Bodrum’s Summer Festivals & Cultural Events – Bodrum is an extremely popular resort town and continually appears as one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world. Well known for its spectacular scenery, gorgeous beaches, friendly locals & excellent gastronomy options the once quiet fishing village is now a thriving retreat suitable for both tourists & expats wishing to enjoy the hospitality and lifestyle that’s on offer.
Mainly seasonal, Bodrum really tends to come alive during the summer months attracting thousands of locals and foreigners to its shores, many of whom not only come for the reasons mentioned above, but also for Bodrum’s Summer festivals and cultural events of which there are many taking place between the months of June and August.
If you like a bit of Jazz, then you won’t be disappointed with the International Jazz Festival which is in now in its seventh year consisting of a range of masterclasses and performances from both domestic & International Jazz Musicians. Venues include the Dibeklihan Culture and Arts Center along with the Erkan Oğur School of Music, and for this year (2023) it included performances from Sibel Köse, Neşet Ruacan, and Ayhan Sicimoğlu with his Latin All-Stars.
The spectacular Bodrum Castle plays host to the International Ballet Festival which is usually held in late August and brings together some of the most respected dancers from around the world to perform a multitude of styles which will include both modern & contemporary ballet with a bit of Flamenco thrown in for good measure. Now in its 21st year, drawing audiences from far and wide, it’s Turkiye’s first and only Ballet Festival offering high quality entertainment whilst gaining plenty of international attention and acclaim.
Eid al-Adhar officially begins in late June, and in addition to being a public holiday its also a highly religious holiday, one of the most important two holidays in Turkiye and Islam. Based on the story about the Prophet Abraham and his son Ismail in the Quran, the Feast of Sacrifice essentially gives Muslims the opportunity to express their gratitude and thanks to Allah, whilst also reminding them of their ability to ‘sacrifice’ everything for him. It’s a time for praying, but also a time when families come together to rejoice and celebrate whilst also maintaining the tradition of giving to those in need. During the feast, usually a goat is ‘sacrificed’ and the meat is divided into three parts. A third to the relatives, a third to the family and the other third to the poor.
Bodrum’s Ancient Amphitheatre also once again becomes a hive of activity as it hosts several grand concerts from some of Türkiye’s best and well-known performers including the likes of Cem Adrian, Sertab Erener and Duman. Accredited to the reign of King Mausolus, the Amphitheatre was built in around the 4th century BC and has a capacity of 13,000. There’s nothing better than sitting out in the warmth of the summer evening, listening to the exquisite performers and glancing out across the bay from its elevated position.
Lastly – you’ve got ‘Tasting Bodrum’, a Gastronomical extravaganza which runs for three consecutive days and is a Culinary delight with an array of Seminars, Talks and demonstrations taking place on the central stage. Free to attend and open from 1pm to 9pm, you can learn about Bodrum’s cuisine which has evolved over the years taking into account both traditional and international influences. There are performances from DJ’s in the evening, and many of the local restaurants and Café’s will put on special menu’s showcasing the event’s themes and promoting local produce.
