WEATHER, WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO IN SEPTEMBER 2024 IN ISTANBUL?

As summer slowly gives way to autumn, September is a great month to visit Istanbul. The city, still bathed in warmth, offers a more tranquil atmosphere, ideal for exploring its rich cultural and historical heritage under a generally clear and sunny sky. Here are a few reasons to choose Istanbul in September:

Pleasant climate: the summer heat softens, making the days ideal for outdoor activities. The weather is perfect for walking, strolling, and taking a cruise on the Bosphorus. The evenings can be mild, perfect for enjoying the city’s many cafes and terraces. Check out our recommendations for the best cruises and terraces in Istanbul.

Festivals and events: In September, Istanbul comes alive with numerous festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. It’s one of the great times of the year when the city pulses to the rhythm of artistic events and international meetings.

Less crowded: With the end of the peak tourist season, iconic sites like Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia are less crowded. Take advantage of our guided tours for an enriching experience.

Vibrant nights: Istanbul’s nightlife is dynamic with bars, rooftops, clubs, and restaurants that continue to offer memorable evenings. Check out our articles on the coolest bars in Istanbul.

Weather

In September, the weather in Istanbul is generally mild, marking a pleasant transition to autumn. The days remain sunny with temperatures fluctuating between 18 degrees at night and 27 degrees during the day, offering an ideal climate to explore the city without the burden of summer heat. Although the sky is mainly clear, sporadic showers may occur, bringing a welcome coolness after the hot summer months. It is wise to keep an umbrella handy for these occasions. The Mediterranean climate of Istanbul in September is less humid than in the south of the country, and the cooler evenings are perfect for enjoying terraces and nighttime walks along the Bosphorus.

Concerts

September 1 – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Rediscover the greatest hits of modern music performed in classic styles from the 1920s to the 1970s. This group, known for its vintage reinterpretation of pop music, invites music lovers to an evening filled with surprise guests and tap dance performances at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava.

September 4 – Ajda Pekkan: Turkish pop superstar, Ajda Pekkan, promises an unforgettable evening with her most beloved songs at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

September 5 – Mabel Matiz: Do not miss Turkish pop star Mabel Matiz who will perform his most popular songs during a special evening at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

September 6 – Boris Brejcha: A major name in electronic music, Boris Brejcha, will be in Istanbul on September 6 at Bonus Parkorman as part of his “Dimensions” tour. He will be joined by Moritz Hofbauer and Frieder & Jakob for an electrifying evening.

September 11 – Ludovico Einaudi: The renowned Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi will take the stage at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, offering an emotional journey through his memorable compositions such as “Le Onde” and “Divenire.”

September 20 – José Carreras: The legendary tenor of “The Three Tenors,” José Carreras will perform for the last time in Turkey during his farewell tour at the Ülker Sports Event Hall, accompanied by a captivating multimedia show.

September 20 – ARTBAT: The dynamic duo ARTBAT, known for their impact on the global techno scene, will perform at Küçükçiflik Park on September 20.

September 21 – Gipsy Kings by André Reyes: The iconic group Gipsy Kings, led by “El Maestro” Tonino Baliardo, will offer a night of enchanting Latin rhythms at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

September 22 – Buika: The passionate Spanish singer Buika, known for her moving interpretations of love songs, will meet her Turkish audience at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

September 25 – An Epic Symphony & Hayko Cepkin: The international project An Epic Symphony welcomes one of the big names in Turkish metal music, Hayko Cepkin, for a spectacular performance at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

September 26 – Kerem Görsev Trio: The famous Turkish jazz trio of Kerem Görsev will perform at Zorlu PSM, offering an evening of refined jazz.

September 28 – Anyma ‘Genesys’: Anyma presents its highly anticipated show ‘Genesys’ at Ataköy Marina, an immersive event featuring performances by Kasia, SCRIPT, and 8Kays, followed by Innellea and Kevin de Vries. For more information click here!

September 29 – Kenan Doğulu: One of Turkey’s most beloved pop artists, Kenan Doğulu, will charm the audience with his favorite songs at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava.

