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

In October, Istanbul begins to take on its autumnal colors, with a calming atmosphere and milder weather. Temperatures range between 13°C and 21°C, perfect for strolling through the historic streets or relaxing in parks or along the Bosphorus. The days are still sunny, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, while cooler evenings allow for discovering the city’s many restaurants and cultural activities. A Bosphorus cruise during this time is also a memorable experience.

October 2024 in Istanbul is also a culturally rich month, with many concerts, festivals, and exhibitions on offer. Art, music, and film lovers will find plenty to enjoy, and with fewer tourists around, it’s the perfect time to visit iconic monuments in peace, with more intimate tours

WEATHER

In October, Istanbul enjoys a very pleasant climate, with temperatures varying between 13°C and 21°C, making it an ideal time to stroll and explore the city’s outdoor attractions. Some showers are expected, so it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or a light jacket. Despite this, there are many sunny days, perfect for discovering the city on foot or enjoying a cruise on the Bosphorus in a soft, luminous autumn ambiance.

CONCERTS

October 1 – In Flames: The famous Swedish metal band In Flames is ready to set the Istanbul stage on fire with its unique blend of melodic death metal. Known for albums like Clayman and I, The Mask, their concert promises an intense and energetic night for metal fans. At the KüçükÇiftlik Park.

October 4 – Ben Böhmer: The German producer Ben Böhmer, famous for his deep house style and captivating live performances, returns to Istanbul at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava for a mesmerizing evening. With tracks like Breathing and Beyond Beliefs, he offers an immersive musical experience for electronic music lovers.

October 6 – Zeynep Bastık: Turkish pop star Zeynep Bastık will take the stage at Türkcell Vadi to perform her biggest hits, such as Felaket and Bir Daha. With her powerful voice and charisma, she promises a memorable evening filled with pop energy and hits.

October 11 – Zbigniew Preisner: Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner, known for his collaborations with filmmaker Krzysztof Kieślowski, will present an emotional and orchestral performance in Istanbul at Zorlu PSM. His music, blending classical and contemporary styles, will transport the audience to cinematic and poetic worlds.

October 12 – Seal: British icon Seal, famous for timeless hits like Kiss from a Rose and Crazy, will perform an open-air concert in Istanbul. His distinctive voice and soul/pop repertoire will enchant the audience during an emotional evening at the Cemil Topuzlu Açık Hava.

October 18 – Bryan Adams: Legendary Canadian rocker Bryan Adams will take the stage at Ülker Sports Arena to perform his biggest hits, including Summer of ’69 and Heaven. Known for his energy and captivating live performances, this concert is a must for rock fans.

October 18 – Duman: Turkish rock band Duman promises an explosive concert with classics like Senden Daha Güzeland Her Şeyi Yak. Their style, blending grunge rock and Turkish influences, will attract a crowd of loyal fans for an intense evening. At Cemil Topuzlu Açık Hava.

October 19 – Black Coffee: Renowned South African DJ Black Coffee, master of deep house sets, will bring his electronic vibes and hypnotic rhythms to Istanbul. His live performance promises an electrifying night at one of the city’s best outdoor music venues, the Uniq Open Air Theater.

October 27 – Thirty Seconds to Mars: American alternative rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, led by Jared Leto, will close October with an energetic concert. Known for tracks like The Kill and Kings and Queens, their show promises to be a visually and musically impressive spectacle. At the Ülker Sports Arena.

FESTIVALS

Istanbul International Jazz Festival (September 28 – October 13)

The Akbank Jazz Festival, one of Turkey’s most prestigious and oldest festivals, was established in Istanbul in 1991. Since its inception, it has hosted global jazz legends such as Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, and Christian McBride, while also offering a platform for promising young talents. Over the years, the festival has expanded to include workshops, panels, film screenings, and social responsibility projects, making it a multidisciplinary event that is essential to Turkey’s cultural scene.

In addition to classical jazz, the festival has also incorporated elements of electronic and world music, attracting a broader audience. The 2024 edition promises to be exciting, featuring performances by both international and local artists. This year, jazz legends and emerging talents will share the stage, with concerts taking place at iconic venues like Babylon, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, and Zorlu PSM. Alongside the concerts, jam sessions, discussions, and workshops will explore jazz in all its forms. For the full program, click here!

Oktoberfest Istanbul – October 5

The Swissôtel Bosphorus is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on October 5 in its Chalet Garden. The event will offer a festive atmosphere with live music, dancing, delicious food prepared by Swissôtel, and, of course, beer! Participants can enjoy the evening with friends, family, and even pets. In a friendly ambiance, everyone will gather to raise their glasses and toast to “Şerefe!” (Cheers!) throughout the night.

Istanbul Coffee Festival (October 3-6)

The Istanbul Coffee Festival is the perfect event for coffee lovers. It offers tastings, barista demonstrations, workshops on roasting techniques, and booths featuring local and international coffee brands. Each year, it attracts thousands of visitors and provides full immersion into Turkey’s coffee culture. You can also discover new trends, participate in barista competitions, and enjoy many concerts over the three days.

