This article compiles our recommendations for standout concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, and festivals in Istanbul during January. These events, taking place in various locations across the city, serve as a valuable guide for both those looking to kick off the new year on a high note and those who integrate culture and art into their daily lives. For those who enjoy planning, keeping track of Istanbul event ticket prices as dates approach makes things much easier.
January 2026 Istanbul Concerts
January is one of the busiest months for concerts in Istanbul. For those looking to kick off the new year with energy, the January 2026 Istanbul concerts offer a rich program featuring both local and international artists. From indoor concerts to acoustic performances, from pop to rock, from alternative music to jazz nights, a wide range of genres brings music lovers together across the city.Checking Istanbul concert tickets early on Bilet.com can give you an advantage for performances you don't want to miss in January 2026.
90s Turkish Pop Party
- January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - IF Performance Hall, Tunis
DJ Mehmet Taş 80's 90's
- January 3rd – Hayal Kahvesi Kocaeli
Meriç Çalışan
- January 11 – Club Müjgan
Selin Geçit
- January 15 – 6:45 AM KK
Turkodiroma
- January 15 – F/Stop Salon
- January 17 - 6:45 AM KK
Rober Hatemo
- January 17, 18 – Hayal Kahvesi Aqua Florya
The Riders
- January 18 – IF Performance Hall, Tunis
Selin Cıngır
- January 21 – Club Müjgan
Lalas
- January 22 - 6:45 AM KK
Duygu Soylu
- January 23 – Club Müjgan
Vega
- January 24 - 6:45 AM KK
Gorkem Karabudak
- January 25 - IF Performance Hall, Tunis
Pelin Çelik
- January 28 – Club Müjgan
Tuana
- January 28 - 6:45 AM KK
Mahsun Kırmızıgül
- January 30 – Istanbul Congress Center
Hey! Douglas
- January 30 - IF Performance Hall, Tunis
Feridun Düzağaç
- January 30 - Hayal Kahvesi Kocaeli
Kamuran Akkor
- January 31st - Hayal Kahvesi Aqua Florya
January 2026 Istanbul Theaters
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Istanbul during the winter months is undoubtedly the theater. Balancing the cold evenings with the warmth of the stage, Istanbul theaters in January 2026 offer a rich repertoire ranging from classic texts to contemporary adaptations, from one-person performances to large-scale productions. Plays staged in both the city's established venues and alternative theater spaces promise a meaningful start to the new year for theater lovers.Whether you're looking for a thought-provoking drama or a humorous comedy, January's theatre productions in Istanbul offer something for every taste. Since tickets for highly popular productions can sell out quickly, checking Istanbul theatre ticket prices in advance is a significant advantage for those planning a well-structured cultural and artistic calendar.
Hamlet
- January 21 – Hilltown Performing Arts Center
A Tiny Little Bird Musical
- January 3rd - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Cheerful Structures
- January 3rd - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Life Just Passes By
- January 3rd - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Red Fish Submarine Musical
- January 4th - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Don Quixote vs. Sancho Panza
- 6, January 20 - Hilltown Spectacle Stage
- January 18 – Çorlu Memduh Şevket Esendal
Gambler
- January 7th - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Sermet Erkin - Interactive Illusion Show for Children
- January 10, 30 – Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Science Show with Huhu
- January 11 - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Notes from Underground
- January 14th - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Yusuf of Kuyucak
- January 16 - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
Ali Baba's Farm Adventure
- January 18 – Çorlu Memduh Şevket Esendal Stage
Game of Thrones Musical
- January 25 - Hilltown Performing Arts Center
January 2026 Istanbul Exhibitions
January is one of the most enjoyable times to visit exhibitions in Istanbul. With fewer crowds and quieter venues, the January 2026 Istanbul exhibitions offer a wide selection ranging from contemporary art and photography to classical works and experimental pieces. Located in museums and galleries, these exhibitions create a beautiful escape for those seeking a slower, deeper connection with the city during the winter months.Whether it's a solo exhibition, a short art break with friends, or a small cultural plan to add meaning to your weekend... In January, exhibitions in Istanbul offer calmer yet inspiring experiences as an alternative to fast-paced events. Checking Istanbul exhibition ticket and visitor information in advance makes this process even more enjoyable.
The Extraordinary World of the Prince: Abdülmecid Efendi / Collection Exhibition
- December 21 – May 1
- Sakıp Sabancı Museum
What Water Knows / Group Exhibition
- January 15 – February 26
- Pilot
The Little Room of History
- January 6 – January 21
- Counter Art Studies
Tayfun Gülnar / Open World
- January 27 – March 12
- X-ist
Gökçe İrten / Personal Layers
- January 14 – February 27
- Mixer Project
Simon Wachsmuth / Being There - Presence and Echo
- December 22 – January 16
- NOKS Art Space
Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim / Asia from West to East
- January 15 – February 6
- Yapı Kredi Bomontiada
Metin Ünsal / In the Void
- January 6 – February 3
- Galeri Işık Teşvikiye
Coşkun Sami / Sumerki
- January 7 – 29
- Istanbul Concept Gallery
Dream Jar: Dr. Şükrü Bozluolçay Collection / Collection Exhibition
- January 12 – March 26
- Bozlu Art Project
Coulisse / Group Exhibition
- January 14 – February 27
- Mixer
Nejad Devrim
- Until January 10th
- Gallery Nev
Gaps and Ghosts
- December 11 - January 31
- Zilberman Istanbul
Tide
- December 13 – January 23
- .artSumer
Statue
- December 15 – January 18
- Dirimart Dolapdere
Under Pressure, On the Surface of the Water
- Until January 11th
- Artery
Where the River Burns
- January 18
- Zeyrek Tiled Bath
Shared Feelings
- Until January 18th
- Pera Museum
A line written with Earth, Fire, Water, and Air
- Until January 18th
- Pera Museum
Ha!
- Until February 1st
- Artery
Landscapes of the Mind
- Until February 1st
- Istanbul Modern
We've been in the carpet business since the 90s.
- Until March 1st
- Salt Beyoğlu
Nilbar Güreş: Velvet Gaze
- Until April 12th
- Artery
Ghost Quartet
- Until August 9th
- Artery
Transforming Earth
- Until August 16th
- Borusan Contemporary
January 2026 Istanbul Festivals
In Istanbul, the festival spirit isn't limited to the summer months. Taking its place amidst the calm pace of winter, the January 2026 Istanbul festivals enrich the city with special events bringing together diverse disciplines. From music to cinema, gastronomy to culture and art, the festival programs offer ideal alternatives for those seeking fulfilling experiences away from the crowds.Festivals held in January stand out with their multi-day programs for those who want to experience more than just a single event. For those who want to both make new discoveries and capture the cultural energy of Istanbul during the winter months, Istanbul festival tickets are one of the most practical ways to create a planned and enjoyable event calendar.
3rd Ceren Necipoğlu Istanbul International Harp Festival
- January 13 – January 18, 2026
- Atatürk Cultural Center
4th Lindy Hop Jazz Dance Festival
- January 15 – January 18, 2026
- Das Das, Ataşehir
Tersane İstanbul Winter Town
- Until February 15th
- Shipyard Istanbul
Winter Magic
- December 13 – January 5
- Tema World
Incore Festival Istanbul: Shaggy - Lvbel C5
- January 31
- Istanbul Congress Center Harbiye Auditorium