Istanbul is a vibrant city with a lot going on all the time. Art exhibits overflow into ancient squares, open-air concerts reverberate over the Bosphorus, and food markets crowd small streets. The schedule is crammed with cuisine, music, and cultural events from spring to late fall turning every weekend into a celebration.
Among these vibrant events, the Istanbul Cocktail Festival stands out. Turkey's secular attitude makes drinking a natural aspect of daily life; cocktails have grown to be a vibrant component of the city's nightlife. Every year the event combines food, music, and fashion, so for two days of taste and enjoyment, it brings together best bars and knowledgeable mixologists. This year, it is happening on May 31-June 1 at Lifepark for its 10th edition, let's have a look at this festival.
General Information about Istanbul Cocktail Festival
The Istanbul Cocktail Festival is the first and only event of its kind in Turkey. Since 2017 it has welcomed more than 100,000 guests in both Istanbul and Izmir. The 2025 edition celebrates the festival’s 10th year on 31 May – 1 June at Lifepark, a leafy outdoor venue on the city’s northern edge.
What you’ll find: tasting stands from iconic Turkish cocktail bars, workshops and talks led by award-winning mixologists, live bands and DJs, gourmet food stalls (including vegan options), local designer boutiques, brand activations, and carnival games.
Tickets: entry covers admission and stage performances; cocktails, food, workshops, and games are pay-as-you-go.
Age limit: You need to be 18 or older. Bring valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID) for entry.
Festival Concert Program
Saturday 31 May
- Pinhani
- Yüksek Sadakat
- Emir Yargın “Klas Pop”
- Aydeed
- …and more to be announced!
Sunday 1 June
- Adamlar
- Son Feci Bisiklet
- M Lisa
- Kalabalıklar
- …plus additional acts coming soon!
Keep an eye on the festival’s social channels for the final schedule of bar pop-ups, mixology workshops, and surprise stage times.
Make the Most of Istanbul Cocktail Festival with Istanbul Tourist Pass®
Remember that your Istanbul Tourist Pass® may transform a basic festival visit into a smooth city adventure before you plunge into the cocktail-shaking excitement. One digital pass combines 100+ major attractions, entrance tickets to museums, exclusive guided tours, and transportation options into one, therefore allowing you to spend less time in lines and more time clinking glasses.
Getting there with your Pass
An unlimited public transport card is already discounted in the Pass. Get it delivered to your hotel, and hop on the M2 metro to Hacıosman, then continue by bus or a short taxi ride to Lifepark.
Need a lift from the airport? The Pass gives a FREE Istanbul Airport shuttle transfer and discounted VIP transfers from both IST and SAW, saving you time and money the moment you land.
We know you love to share! So don't stay without internet, with your pass you'll have FREE 2 GB internet with a tourist eSIM on your own smart phone! Don't forget to follow and mention us in your Instagram stories!
What to do around Lifepark?
Lifepark sits on the greener, northern edge of the city, so you can pair the festival with fresh-air adventures:
Belgrad Forest walking trails: shady paths, bike rentals, and picnic lawns just ten minutes away.
Kemerburgaz City Forest: rope parks, zip lines, and cafés overlooking the water reservoir.
Göktürk cafes & brunch spots: a compact high street lined with laid-back coffee houses and eateries.
An Amazing Day for Your
Your Istanbul Tourist Pass® unlocks 100+ attractions, several of which are an easy ride from the festival grounds. Let's build a festival weekend itinerary. This is just an example for you if you stay in the Sultanahmet area.
Morning: Visit Hagia Sophia Mosque early before the crowds. Your skip-the-ticket-lines QR entry will help you to get a super start to the day. Listen to your audio guide; short and precise!
Lunch: Go to Galata Bridge and have your FREE Turkish Meze Platter and check the menu to see more delicious foods. Oh, and see the amazing views of Golden Horn while enjoying your lunch.
Afternoon: Head north to Lifepark for cocktails, music, and workshops.
Evening: Finish with the FREE Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with amazing Turkish music and dance shows!
Quick tips
Activate your Pass the day you arrive so transport and airport shuttle savings cover themselves before the festival starts.
Workshops at the festival cost extra: use the money you saved with free Pass attractions to book a masterclass with your favourite mixologist. Remember you will save more than 50% of the regular attraction tickets in Istanbul!
Plan for Monday too: there is much more to see in Istanbul, get a perfect for an easy recovery day after Sunday’s closing set.
With Istanbul Tourist Pass® in your pocket, the Cocktail Festival weekend turns into a full city break; cocktails, culture, and zero ticket queues. Cheers!
Bonus Experience: Rooftop Nights at Nomads Restaurant
Finish your festival weekend with a sky-high feast at Nomads, sitting on the Sofitel Taksim rooftop. Show your Istanbul Tourist Pass® to receive a FREE welcome cocktail; then, sit down for a full-course menu combining Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean tastes—think mezzes, charcoal-grilled meats, and aromatic desserts. As the evening progresses, unlimited local wines, beers, and soft drinks keep the glasses full.
As dishes arrive, the lights dim for live oriental shows, zenne dancers, and international musicians, followed by a DJ set that turns dinner into a dance floor. The decor echoes North-African courtyards with warm lanterns, carved arches, plush cushions, so every glance feels like a mini escape. Add the 20 % Pass-holder discount and those sweeping Bosphorus views, and you have an effortless way to turn one festival weekend into a story you’ll tell long after the last cocktail glass is empty.
Home
Passes
Attractions
Menu