When May arrives, the spirit of Istanbul takes on a completely different color! With the liveliest days of spring, the fragrant scents of flowers enveloping the city, the longer days and warm evenings enliven the streets, parks and stages. The energy of Istanbul literally rises; this beautiful month, when art, music, culture and entertainment spread to every corner, is one of the most ideal times of the year to explore the city.

This month, we invite you to open-air concerts in the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, colorful festivals held in historical streets, theater plays that come to life in stage lights, and many more unforgettable events. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just looking for a nice weekend plan, Istanbul May events have entertainment for everyone.

Now, take a look at this jam-packed event guide that Bilet.com has compiled for you, make room in your calendar and let's experience the magic of May in Istanbul together!

May 2025 Istanbul Concerts

Istanbul stages will be filled with music this May! Both local and international artists are preparing to meet their fans with concerts held all around the city. As the magic of open-air concerts spreads from the Bosphorus to Kadıköy, from Maslak to Harbiye, we invite music lovers to high-energy, unforgettable evenings.

Istanbul May concerts feature sounds from every genre, from pop to rock, jazz to electronic music. Those who want to sing along to MFÖ's classic songs and those who want to discover new generation indie bands will find the concert they are looking for in this guide.
Tickets are selling out fast, so plan early! Gather your friends and don't miss out on event ticket opportunities to have fun in May. You won't want to miss this concert season!

Angel Mosso

  • May 2nd – JJ Arena
  • May 3 – JJ Atakent Theme

Emre Fel

  • May 9 – Dorock XL Kadıköy by Holly Stone

Serdar Ortac

  • May 24 – JJ Coastal Istanbul
  • May 31 – JJ Vadistanbul

Levent Yuksel

  • May 24 – JJ Eagle

Gokhan Turkmen

  • May 4 – Bostancı Performance Center
  • May 10 – JJ Atakent Theme

Old Uncle

  • May 8 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Cengiz Kurtoglu

  • May 9 – Fairytale Ataşehir

Cem Adrian

  • May 1st – JJ Arena
  • May 2 – JJ Atakent Theme

Birsen Tezer

  • May 28 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Berkay

  • May 2nd – JJ Vadistanbul

We Talk Face to Face

  • May 2nd – JJ Eagle
  • May 24 – Holly Stone Beyoğlu

Sezer Sarigöz

  • May 28 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

Cloudless Longing

  • May 30 – Kadıköy Stage

Kayra

  • May 25 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Demet Akalin

  • May 10 – Fairytale Ataşehir

Star Fox

  • May 3 – JJ Eagle
  • May 9 – JJ Vadistanbul
  • May 24 – JJ Arena
  • May 31 – JJ Atakent Theme

Leman Sam

  • May 10 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Smoke

  • May 3 – Maximum Uniq Open Air

Kaan Tangöze

  • May 30 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Robert Hatemo

  • May 30 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

Fettah Can

  • May 10 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

Red Symphony

  • May 5 – Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Stage

Yasar

  • May 7 – JJ Vadistanbul
  • May 9 – JJ Eagle

Love's Light is New

  • May 9 – JJ Atakent Theme
  • May 10 – JJ Eagle
  • May 17 – JJ Vadistanbul

Aleyna Tilki

  • May 16 – JJ Arena

UZI – Heijan & Muti

  • May 31 – Bostancı Performance Center

Oleander

  • May 31 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

Hakan Altun

  • May 10 – JJ Vadistanbul
  • May 17 – JJ Atakent Theme
  • May 30 – JJ Vadistanbul

