# Music festivals in Istanbul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/music-festivals-in-istanbul > Updated: 2026-08-11T12:54:51.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3. Music festivals in Istanbul feature a wide variety of performances including pop, rock, electronic, and classical music. As part of the 27th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival, singer Emir Can İğrek performed songs from his album ‘Fiyakalı’ to a sold-out audience at the Kültürpark Kemal Sunal Amphitheatre. Concurrently, the Turkey Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (TUGFO) celebrated its 20th anniversary with concerts at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Center. The program included the world premiere of Emre Şener’s ‘Je ne Sais Quoi/Şeytan Tüyü’ and works by Tchaikovsky and Ravel. TUGFO has announced upcoming 2026 performances in Germany and Romania. The Istanbul Festival, now in its fifth year, continues to showcase diverse talent. Recent highlights include a performance by Dutch DJ Tiësto at Festival Park Yenikapı, as well as sets by the alternative group Dolu Kadehi Ters Tut and the rock band mor ve ötesi. The festival has featured Turkish pop stars Edis and Gülşen on a high-specification stage inspired by the architectural principles of Mimar Sinan. This stage features a 70-meter width, 28-meter height, and advanced LED and sound systems to meet international standards. The event’s lineup includes upcoming performances by Hande Yener, Levent Yüksel, Dedublüman, and Duman. The international segment features K-pop stars such as KWON EUNBI, ATEEZ, SUNMI, and MONSTA X. The festival is scheduled to conclude on August 16 with performances by Hadise and Argy. Beyond music, the venue offers a ‘Young Stage’ with DJ sets and dance shows, alongside 3x3 basketball tournaments. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-11: Istanbul Festival features pop stars Edis and Gülşen The Istanbul Festival features performances by pop stars Edis and Gülşen, with an upcoming lineup including K-pop acts ATEEZ and MONSTA X. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-festival-features-pop-stars-edis-and-glen ### 2026-08-08: Istanbul Festival features Tiësto and diverse musical lineup The Istanbul Festival features a wide range of artists, from Tiësto and Turkish rock bands to K-pop stars like ATEEZ, concluding on August 16 with Hadise and Argy. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-festival-features-tisto-and-diverse-musical-lineup ### 2026-08-02: Istanbul hosts major music festivals with Emir Can İğrek concert and TUGFO 20th anniversary Istanbul staged two major music events: Emir Can İğrek’s sold‑out concert at the Büyükçekmece festival and the Turkey Youth Philharmonic Orchestra’s 20th‑anniversary performances, featuring a world premiere and 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-hosts-major-music-festivals-with-emir-can-irek-concert-and-tugfo-20th-anniversary --- Cite as: Music festivals in Istanbul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/music-festivals-in-istanbul