September 29 – Mariinsky Orchestra: Conducted by the renowned conductor Valery Gergiev, the Mariinsky Orchestra will offer an unforgettable evening of classical music at the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi, as part of the Istanbul Culture Route Festival.

Festivals

Until September 18 – 4th Istanbul International Chamber Music Festival: From August 31 to September 18, the Istanbul International Chamber Music Festival, under the artistic direction of cellist Nil Kocamangil, will be held for the fourth time. The festival, taking place mainly at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall and other venues throughout the city, will host world-renowned artists such as Cello Duello, Tambuco Percussion Ensemble, and Ebene Quartet. Masterclasses and workshops for children will also enrich the festival.

September 6 & 7 – Live From Fest Istanbul: On September 6 and 7 at Festival Park Yenikapı, “Live From Fest İstanbul” will bring together big names in music. On the first day, Louis Tomlinson from One Direction and Turkish rock star Teoman will take the stage, while legendary David Guetta will perform on the second day. This festival promises an unforgettable two-day experience.

September 7 – K-Pop İstanbul Festival: On September 7, Lifepark will host rising K-Pop stars DreamCatcher and Purple Kiss. Organized due to high demand, this festival will offer a memorable music experience to K-Pop fans.

September 7 & 8 – Feel The Fest: Feel the Fest returns on September 7 and 8 at Bonus Parkorman for two days of music and entertainment in the heart of nature. Get ready to dance and have fun with some of Turkey’s most beloved rock artists such as Athena, Can Bonomo, and Duman.

September 14 – 15 – Unforbidden Festival: On September 14 and 15 at Bonus Park Orman, the Unforbidden Festival offers a unique experience in the heart of nature, featuring performances by 28 artists, various workshops, and spiritual activities. This festival is a celebration of self-discovery and creativity.

September 21 – Istanbul Rooftop Festival 2024: The Rooftop Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary on September 21, bringing festival-goers together on Istanbul’s rooftops offering spectacular views. With a single ticket, you can explore different rooftops throughout the evening and enjoy performances by local and international artists, participate in workshops, and savor cocktails.

September 22 – Chill With Us: On September 22, in the heart of the city, the “Chill With Us” festival at Gün Bahçesi combines the sunny spirit of the South of France with electronic music. Kazy Lambist, a star of European clubs, Habibi Funk, and other artists like Orkun Bozdemir, Doruk, and Ezgi will participate. Unique experience zones, cocktails prepared by mixologists, gourmet dishes from Hilton Istanbul and PPang, as well as sustainable workshops and live music performances will enrich this full day.

Theatre

From September 13 to 21 – Fringe Festival: The international theater festival, Istanbul Fringe Festival 2024, will take place from September 13 to 21 and offer a rich and diverse program including dance, theater, and artistic performances by local and international bands.

The festival will open on September 13 in Kadıköy with the performance “The Kitchen Dance – A House Trance Vocabulary” by The Black Matter Productions from Greece, followed by several other shows throughout the week, including “Cage-Free” from Belgium, “Heartquake” by Ekin Tunçeli, and “UIT|EEN|VAL II” from the Netherlands. Among the highlights, the show “The Whisper of the Waves” by Shinehouse Theatre from Taiwan, which will address social issues with a poetic touch, will be presented on September 15 at the Zorlu PSM Turkcell Platinum Stage.

The events will take place at various venues throughout Istanbul, such as DasDas, Alan Kadıköy, Ortaköy Kültür Merkezi, and Arter, offering an immersive and interdisciplinary experience for the audience. The festival will also include workshops, discussions, and festive evenings, allowing artists and the public to meet and exchange in a friendly and creative setting.

September 16 – “The Infernal Comedy” at Zorlu PSM: Legendary actor John Malkovich will take the stage at Zorlu PSM on September 16 with “The Infernal Comedy”. This unique show, where real stories intertwine with music, features an exceptional performance by Malkovich, taking the audience on an impressive journey through history and drama. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience that skillfully combines dramatic and musical art.