The Big House is Under Blockade

  • May 9 – JJ Arena

Marcin

  • May 16 – Zorlu Psm Turkcell Stage

Symbol

  • May 16 - JJ Eagle
  • May 23 – JJ Atakent Theme

Ayta Sozeri

  • May 17 – Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Stage

Bengu

  • May 23 – JJ Eagle

Haluk Levent

  • May 23 – JJ Arena

Tamino

  • May 23 – Kucukciftlik Park

KIASMOS LIVE

  • May 23 – Volkswagen Arena

My Dying Bride & Rotting Christ

  • May 24 – IF Performance Hall Besiktas

Kings Of Convenience

  • May 28 – Kucukciftlik Park

Buika & Kibariye

  • May 26 – Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Stage

Irem Derici

  • May 24 – JJ Vadistanbul

Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra feat Candan Erçetin

  • May 29 – Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Stage

Glass Beams

  • May 29 – Kucukciftlik Park

Gipsy Kings feat Tonino Baliardo

  • May 30 – Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Stage

Soner Sarikabadayı

  • May 17 – Holly Stone Beyoglu
  • May 31 – Holly Stone Beyoğlu – Fitaş Stage

Cagan Sengul

  • May 14 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Mustafa Keser

  • May 17 – Fairytale Ataşehir

Hayko Cepkin

  • May 30 – Maximum Uniq Open Air

Yamin Levy

  • May 17 – Istanbul Congress Center

Lena Chamamyan

  • May 23 – Istanbul Congress Center

Emre Aydin

  • May 23 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya
  • May 30 – JJ Arena

HoliFest Istanbul

  • May 24 – Life Park

Aycin Aslan

  • May 24 – Fairytale Ataşehir

All Nights 90's DJ Mehmet Taş

  • May 2 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya
  • May 17 – Dream Coffee Atakent Halkalı

Ore

  • May 2 – Fairytale Ataşehir

From my heart

  • May 23 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Block3

  • May 2 – Bostanci Performance Center

South Marlen

  • May 2 – Rebel Bar Kadikoy

Jefe

  • May 18 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

All Nights 90's DJ Mehmet Taş

  • May 2 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

High Loyalty

  • May 3 - Holly Stone Beyoglu

Seventh House

  • May 3 – Million Performance Hall Istanbul

Women of Rebetiko

  • May 3 – Rebel Bar Kadikoy

Afra

  • May 18 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Voice of Women: Sena Sener

  • May 21 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Onur Ozdemir

  • May 3 - Kadıköy Stage

90s 2000s Turkish Pop Night with DJ Ali Taş

  • May 3 – Dream Coffee Atakent Halkalı

Zekeriya Unlu

  • May 7 – Fairy Tale Ataşehir

90s & 2000s Turkish Pop Party with DJ Hakan Küfündür

  • May 7 – Dream Coffee Aqua Florya

Gulinler

  • May 21 – Rebel Bar Kadikoy

West Mediterranean

  • May 22 – Holly Stone Beyoglu

Rubat

  • May 3 – Fairytale Ataşehir

Apartment Disco By Soft Analog

  • May 7 – Rebel Bar Kadikoy

May 2025 Istanbul Theaters

Istanbul's stages are welcoming theater enthusiasts this May! From large stages to intimate independent theaters on the city's cultural route, the season's most talked-about plays continue to meet their audiences.

Istanbul May theaters offer a wide range of shows, from drama to comedy, from classics to contemporary productions. From Shakespeare interpretations to local writers, from master actors to young talents, everyone is on stage this month. Prestigious halls such as Zorlu PSM, DasDas, and Moda Sahnesi promise unforgettable evenings for theater lovers.

Tickets for many plays sell out days in advance, so planning ahead is a must! If you want to have a culture-filled evening, don't miss the impressive plays that await you throughout May. Now is the perfect time to step into Istanbul's enchanting theatre atmosphere!

Let's Keep Femininity With Us – Don't Love Me

  • May 15 – Beylikdüzü Atatürk Culture and Art Center
  • May 23 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center

Small Balcony

  • May 26 – Sound Theatre

Long Live Mercaniye

  • May 6 – Stage Dragos
  • May 13 – Caddebostan Cultural Center (Great Hall)
  • May 18 – Trump Stage
  • May 26 – Kadıköy Education Center

Does Love End?

