August in Istanbul: Outdoor film screenings, jazz sessions and artisan cooking to enjoy the summer
Istanbul has a wide range of activities on offer in August, from a nighttime walk through its historical quarters to outdoor film screenings on the shores of the Bosphorus, learning to make artisan cheese and a fight-club themed party. 
August 7 Yaka Paça: The play satirizes the interesting situations we often encounter in our daily lives. Each session is unique; hence people watching the show on different days do not watch the same play. The interactive play will be staged at Tiyatro Karakutu at 9 p.m.
August 8Meat and Meat Cooking Techniques: If you are interested in cooking meat or developing your culinary skills, this workshop is a great opportunity. Successful chefs from the Chef’s Table Culinary Academy will explain the intricacies of preparing meat dishes. For more information call (0212) 258 88 86.
Leman Sam: The famous singer, who recently became a controversial figure over her statements on the earthquake in Nepal, will take the stage at KadıköySahne, on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The concert will begin at 10:30 p.m.
August 9Marko Paşa: The Süheyl and Behzat Uygur Theatre is set to re-interpret the famous play “Marko Paşa,” which their father had successfully staged for many years before passing away. The new version will be a musical and can be seen at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre in Harbiye on the European side of Istanbul.
August 10Bülent Ortaçgil- Birsen Tezer- Hüsnü Arkan: Three talented Turkish musicians will be on stage to dazzle music lovers. The concert will also be held at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. For further Information, call (0216) 556 98 00.
August 11Goran Bregovic: World-renowned Serbian musician and composer Bregovic will perform at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Ticket prices range between 45 and 300 Turkish Liras and can be found at www.biletix.com
Fat and Happy: World-famous Chinese sculptor Xu Hofei’s sculptures come to Istanbul as a part of a world tour. The sculptures will be exhibited at the Abdi Ipekci Art Park and the Cevahir shopping mall’s courtyard. The exhibition’s last day is Aug. 12.
Click here to read more on the exhibition.
August 12 Belong Party Series- Fight Club: Social cinema platform Fil’m Hafizası has organized the third of the “Belong” party series at Mentha. This year’s concept will be the cult novel and film “Fight Club” - likely to be an interesting activity for Fight Club lovers. Tickets can be found at www.biletix.com.
August 13 The Age of Adaline: The film will be screened as part of the ongoing open-air cinema days at Sait Halim Paşa Yalısı. The event is a great opportunity to watch a good film on the shores of the Bosphorus while tasting the delicious food being served. Tickets are available at Biletix.
August 14 İlhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions: Talented Turkish saxophonist Erşahin takes the stage with his Istanbul Sessions project. Jazzwise Magazine described Erşahin’s project as a “new sound that connects the dense modal funk of Miles Davis’ Agartha group with the dervish whirl of Turkish and Middle Eastern melodies.” The concert will be at Dorock Stage in Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city. Tickets are available at Biletix.
Sertab Erener: One of Turkey’s most talented singers, a cross-over soprano and the winner of the Eurovision song contest in 2003, Erener will perform at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Tickets are available at Biletix.
August 15 Modern Zamanlar (Modern Times): Modern Times is a group exhibition designed around seven large-scale artworks by seven artists. The exhibit will continue until Sept. 19 at the Summart Art Center at Istanbul’s Şişli district. For further information, visit www.summart.org.
August 16 Dialogue in the Dark: This unique exhibit was created by German social entrepreneur Andreas Heinecke in 1988. The exhibit is held in the dark and visitors are accompanied by visually-impaired guides. The exhibit aims to improve the participants’ senses. Open each day from 2 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., the exhibit will continue until Aug. 17. Tickets are available at Biletix.
August 17 Italian Cuisine Workshop: The Culinary Art Academy provides an opportunity to learn Italian cuisine. During the workshop, participants are taught to prepare an Italian salad, pasta and dessert. The event will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Biletix.
August 18 Turkish National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra: Talented Turkish musicians between 16 and 22 years of age will take the stage. The theme for the concert is “holidays.” Tickets can be found at www.zorlucenterpsm.com.
August 19 Enrique Iglesias: Istanbul will host a Grammy-winning musician on Aug. 19, as Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias is set to visit Istanbul as part of his “Sex & Love” world tour. The concert will be at Küçükçiftlik Park on the European side of Istanbul. Tickets can be found at Biletix.
August 20 Dansın Ritmi (Rhythm of the Dance): This dance company performs a great blend of traditional Turkish dances with modern interpretations. It will be staged at the historic Hocapaşa Cultural Center. Tickets are available at Biletix.
August 21 Tuluyhan Uğurlu: Successful Turkish Pianist Uğurlu will give a recital at the peaceful courtyard of the Galata Mevlevi House in Istanbul’s popular Beyoğlu district. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. and further information is available on Biletix.
August 22 Benim adim Anna (My name is Anna): The play focuses on the adventures of a girl from a disadvantaged background who arrives in Istanbul for a fresh start. The play will be staged at Tiyatro Karakutu at 9 p.m. Further information is available at Biletix.
August 23 ÇokÇok 1 Karma Sergi: This exhibition hosted by ÇokÇok Gallery is a great opportunity to catch up the photographs exhibited in 2014-2015, in case you have missed earlier exhibits.
August 24 Ayşe Küçük - No11, Kapıyı Çalın! (Knock the Door!): Ayse Küçük’s art works can be seen at the Muse project in the Capitol shopping mall. The exhibition consists of 13 works of art.
Büyükada Lale Cinema: Open-air cinema events continue at Büyükada, largest of the Princes’ Islands, a world away from chaotic Istanbul, though accessible in 45 minutes via ferry. Screenings start at 10 p.m. each day.
August 25 YAZ Karma Sergi: This exhibition includes a wide range of artworks from photographs to sculptures produced by artists from different countries. The exhibition will be held at Aart350. For further info, visit www.art350.com.
August 26 Tarkan: Concerts by Turkish “megastar” Tarkan will continue from Aug. 26 to 31 at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Tickets are selling fast on Biletix.
August 27 MSA Artisan Cheese Making: If you care about preparing natural and healthy products in your own home, this workshop is for you. In the course of two days, participants will be taught to make cheese, step-by-step.
August 28 Bisiklet: İki Tekerlek Üzerinde Taşınan Tutku (Bicycle: Passion carried on two wheels): This exposition narrates the history of bicycles and how their styles have evolved over time. The exposition will be held at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum. For further information, visit www.rmk-museum.org.tr.
August 29 100% Metal Fest: Dubbed “the heaviest festival of the year,” the festival will be held at Küçükçiftlik Park from Aug. 29 to 31. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and tickets are on sale for between 225-290 liras.
Nightwalk with Antonina Tourism: Antonina Tourism has organized a night walk through old Istanbul’s famous Divan Yolu (Road to the Imperial Council) stretching from Sultanahmet Square via Beyazıt Square and the Grand Bazaar to Aksaray Square. Tickets are priced at 60 Turkish liras.
Click here for further information.
Deniz Tekin and Selin Sümbültepe concert: Two young musicians will be on stage to dazzle music lovers at Bronx Pi Sahne. Event tickets are priced at 25 liras. The concert will begin at 9 p.m.
August 30 Kırmızı Başlıklı Kız (Red Riding Hood): This play to be staged at the Mall of Istanbul’s MOI Stage is likely to be a great entertainment for kids. Tickets can be found at Biletix.
August 31 The Summer Show: Many celebrated Italian paintings, including the works of Enrico Benetta and Roberta Coni, are on exhibit at the Russo Art Gallery. The exhibit will continue until Aug. 31. Please visit www.russoartgallery.com for further information.