Exhibitions

Until October 10, 2024 – Floating Islands “Yüzen Adalar“

Istanbul Modern presents its ninth collection exhibition titled “Yüzen Adalar” (Floating Islands), which brings together over 280 works by 110 artists and two artist duos. This extensive exhibition not only occupies the usual galleries of the collection and temporary exhibitions but also various spaces throughout the museum, creating an immersive experience for visitors. “Yüzen Adalar” offers a journey through diverse artistic interpretations and mediums, reflecting the richness and diversity of the contemporary art scene. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to explore the depth and variety of artistic contributions that form the cultural fabric of Istanbul.

Until December 29, 2024 – Arter “Imagine You Are Not There” (Farz Et Ki Sen Yoksun)

This captivating exhibition at Arter explores the interactions between private collections and public space. Curated by Selen Ansen, the exhibition immerses visitors in a world where everyday objects transform into museum artifacts. The exhibition features works from over 400 artists and spans several floors, offering an experience that challenges traditional museum conventions. Visitors are invited to contemplate how collected objects can transcend their everyday utility to acquire new meanings in an artistic setting. This reflection is enriched by installations that use familiar objects in unusual ways, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of the objects around them. The exhibition is a meditation on collecting as a creative act, posing questions about memory, identity, and permanence.

Gastronomy

September 15 – Eat Like An Italian 3: Attention Italian cuisine lovers, do not miss the “Eat Like An Italian 3″ event on September 15. This gathering will be held in the garden of the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, transforming the space into a corner of Italy. Chefs from Eataly will present a range of Italian dishes, from appetizers to desserts, highlighting crispy pizzas, freshly made pasta, and refreshing salads. The atmosphere is guaranteed with live music and diverse workshops, all set in a lush, open setting. An ideal opportunity for gourmets to dive into the delights of Italy while enjoying the summer atmosphere of Istanbul.

Urban Days Picnic: Daily from September 15 to 22, Turkey’s largest night picnic, Urban Sundays, takes place in the outdoor park of Ataköy Marina. With a sea view, this event will offer a rich experience with 100 restaurant stalls present, barbecue areas, games, and much more!

September 28 & 29 – Istanbul Cocktail Festival 2024: Turkey’s first and only cocktail festival, the ‘Istanbul kokteyl festival,’ returns after a short break. Held for the ninth time, the festival will take place on September 28 and 29 at KüçükÇiftlik Park. Bringing together popular cocktail bars from different cities in Turkey, mixology workshops, performances by renowned artists, various activities, gastronomic stands, and much more, this festival is the perfect opportunity for those who want to explore the world of cocktails while having fun. At KüçükÇiftlik Park.

Sports

September 21 – Istanbul Derby – Fenerbahçe VS Galatasaray: The upcoming derby between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray in Istanbul promises to be a key moment of the season, featuring prominent figures such as José Mourinho and Victor Osimhen. Mourinho, leading Fenerbahçe, brings his globally recognized tactical expertise, while Osimhen, the dynamic striker for Galatasaray, is ready to challenge the opposing defense. This match, to be held at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, is not only a duel for local supremacy but also a showcase of Turkish football on the international stage. The stakes are high, not just in terms of points but also prestige, as both clubs seek to assert their dominance in the Süper Lig. Fans and observers eagerly await to see how these two big names will influence the outcome of this historically charged encounter.

September 20 & 22 – Rixos Tersane Istanbul Rowing Festival: The Rixos Tersane Istanbul Rowing Festival offers three days of excitement accompanied by spectacular views of the Golden Horn. Participate in rowing races, enjoy concerts on a floating stage, and experience various activities throughout the day. Evenings will be topped off with special after-parties for unforgettable moments. Get ready to row towards new adventures!

Yoga on the Bosphorus, September 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2024: How about practicing yoga with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus? Do not miss this unique opportunity at the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, a beautiful Bosphorus mansion where Vinyasa Yoga classes will be held by experienced instructor Duygu Erokan.

In conclusion, September in Istanbul is a vibrant month of energy, perfect for discovering the city, with still mild weather. The Turkish metropolis comes alive with a multitude of cultural events, from music festivals to theatrical evenings, and from gastronomic rendezvous to sports gatherings. Whether you are an art aficionado, a cuisine enthusiast, or simply in search of new experiences, Istanbul in September offers a range of activities that promise to make your visit memorable.