  • May 11 – Turk Telekom Opera Hall
  • 14 Caddebostan Cultural Center
  • May 18 – Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage
  • May 22 – Zorlu PSM Turkcell Platinum Stage
  • May 27 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center

Unknown Pasha

  • May 4 – Mall Of Istanbul Biletinial Moi Stage
  • May 16 – Trump Stage
  • May 17 – Kozzy Gönül Ülkü Gazanfer Özcan Stage
  • May 24 – Caddebostan Cultural Center (Great Hall)

Pride and Prejudice* (something like *)

  • May 20 – Maximum Uniq Hall

Inspectors

  • May 16 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall
  • May 27 – Cartridge House Main Stage

Gokhan Unver Stand Up

  • May 16 – Mall Of Istanbul Biletinial Moi Stage
  • May 19 – Trump Stage
  • May 23 – Maltepe Dragos Stage
  • May 30 – Kartal Art Theatre Hall

Morcomedian Stand Up

  • May 20 – Trump Stage
  • May 21 – Watergarden Performance Center Duru Theater Ataşehir
Crocodile Fire
  • May 14 – AKM Theatre Hall
Murder on the Orient Express
  • May 10 – Caddebostan Cultural Center
  • May 16 – Theater Akla Kara Kadıköy Stage
  • May 17 – Black Mind Theatre
  • May 22 – Cartridge Factory

Aydinlikevler

  • May 26 – Maximum Uniq Hall

Mr. Seyfi

  • May 17 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall
  • May 18 – Kozzy Gönül Ülkü Gazanfer Özcan Stage
  • May 19 – Stage Dragos
  • May 21 – Trump Stage
  • May 22 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center
  • May 23 – Beylikdüzü Atatürk Culture and Art Center

People, Places, Objects

  • 14, 16, 26 May – Zorlu PSM – Turkcell Platinum Stage

Greedy

  • May 7 – Maximum Uniq Hall

Love Has Fallen From The Story

  • May 2nd – Stage Dragos
  • May 3 – Kartal Art Theatre

Amadeus

  • May 2 – Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage
  • May 11 – Turk Telekom Opera Hall

Richard

  • May 4 – Turk Telekom Opera Hall

We need to talk

  • May 4 – Maximum Uniq Hall
  • May 7 – Watergarden Performance Center Duru Ataşehir

Happy Family Painting

  • May 2, 3, 9, 10 – Watergarden Performance Center Duru Ataşehir

Okan Cebalar Stand Up

  • May 6 – HOP Stage
  • May 16 – Besiktas Cultural Center

Confess with Those Who Eat Works

  • May 7 – Biletinial Torium Stage

I Love You, I'm So Glad We Broke Up

  • May 8 – Suleyman Seba Cultural Center
  • May 15 – Stage Dragos
  • May 18 Watergarden Performance Center Duru Ataşehir

Dracula

  • May 12 – Zorlu PSM Turkcel Stage
  • May 23 – Maximum Uniq Hall

At the hotel

  • May 9 – Trump Stage

Mexican Stalemate

  • May 9 – Mall Of Istanbul Biletinial Moi Stage
  • May 23 – Caddebostan Cultural Center

Fanatic

  • May 14 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center
  • May 28 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall

What will happen to Yusuf Umut's situation?

  • May 24 – Kadıköy Boa Stage
  • May 25 – Kadıköy Boa Stage

Romulus the Very Great

  • May 8 – Akatlar Cultural Center
  • May 19 – Kadıköy Education Stage
  • May 24 – Kartal Art Theatre
  • May 27 – Stage Dragos

İlker Gümüşoluk – One Man Show

  • May 27 – Mall Of Istanbul Biletinial Moi Stage

Sabotage

  • May 10 – Trump Stage
  • May 20 – Maltepe Dragos Stage
  • May 23 – Torium Stage

Çimen Show – Cem İşçiler & Fazlı Polat

  • May 6 – Üsküdar Bağlarbaşı Cultural Center Bosphorus Hall
  • May 7 – House Of Performance

As if nothing happened

  • May 1, 16 – Watergarden Performance Center Duru Ataşehir

Blazing Days

  • May 4 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center
  • May 5 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall

Plastic Loves / Oya Başar & Begüm Birgören

  • May 2 – Cennet Culture and Art Center
  • May 3 – Hilltown Spectacular Stage
  • May 18 – House Of Performance Main Stage

39 and a Half Steps

  • May 4 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall
  • May 7 – Moda Stage Grand Hall
  • May 8 - Stage Dragos

