Fair Excitement Begins in İzmir
Culture, Art and Entertainment Come Together at İEF
The İzmir International Fair (İEF), held for the 95th time this year, has opened its doors at Kültürpark under the slogan “The Fair at the Heart of the City.” Drawing strong interest from the people of İzmir from the very first day, the Fair offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages, from concerts and cultural and artistic events to entertainment and colourful gatherings. Emir Can İğrek, who took the stage on the opening day of İEF, brought the excitement to its peak.
The İzmir International Fair (İEF) enthusiastically opened its doors for the 95th time at Kültürpark, in the heart of the city. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, with Folkart as Main Sponsor and Migros as Event Sponsor, İEF offered visitors a vibrant mix of culture, art and entertainment from its very first day. Under the slogan “The Fair at the Heart of the City,” the Fair will welcome visitors until September 13 and will be open daily from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. With events taking place throughout Kültürpark during the day, visitors of all ages can look forward to a colourful and enjoyable Fair atmosphere.
Fair Lawn Concerts Opened with Emir Can İğrek
The Fair Lawn Concerts, one of the traditional highlights of Fair evenings, kicked off with a performance by Emir Can İğrek. During the concert, held with the sponsorship of Migros, İğrek performed his popular songs as Fair visitors sang along in unison. Expressing his great pleasure at being in İzmir and meeting his fans in the city, the artist delivered one of the most memorable performances of the evening.
The Fair Lawn Concerts will continue with Levent Yüksel on September 6, with the sponsorship of Migros, followed by Yıldız Tilbe on September 7, Mert Demir on September 8, Model on September 9, Gülşen on September 10, Teoman on September 11 and Semicenk on September 12. Throughout the Fair, music lovers will enjoy memorable summer evenings accompanied by performances from some of Türkiye’s most popular artists.
Exhibitions Draw Strong Interest from İzmir Residents
At the heart of the cultural and artistic programme of the 95th İzmir International Fair is ROMANTİKA / Bir Ömrün Seyrüseferi, one of the most comprehensive exhibitions dedicated to Nâzım Hikmet ever presented in Türkiye. Produced by Folkart with the support and hosting of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the exhibition attracted many visitors from İzmir on the first day of İEF.
The exhibition will remain open at the Atlas Pavilion until January 15, 2027. Curated by M. Melih Güneş, with exhibition identity and design by Ömer Durmaz, it spans approximately 2,125 square metres across 15 galleries, including the foyer.
The Kültürpark 90 Yaşında (Kültürpark at 90) exhibition, prepared to mark the 90th anniversary of Kültürpark, also received strong interest from visitors at the Pakistan Pavilion. The exhibition will remain open until December 31, 2026.
The Sanatın Durakları – Hüseyin Terzioğlu Koleksiyonu (Stops of Art – Hüseyin Terzioğlu Collection) exhibition also welcomed art lovers at the Mehmet Tüzüm Kızılcan Art Gallery and can be visited from August 21 to September 21, 2026.
Meanwhile, the İzmir Mutfak Müzesi, Açılışa Doğru (İzmir Culinary Museum: Towards the Opening) exhibition, hosted at the former Göl Gazinosu in Kültürpark, can be visited from noon to 11:00 p.m. throughout the 95th İzmir International Fair.
Municipalities Bring Their Services to the Fair
Visitors entering Kültürpark through the Lausanne Gate were welcomed by “Şef Sensin” activities and dance performances. Along the routes leading towards the Cascaded Pool, visitors had the opportunity to explore stands featuring companies from the boating and automotive sectors.
As in previous years, the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality stand welcomed visitors in the area in front of the İlber Ortaylı Library. Showcasing the Metropolitan Municipality’s services and bringing them directly to residents, the stand became one of the Fair’s notable attractions. Various activities held throughout the day added further colour and energy to the area.
At the local government stands located around the Long Pool, municipalities introduced their services and projects to visitors while contributing to the lively atmosphere throughout the Fairgrounds.
Different Flavours Come Together at the Food Area
Thematic areas created across Kültürpark brought a dynamic and colourful atmosphere to the Fair. The layout was designed so that commercial areas, social gathering points and experience zones complement one another, encouraging visitors to explore different parts of the Fairgrounds and maintaining activity throughout the day.
