25th Annual Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival

August 23–24, 2025 | Custom House Plaza, Monterey
Free Admission for All Ages

The Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival is back for its 25th year, filling Custom House Plaza with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Turkey. Join the celebration on Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM for two unforgettable days of food, music, dance, art, and cultural traditions.

Hosted by the Turkish American Association of California, this beloved community event is free and open to all. This year’s milestone anniversary will feature exciting new activities alongside favorite performances and demonstrations that have delighted Monterey families for a quarter century.

Festival Highlights

• Whirling Dervishes
  Experience the mesmerizing spiritual dance of the Whirling Dervishes, a centuries-old tradition symbolizing peace and unity.
  New this year: a teaching demonstration where performers Aziz Abbatiello and Anna Whirling will share the meaning behind the movements and invite the audience to try it themselves.
• Live Music & Folk Dancing
  Enjoy traditional Turkish folk dances including:
  • Horon from the Black Sea region — fast-paced and full of energy.
  • Dirmil from Burdur — graceful and flowing.
  • Silifke from Mersin — lively and rhythmic.
    New this year: a mini Turkish wedding dance learning demo for the whole family.
  Performances include the Taksim Big Band, known for their Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Balkan repertoire, plus a special cross-cultural collaboration with tenor Orazio Aiello and accordionist Mike Marotta from the Festa Italia music group.
• Belly Dancing & Cultural Demonstrations
  Colorful performances highlight Turkey’s vibrant history and traditions.
• Children’s Activities
  Folk dancing, coloring, face painting, and games for younger visitors.

A Taste of Turkey

Savor authentic cuisine including:

• Adana Kebap (charcoal-grilled minced meat)
• Doner Kebap (spiced barbecued meat)
• Borek (cheese and spinach-filled pastry)
• Gözleme (hand-rolled flatbread with savory fillings)
• Baklava, Kaymak, and Simit
• Rich Turkish coffee and tea

Browse artisan booths featuring handmade jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and more.

Festival at a Glance

• What: 25th Annual Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival
• When: Saturday & Sunday, August 23–24, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Where: Custom House Plaza, Monterey (next to Old Fisherman’s Wharf)
• Cost: Free admission
• Parking: Available at the Waterfront Lot, 201 Washington Street, Monterey
• More Info: www.turkfestca.org | info@turkfestca.org | (831) 224-6501 or (831) 238-6104

Whether you’re tasting Turkish specialties, shopping for handmade treasures, or joining the dances, the Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival offers fun and discovery for the whole family by the sea.