TR Ongoing

Akbank Jazz Festival

Name: Akbank Jazz Festival
Start: 2026-09-26
End: 2026-10-11
Location: Istanbul

The 36th Akbank Jazz Festival transforms Istanbul into a citywide musical stage from September 26 to October 11, 2026. This edition includes over 30 concerts and cultural gatherings, presenting a blend of world-renowned jazz figures, new European performers, and leading artists from the Turkish scene.

Date: Sep 26 - Oct 11, 2026
Location: Istanbul
Status: Ongoing

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Event summary

Highlights

36th anniversary edition featuring nearly 200 artists
Performances by Grammy-winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval
Unique venues including historic churches and French high schools
Diverse program spanning jazz, electronics, and world music traditions

Organized through a partnership between Akbank Sanat and BKM, the festival utilizes a diverse array of venues reflecting Istanbul's cultural landscape. Performances move beyond standard halls into specialized spaces like the All Saints Moda Church, Saint Benoit French High School, and Arter. The program features nearly 200 musicians participating in approximately 36 concerts, supplemented by educational panels, workshops, and masterclasses.

High-profile international acts include ten-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval, Dhafer Youssef, James Carter, and Nicole Zuraitis. Local jazz is represented by veteran performers like Emin Fındıkoğlu and his +12 orchestra, as well as vocalist Sibel Köse. The festival begins with British artist Joe Armon-Jones and concludes with performances from the ensemble Kinkajous and Savina Yannatou.

Practical details

Organizer — source statement: Akbank Caz Festivali Yöneticisi Gözde Sivişoğlu; www.cumhuriyet.com.tr

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.