International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance and Music Festival “Bosphorus”
Istanbul, Turkey
15 October - 19 October
Overview
Istanbul- Staddler of two continents
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait.
Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Istanbul is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. While the majority of the population are Muslims, it's a mix of cultures and backgrounds fused together in one city. It has a mix of Jewish, Greek, and Armenian populations.
Istanbul has an active nightlife and historic taverns, a signature characteristic of the city for centuries if not millennia. Along İstiklal Avenue is the Çiçek Pasajı, now home to Winehouse (known as meyhanes), pubs, and restaurants.
All these beauties in Turkish Metropolitan cities and lot of fun are waiting for you at our festival. Come and join the best festival experience ever. Travel and dance with us in Istanbul, Turkey…
Trip Planner
It will be our pleasure to make your trip an unforgettable experience!
We can provide the following services for your group:
- accommodation during the trip (in case you need a sleepover on your way to the chosen destination)
- accommodation during the festival event you attend
- travel and transportation tips and assistance
- purchasing airplane and bus tickets
- organizing transportation for a group or individuals
- assist and advise in the procedure of issuing visas (if needed)

Accommodation
Participation Fee:
- 145 Euro for 3 BB per person (3 nights with breakfast included)
- 195 Euro for 4 BB per person (4 nights with breakfast included)
It covers 4* hotel accommodation (Hampton by Hilton Zeytinburnu, Hilton Garden inn, Ibis Zeytinburnu etc.)
Addition day can be booked for 45 euro/person/day with breakfast service.
Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge 24+1!
Participation Fee Includes:
- Participation in the festival concerts,
- Professional sound, stage and light equipment.
- Accommodation in 4* Hotels (3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 7€/person/day, supplement for single room is double price),
- Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups
- Souvenir and gift for each group
- Certificate for attendance
Participation Fee does not include:
- Transport (for arrival and departure)
- Optional Tour Programs
- Insurance and city tax
- What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”
Dates
- 15/10/2026 - 19/10/2026
Pricing
15/10 - 19/10
- 5 days (4 nights) = 195 € per person
Itinerary
General rules for participation:
- In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs and music bands from all over the world.
- Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands festival.
- Ensemble should have prepared at least 2-3 dances, 08-12 minutes each with USB or orchestra.
- Folklore groups should take a flag of their country and few gifts for the municipality visits and organizers.
- Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. All filled in and signed applications will mean acceptance of the terms laid by the present regulation.
- The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country).
- Groups have to send us short CV and few photos of the group by e-mail.
- Until 15 of September 2026 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
- Folklore groups should have their own transport for arrival and departure
DRAFT FESTIVAL PROGRAM:
15 October 2026
- 14.00 Arriving in Istanbul, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time
- 21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups
16 October 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 09.00 – 13.00 Istanbul sightseeing with organized local tour guides (visiting Hagia Sophia,Sultan Ahmed Square, Blue Mosque, Top Kapi Palace, Byzantine Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazar etc. optional on extra charge)
- 14.00 Ensemble parade
- 14.30 Official festival evening
- Welcome Speech
- Open air performance
17 October 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 10.00 – 12.00 Bosphorus boat tour (optional - extra)
- 17.00 Second festival evening in cultural centre (optional)
18 October 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 10.00 – 15.00 Visiting Galata Tower, Taksim Square and Eminonu Bazar (optional or free time)
- 21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival, presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles and work shop, learning different nationalities dances...
19 October 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 12.00 Departure