Bursa Events, Things to Do and Festivals

(Bursa, Turkey)

Each year, the city of Bursa plays host to a number of very noteworthy festivals, with the biggest choices of events and similar things to do being available during the warm summer months.

The biggest event in the annual calendar is without question the International Bursa Festival, which dates back some 50 years and takes place throughout June and July. Tickets and programmes for the International Bursa Festival are to be found at the Tayyare Culture Centre, with highlights including Turkish symphony orchestras, ballet, art exhibitions and theatrical performances.

Bursa Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

Throughout the Turkish summer, many outdoor events and concerts are staged at the Kulturpark (Culture Park), close to Cekirge Square, including the ever-popular folk dance contest known as the Golden Karagoz Festival. Ataturk's historic visit to Bursa is remembered on October 16th, while November sees the arrival of the Bursa International Silk Road Film Festival, with its free cinema courses, movie screenings and professional workshops.

The following national holidays in Turkey are worth noting, since various related events take place in Bursa on these days:

• National Sovereignty and Children's Day - April 23rd
• Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day - May 19th
• Victory Day - August 30th
• Republic Day - October 29th

With Istanbul being relatively nearby, be sure to check if your Turkish holiday coincides with any important festivities in this huge city. More information about Istanbul festivals.