival → FoodFest → DIGIFEST.

Suitable for travelers interested in gourmet food, modern sports, business meetings, and local culture.

3rd choice: September 4–the end of the month

The core activities are:Elmalı Oil Wrestling → Aspendos Opera Ballet Festival → Phaselis Festival → Jazz Kaş and Alanya events.

This is Antalya's "monument + art" peak month; the sea is still suitable for swimming, and temperatures begin to drop.

4th choice: June 5–20

Combine Akra Jazz Festival + Kaş International Film Festival + Sandland.

Ideal for those who want to focus on music, movies, beaches, and nighttime activities.

5th choice: Mid-July–early August

The core pairing is Feslikan Oil Wrestling + Gökbel Highland Festival.

This is the best time to enjoy the culture and traditional sports of the Yörük Plateau, but the coastal weather is very hot during the day.

6th choice: Mid-March–early April

Combine Tour of Antalya + Runtalya.

Ideal for cycling, running, and outdoor sports travel, and spring weather is also more friendly than summer.

2026 Antalya Festivals, Sporting Events, and Travel Calendar

This guide covers Antalya's major annual festivals, sporting events, film and music festivals, food events, and trade shows, with 2026 dates, venues, travel value, and practical tips for Antalya city, Belek, Kemer, Kaş, Alanya, Elmalı, and Kumluca.

Antalya Oil Wrestling, Opera, Film, and City Celebrations

Highlights include the Feslikan and Gökbel highland oil-wrestling tournaments, Historical Elmalı Oil Wrestling, Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, Phaselis Festival, Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, Kaleiçi Old Town Festival, Republic Day celebrations, and Antalya Culture Route Festival.

Antalya Sports, Food, Agriculture, and Trade Shows

This guide includes activities such as Tour of Antalya, Runtalya Marathon, Turkish Airlines Open, IRONMAN 70.3 Türkiye, Sea to Sky, FoodFest Antalya, YÖREX, Growtech, ANFAŞ FoodProduct, International Antalya Tourism Fair, Book Fair, and DIGIFEST, making it easy to plan your itinerary according to your interests and dates.