Gates of Agartha – October 11

The Gates of Agartha is a major music festival bringing together world-renowned DJs such as Âme, Avangart Tablot, Bedouin, and many others, inspired by the mysterious world of Agartha, a legendary kingdom said to exist within the Earth’s interior. The festival will take place in the heart of Istanbul, within the historic Ottoman shipyards, located in the newly developed Tersane Istanbul complex along the Golden Horn.

EXHIBITIONS

Contemporary Istanbul (October 23-27)

This international contemporary art fair brings together galleries, artists, collectors, and critics from around the world at Tersane Istanbul. The exhibition showcases contemporary works across various media (painting, sculpture, photography, installation), offering a fascinating perspective on modern art. It is one of the country’s most prestigious art events, attracting collectors, gallerists, and artists from around the globe. The 2024 edition features works by both emerging and established artists, with a strong presence of Turkish creators. The setting at Tersane, a repurposed historic shipyard, adds a unique dimension to the event, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Between Two Worlds – Istanbul Modern

The “Dünyalar Arasında” series by Chiharu Shiota is being presented on the occasion of the centenary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey, by invitation of Istanbul Modern. Inspired by Istanbul’s unique position between Asia and Europe, this exhibition explores the theme of “feeling between two worlds.” Shiota uses red threads to create an immersive installation in the historic Ottoman shipyards of Karaköy, symbolizing connections between people, memories, and emotions. Each suitcase in the installation represents an individual, questioning concepts such as identity, belonging, and memory. Shiota invites viewers to reflect on both physical and emotional movements from a universal perspective.

Calculations and Coincidences  – At the Pera Museum

The “Calculations and Coincidences” series brings together works by three pioneering algorithmic art artists: Vera Molnár, Dóra Maurer, and Gizella Rákóczy, from the collection of the Hungarian National Bank. The exhibition explores Molnár’s influence on computer art, highlighting the integration of mathematics and algorithms into the artistic practices of Maurer and Rákóczy. Molnár, who began using computers in 1968, revolutionized art by creating works based on algorithms and chance. Maurer introduced mathematical systems to organize chaos into precise structures, while Rákóczy, a specialist in geometric art, focused on spirals and mathematical series for her compositions.

This exhibition, organized as part of the 2024 Turkish-Hungarian Cultural Year, parallels the practices of the three artists and underscores their role in the development of algorithmic art.

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

This captivating exhibition at Arter explores the interactions between private collections and public spaces. Curated by Selen Ansen, the exhibition immerses visitors in a universe where everyday objects are transformed into museum artifacts. Featuring works by over 400 artists across multiple floors, the experience challenges traditional museum conventions. Visitors are invited to reflect on how collected objects can transcend their everyday utility to acquire new meanings in an artistic context. This reflection is enriched by installations that use familiar objects in unusual ways, encouraging spectators to reconsider their perception of the objects around them. The exhibition meditates on collection as a creative act, raising questions about memory, identity, and permanence.

SPORTS

Mega Fight Arena Series 2 (MFA2) – October 5

This major boxing and kickboxing event will be held on October 5 at the Sinan Erdem Sports Complex in Istanbul. Organized by Burak Mataracı and Mert Akdağ, the event will bring together world stars of boxing and kickboxing. The show will feature intense bouts with renowned kickboxers like Hasan Toy, Mücahit Kulak, and Sinan Ulutürk, as well as boxers such as Batuhan Çiftçi and Serenay Çetin, who will face the undefeated Indian fighter Renu Phogat. In addition to the fights, the evening will be enhanced by light shows and musical performances by artists like Mimi Barber and Era Istrefi. For more info: passo.com.tr

Europa League – Fenerbahçe vs Manchester United (October 24)

The Europa League match between Fenerbahçe and Manchester United will take place on October 24, 2024, at Ülker Stadium in Istanbul. This highly anticipated game is a key showdown in the group stage, with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 PM (local time). Fenerbahçe, playing at home, will aim to capitalize on their advantage against a Manchester United team that remains a strong force in European competitions this season. For more info:  passo.com.tr

Istanbul Derby: Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş (October 28)

This football match is one of the most anticipated events of the Turkish Süper Lig season. The derby between Galatasaray and Beşiktaş will be held at the Nef Stadium, home to Galatasaray. Known for its passionate atmosphere, this event gathers thousands of fans in a historic rivalry. If you’re a football lover, this is a must-see event! For more info: passo.com.tr

In conclusion, October in Istanbul is an ideal time to explore the city. Between the mild autumn climate, the wealth of cultural events, and fewer tourists, the metropolis becomes a true invitation to discovery. Whether you are passionate about music, art, or simply seeking new experiences, this month offers a multitude of activities and adventures, in a setting where the past and present blend harmoniously. October is the perfect time to enjoy Istanbul in all its splendor.