The Food Area established around the lake brought together flavours from a variety of culinary traditions. With a diverse selection on offer, visitors had the opportunity to discover new tastes and experience different cuisines.
Youth Area Becomes a Hub for Young Visitors
Created as part of İEF, the Youth Area became a major attraction for young visitors by bringing technology, sports and entertainment together. Combining the excitement of the digital world with interactive experiences, the area gave visitors the opportunity to compete in technology-driven games and take part in a variety of entertaining activities.
Digital XOXO brought the classic tic-tac-toe game into the digital world, combining strategy with quick reflexes, while Smoothie Bike allowed visitors to prepare their own drinks by pedalling. At the Run Challenge, where speed, reflexes and endurance took centre stage, young participants competed enthusiastically.
Slot Car, the Human Claw Machine designed around the concept of a giant arcade claw machine, Digital Graffiti and Robot Basketball also attracted strong interest from young visitors. Robo Surfer, meanwhile, challenged participants’ balance and reflexes while offering an entertaining, technology-enhanced surfing experience.
Children’s Favourite Characters Come to Life at the Fair
The İzmir International Fair also hosted a wide variety of colourful activities designed especially for children. In the dedicated children’s area, the colourful world of beloved animated characters came together with mascot games, dance and music performances, themed play areas and interactive activities.
Young visitors enjoyed a full day of entertainment as The Smurfs, Masha and the Bear, Robocar Poli, Jurassic Age, Gupi and Kucho met with children at the Fair and shared in their excitement. Experience and play areas designed for children and families also offered a range of themed activities, creating enjoyable and memorable moments.
İZELTAŞ and Red Bull Events Also Feature in the Fair Programme
The İZELTAŞ Event Area was designed as an interactive space where visitors could experience craftsmanship, skill and production through entertaining activities. Alongside reflex and skill-based games, the area featured craftsmanship competitions and mini workshops, offering a variety of activities with active visitor participation.
The Red Bull Cardboard Boat Event Area also brought together entertainment, interaction and hands-on experiences. In addition to cardboard boat workshops and other creative sessions, the area will host DJ performances and various activations throughout the Fair. The programme will culminate with the Red Bull Cardboard Boat Race, to be held on September 13 at the Kültürpark Lake.
Young Visitors Give the Fair Top Marks
Elif Naz Özsoy, one of the visitors to the 95th İzmir International Fair, said they had come for the concert and participated in many of the activities at the Fair.
“It has been a wonderful experience for us. The first day of the Fair has been really enjoyable. We’re excited and happy,” she said.
Dicle Kurumaz said she had participated in cultural activities and a quiz competition, winning first place and receiving a ticket as a prize. She added that she had thoroughly enjoyed her time at the Fair.
The Excitement of the Fair Remains the Same Through the Years
Kaan Akan, who attended the Fair with his wife and five-month-old baby, said he had been visiting İEF since childhood.
“I used to come to the Fair when I was a child. Now that I have a child of my own, I’ve brought my baby here. We come on the first day every time the Fair opens. Today, we’re continuing to keep that same spirit alive,” he said.
Yeşim Akan also expressed her happiness at being at the Fair. Seda Kavuker, who said she had been visiting İEF for 13 years, added, “The Fair is one of the symbols of İzmir. It is beautiful again this year, and we’re excited.”
Children Enjoy a Day Full of Fun
Children taking part in the Fair’s colourful activities also enjoyed memorable moments. Güneş Ada Arı, who tried many of the activities, said, “All the activities were very exciting. They made me very happy.”
Ahmet Asım Şer, who visited the Fair with his family, said he had a great time: “The İzmir Fair is wonderful. Everyone in İzmir should come and see it. I really like it here.”
Alperen Yağız Karabacak, who said he had come first in one of the competitions, added, “I won all the prizes. I had so much fun. Everyone in İzmir should come to the Fair. And please, nobody should litter.”
İbrahim Eymen Çakar also expressed his enthusiasm for the Fair, saying, “The Fair is really great. I had a lot of fun. Activities like these give children a chance to enjoy themselves.”
The İzmir International Fair will remain open daily from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. through Sunday, September 13. Admission is TRY 100 for full-price tickets and TRY 50 for students.