Istanbul is the major city in Turkey that hosts almost all of the international festivals, including Side Festivals. However, the small town of Side does indeed have one very important festival that is celebrated every year. It is called the Side Culture and Art Festival. Sponsored by the many luxury resorts, shops, restaurants, and cultural organizations in the area, this lively and colorful festival is a hit with locals and tourists every year. The festival takes place in September, usually the beginning of September, and features a huge variety of concerts by classical orchestras, chamber groups, jazz bands, and piano soloists, as well as folk music and dance of Turkey. In addition, many art collections are displayed. Some are meant purely for public viewing, while others display pieces that can be purchased. There is local Turkish art on display as well as international works. The Side Culture and Art Festival is the main festival in the town, but there are other entertaining festivals in nearby towns that are worth a visit.

Nearby Festivals

In Aspendos, there is an annual international festival of opera, ballet and classical music that takes place in the months of June and July. The main events of the festival take place in the Aspendos Theater, which is the best preserved Roman amphitheater in all of Europe. This festival has been going on since 1994. In the beach side town of Alanya, there is another International Culture and Art Festival that occurs from October 3rd to the 5th. It is very similar to the Side Culture and Art Festival.

Antalya

Antalya is another town located right on the coast and has plenty of festivals all year round. In the beginning of May, there is the Antalya Music Festival, which is basically for the wealthy, vacationing foreigners to enjoy. It goes on for a week and features tons of artists from the United Kingdom and a few from Istanbul as well. It seems at times like a private event, as it is still not very popular and there are not huge crowds of people. Many times people who attend the festival will get a chance to talk personally with the artists. The last week of September, Antalya also holds the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, which is Turkey's biggest national film festival. The last week of Augustis the Antalya International Folk Music and Dance Festival and Competition, while in May, there is the annual Flower Festival.