MAKSAD Culture & Arts Festival

2 - 12 May 2026 Various Venues

Bringing Art to Life in Marmaris

Bringing Art to Life in Marmaris

The MAKSAD Marmaris International Culture and Arts Festival is a prestigious cultural event that carries Marmaris onto the international arts stage through the unifying power of art.

Organized by MAKSAD with the support of Marmaris Municipality and numerous leading institutions, the festival was first launched in 2022 under the motto "We will make Marmaris flourish through art." In 2026, it proudly enters its fifth year, having established itself as a strong and respected cultural brand.

Over the years, the festival has hosted distinguished artists and ensembles such as Fazıl Say, Serenad Bağcan, Kerem Görsev, Amadeus Electric Quartet, Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet, Gaye Su Akyol, Yeni Türkü, Kenan Doğulu, Hatay Medeniyetler Korosu and Boğaziçi Gençlik Korosu, reflecting its wide artistic range and international reach.

The festival program extends beyond music to include painting, theatre, dance and performing arts, responding to an important cultural need while strengthening Marmaris' artistic identity.

The 2026 edition will feature prominent artists and ensembles such as Fazıl Say, Ferit Odman, London Handel Players and Papagenolar, further reinforcing the festival's international profile.

A distinctive element of the festival is its thematic focus on ancient heritage. Each year, an ancient site is selected as the central theme. Previous editions have highlighted Amos Antik Kenti, Hemithea Tapınağı, Kastabos Antik Kenti and Sedir Adası (Kedrai Ancient City). In 2026, the theme will focus on Serçe Limanı and the historic Glass Shipwreck discovered in its waters, bringing Marmaris' rich maritime heritage into the cultural spotlight.

By fostering intercultural dialogue, connecting local communities—especially young people—with art, and enriching the city's cultural life, the festival aims to secure Marmaris a lasting place on the global arts calendar. At the same time, it contributes strategically to the development of cultural tourism and the extension of the tourism season.

Festival Brochure

Download MAKSAD 2026 Festival Brochure (PDF)

For detailed information about the festival program, artists, and venues, please download our official festival brochure.

MKSF26 Official Event Calendar (2-12 May 2026)

May 2, Saturday
Opening Concert: Gökçe Bahadır & Emir Ersoy Orchestra will perform acoustic arrangements of songs from the 70s to the present day.
May 3, Sunday
Nature Walk & Concert: Walk from Loryma Ancient City to Serçe Harbor, followed by a special concert by the MAKSAD Chamber Music Ensemble at the harbor.
Exhibition Opening & Talk: Contemporary glass works exhibition by Ekrem Özen (continues until May 31).
May 4, Monday
Concert: London Handel Players performing Baroque period works at Marmaris Castle.
May 5, Tuesday
Opera (Children): "Papagenolar," adapted from Mozart's "The Magic Flute," at Armutalan Cultural Center.
May 6, Wednesday
Talk: Conversation with researcher and writer Deniz Gezgin about his literary works.
May 7-12, Thursday - Tuesday
Exhibition: Painting, drama, and mosaic works prepared by high school students as part of a social responsibility project at MAKSAD Art Gallery.
May 8, Friday
Concert: MAKSAD Chamber Orchestra (Conductor: Dr. Samir Gulahmedov) performing Vivaldi concertos at Marmaris Castle.
May 9, Saturday
Jazz Concert: Elif Çağlar & Band at Orhaniye Martı Marina.
May 10, Sunday
Gala Concert: "Opera in Marmaris," opera arias accompanied by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Symphony Orchestra at Marmaris Amphitheater.
May 11, Monday
Talk: Conversation with Faruk Pekin about Marmaris history and sustainability in tourism.
May 12, Tuesday
Closing Concert: A special performance by Fazıl Say & Ferit Odman duo, pushing the boundaries of classical and jazz.

Promo Video