90th International Bergama Fair 2026: Turkey's Most Established Culture and Arts Festival
Located in the north of İzmir, historic Bergama is one of the most important cultural centers not only of Anatolia but of the world, with its thousands of years of history. This unique city, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Pergamon, hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year with its historical structures listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, its archaeological heritage, and its living culture.
The organization that most strongly reflects Bergama's cultural identity is undoubtedly the International Bergama Fair. In 2026, the festival, held for the 90th time, is not just a concert or entertainment event; it is a major cultural gathering where history, art, culture, tourism, and social life intersect.
Turkey's First Local Festival
The foundations of the International Bergama Fair were laid in the early years of the Republic. Held continuously since 1937, the festival is accepted as Turkey's first local festival.
Even during the difficult years of the Second World War, economic crises, and various other periods, the festival continued, demonstrating the Bergama people’s strong commitment to culture.
The festival has become an important part of the cultural memory not only of Bergama but of Turkey as a whole.
A Festival in Bergama's Historic Atmosphere
During the festival, events are not held on a single stage.
Bergama's historic streets, Cumhuriyet Square, cultural centers, exhibition areas, and various open-air venues become part of the festival.
The historic atmosphere of Bergama, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a unique backdrop for concerts and cultural events.
Key points such as the Asklepion, the ancient world’s most important health center, the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, and the historic bazaar attract great interest from visitors throughout the festival.
The 2026 Festival
The 90th International Bergama Fair is being held between 29 June and 5 July 2026.
For one week, Bergama is transformed into an open-air cultural center.
Within the scope of the festival:
- Free concerts
- Folk dance performances
- Theater events
- Exhibitions
- Art workshops
- Talks
- Panels
- Children's events
- Sports events
- Local culture programs
- Kozak region events
meet visitors.
2026 Concert Program
One of the most popular parts of the festival is the evening concerts.
Among the artists performing this year are:
- Derya Bedavacı
- Ceren Özdemir
- Sakiler
- Gökçe
- Hüseyin Turan
- İzmir Metropolitan Municipality orchestras
- Merve Mete
All concerts are held free of charge and open to the public.
Folk Dances and Cultural Performances
One of the most important features of the Bergama Fair is that it brings together folk dance groups from all over Turkey.
From the zeybeks of the Aegean to the horons of the Black Sea, from the dances of Thrace to various regions of Anatolia, dozens of cultures meet on the same stage.
In 2026, the Edirne Lalapaşa Municipality Folk Dance Team also participated in the festival, bringing the folkloric richness of Thrace together with the people of Bergama.
Colorful costumes, traditional music, and regional dances are among the most attractive events of the festival.
Its International Identity
The festival hosts not only teams from Turkey but also groups from different countries.
Thanks to long-standing sister city relations, different cultures meet in Bergama; art, friendship, and cultural exchange come to the fore.
In this respect, the Bergama Fair truly has the character of an international cultural festival.
Its Contribution to Bergama's Economy
The festival is of great importance not only culturally but also economically.
During festival week:
- Hotels reach high occupancy rates.
- Restaurants and cafés attract intense interest.
- Local merchants’ sales increase.
- Souvenir producers meet visitors.
- Bergama's local products are promoted.
The arrival of thousands of visitors to the district every year makes an important contribution to tourism in the North Aegean.
A Great Opportunity for North Aegean Tourism
The festival affects not only Bergama but also surrounding destinations such as:
- Dikili
- Çandarlı
- Kozak Plateau
- Ayvalık
- Lesbos Island
positively.
Many visitors combine the festival with a vacation program and discover the natural and historical beauties of the North Aegean.
Visitors who enjoy the sea in Dikili can attend Bergama concerts in the evening, and the next day cross over to Lesbos Island to experience both sides of the Aegean in the same holiday.
Places to Visit in Bergama
Places that must be seen during the festival period:
- Bergama Acropolis
- Asklepion Ancient City
- Red Basilica
- Bergama Archaeology Museum
- Historic Arasta Bazaar
- Kozak Plateau
- Bergama streets
- Traditional stone houses
Why Bergama Fair?
The Bergama Fair is not just about concerts.
This festival is a unique organization where:
- history,
- culture,
- art,
- music,
- gastronomy,
- folklore,
- friendship
come together under one roof.
With nearly ninety years of history, the festival—one of Turkey's most important living cultural heritages—continues to create new memories, new friendships, and new cultural exchanges every year.
Conclusion
The 90th International Bergama Fair is one of the most important culture and tourism organizations not only in Bergama but in the entire North Aegean.
With its rooted history dating back to 1937, international participation, free concerts, folk dance performances, artistic events, and historic atmosphere, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
If you are planning to explore the Aegean in the summer, the Bergama Fair is not just a festival; it is a unique journey where you live together with history, art, and culture.