Crickets, Dogs and Us

  • May 25 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall
  • May 17 – Cartridge House Main Stage

A Father Hamlet

  • May 18 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall

1923 Musical

  • May 19 – Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage

The Double's Dilemma

  • May 25 – Sound Theatre

Othello

  • May 23, 24 – Fashion Stage

Bald Diva

  • May 20 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center
  • May 21, 22 – Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall

Macbeth

  • May 27, 28, 29 – Fashion Stage Meydan Stage

39 and a Half Steps

  • May 4 - Caddebostan Cultural Center Great Hall
  • May 7 – Moda Stage Grand Hall
  • May 8 – Stage Dragos

Leyla and Not Majnun

  • May 6 – Kartal Art Theatre
  • May 27 – Hillside Live by Eng
  • May 28 – Torium Stage

The Assassination of Caligula

  • May 5 – Moda Stage Grand Hall

Ozgur Turhan – The New One

  • May 4 – Moda Stage Grand Hall
  • May 8 – Watergarden Performance Center Duru Theater
  • May 12 – Mall Of Istanbul Biletinial Moi Stage
  • May 27 – Claphall

Love List

  • May 6 – Area Kadikoy
  • May 14 – Açı Schools Sarıyer Stage
  • May 16 – Kadıköy Education Stage
  • May 18 – Besiktas Cultural Center
  • May 20 - HOP Stage
  • May 27 – Kartal Art Theatre Hall

Taming the Evil

  • May 8, 9, 10, 11 – Fashion Stage Meydan Stage

Husband and Wife Affairs – New Version

  • May 9 – Torium Stage
  • May 29 – Kartal Art Theatre Hall

Time is up Abbas

  • May 14 – Fashion Stage

Yasemin Sakallıoğlu – How to Choose the Right Husband?

  • May 13, 14 – Bostancı Performance Center

My Mother Always Said

  • May 31 – Kadıköy Education Stage
  • May 11 – Mall Of Istanbul Biletinial Moi Stage

Everyone Looks Like My Husband

  • May 14 – Interlude
  • May 22 – Cartridge Factory Second Stage

Madonna in a Fur Coat

  • May 15 – Trump Stage
  • May 16 – Cartridge Factory
  • May 17 – Kadıköy Education Stage

Marilyn Monroe

  • May 17 – Biletinial Torium Stage

1984 – Great Detention

  • May 21 – Kadıköy Education Stage
  • May 23 – Türkan Saylan Cultural Center Snowdrop Hall 2
  • May 27 – Trump Stage

Farewell

  • May 18 – Maltepe Türkan Saylan KM Kardelen 1 Hall

Monster

  • May 17 – Leyla Gencer Opera and Art Center

Laugh Laugh Show

  • May 22 – Turk Telekom Opera Hall

Shirley Valentine - Tern Puppy

  • May 14 – Trump Stage
  • May 21 – Cartridge House Main Stage

Cactus Flower

  • May 23 – House Of Performance Main Stage

The Apocalypse

  • May 3, 24, 31 – Trump Stage

Till Death Do Us Part

  • May 4 – Sound Theatre
  • May 10 – Dr. Kadir Topbaş Culture and Art Center
  • May 25 – Trump Stage

Pink Diamonds

  • May 9 – Stage Dragos
  • May 10 – Kadıköy Education Stage
  • May 16 – Kartal Art Theatre Hall
  • May 23 – RTE Sancaktepe Stage
  • May 28 – Trump Stage
  • May 31 – Akatlar Cultural Center

Woman's Head

  • May 4 – Trump Stage
  • 20 Kartal Art Theatre Hall

Around the World in 80 Days

  • 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 May – Kozyatagi Cultural Center

Pinar Fidan Stand Up

  • May 11 – Fashion Stage
  • May 21st - Claphall

Ali Poyrazoğlu 'Jingling Jingling Beyoğlu'

  • May 11 – Kadıköy Education Stage

Dead Poets Society

  • May 7 – Trump Stage

Supporting Role

  • May 15 – Hilltown Spectacular Stage

Therapy

  • May 21 – Cartridge Factory Second Stage

The Clown Who Lost His Nose

  • May 24 – Cartridge Factory Second Stage

Ali Congun Stand Up

  • May 22 – Dada Salon Kabarett

Ethical Alcohol

  • May 25 – Torium Stage

May 2025 Istanbul Exhibitions

Istanbul offers an inspiring exhibition marathon for art lovers this May! Works of local and international artists await visitors in various galleries and cultural centers of the city. Exhibitions presented in a wide range from innovative examples of modern art to timeless beauties of classical art add color to the city.

While prestigious venues such as Contemporary Istanbul, Pera Museum, and Istanbul Modern host the most notable names in contemporary art, smaller galleries also host artists waiting to be discovered. Different perspectives and creative interpretations in painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art come to life in the works exhibited.

The exhibitions not only offer a visual experience, but also invite the viewer to think, feel and sometimes shake. This May is an opportunity you should definitely add to your calendar to discover the artistic richness of Istanbul!

And Now the Good News - Collection Exhibition

  • April 13 – August 7
  • Pera Museum, Karakoy

Locus Solus – Collection Exhibition

  • March 31 – December 31
  • Artery, Dolapdere

When the Lights Come On – Nermin Er

  • April 15 – May 21
  • Gallery Nev Istanbul

Osman Hamdi Bey – Collection Exhibition

  • April 1 (Permanent Exhibition)
  • MSGSÜ Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum

Land of Dreams – Shirin Neshat

  • April 9 – May 22
  • Dirimart, Beyoglu

Ambiguous – Temür Köran

  • April 19 – May 28
  • Evin Art Gallery, Besiktas

Today’s Program – Can Aytekin

  • April 14 – May 21
  • Versus Art Project

Life in Sight – Zeynep Beler

  • April 16 – June 4
  • Krank Art Gallery

Don't Play with My Emotions – Esra Gülmen

  • April 19 – May 28
  • PİLEVNELİ, Dolapdere

Caspar David Fiedrich Nietzsche Guevara – Tarık Töre

  • April 19 – May 28
  • PİLEVNELİ, Dolapdere

I did not swear – Mixed Exhibition

  • April 8 – June 4
  • Barin Han, Fatih

Metamorphoses from Causal Relations to Indicative Indicators – Group Exhibition

  • April 29 – May 29
  • Sanatorium, Karakoy

Proxemics – Mixed Exhibition

  • April 7 – May 28
  • Labyrinth Art, Beyoglu

Printed '22:iziziz – Group Exhibition

  • April 15 – May 28
  • Mixer Print Studio

YOLO – Ozan Atalan & Ekmel Ertan

  • April 15 – May 28
  • Project Room

Banu Birecikligil

  • April 26 – May 24
  • .artSumer, Beyoglu

Journey of Colors - İzzet Keribar

  • November 6, 2024 – May 25, 2025
  • Istanbul Modern, Karakoy

Kevin Francis Gray

  • April 24 – May 31
  • Pilaf with Rice, Dolapdere

Miscrosswitch – Eser Gunduz

  • April 29 – May 31
  • Art On Istanbul, Piyalepasa

All the Parts of a Picture - Nuri Kuzucan

  • May 7 – June 21
  • Galerist, Beyoglu

The Story Passes Through Istanbul

  • January 23 – July 13
  • Mesher, Beyoglu

Animal Life – Mixed Exhibition

  • April 16 – August 10
  • Salt, Beyoglu

Dancing in the Moonlight – Marcel Dzama

  • March 20 – August 17
  • Pera Museum, Karakoy

The Attempt to Become a Statue – Franz Erhald Walther

  • Until October 5th
  • Artery, Dolapdere

Beyond the Horizon – Ömer Uluç

  • March 21 – December 12
  • Istanbul Modern, Karakoy

The Lost Alphabet – Ahmet Güneştekin

  • January 17, 2024 – July 20, 2025
  • ArtIstanbul Feshane, Eyupsultan

Magnum in Istanbul: Those with and Without Human Rights

  • January 14 – June 10
  • Bulgur Palace, Fatih

The City Within Me – Doug Aitken

  • September 14, 2024 – August 17
  • Borusan Contemporary, Sariyer