International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival
Aspendos Ancient Theatre — Ballet Turkey — Opera Turkey
The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival offers an extraordinary cultural experience in the unique setting of the 2,000-year-old Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
33rd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival 2026 Program
The 33rd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival will take place from 12 to 26 September 2026 at the historic Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Festival dates: 12–26 September 2026
Venue: Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Starting time: 21:00
Age limit: 7 years and over
12 September 2026, Saturday – Attila
The festival will open with Attila, performed by Antalya State Opera and Ballet.
Time: 21:00
Performed by: Antalya State Opera and Ballet
15 September 2026, Tuesday – Anna Karenina
Anna Karenina, inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s world-famous novel, will be presented by Antalya State Opera and Ballet on the historic stage of Aspendos.
Time: 21:00
Performed by: Antalya State Opera and Ballet
19 September 2026, Saturday – Carmina Burana
Carl Orff’s powerful and internationally acclaimed Carmina Burana will be performed by Antalya State Opera and Ballet.
Time: 21:00
Performed by: Antalya State Opera and Ballet
21 September 2026, Monday – Carmina Burana
Carmina Burana will return to the Aspendos stage for its second performance during the festival.
Time: 21:00
Performed by: Antalya State Opera and Ballet
25 September 2026, Friday – Spartacus
Spartacus, one of the most powerful works in the classical ballet repertoire, will be presented at Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Time: 21:00
26 September 2026, Saturday – Spartacus
The second performance of Spartacus will bring the 33rd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival to a close.
Time: 21:00
Hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels is included in the price, allowing guests to enjoy the evening without any transportation concerns.
A Legendary Festival in a 2,000-Year-Old Theatre
First organized in 1994, the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is held every September in the breathtaking atmosphere of the ancient Aspendos Theatre. This monumental Roman structure is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world and is globally renowned for its exceptional acoustics.
Each year, approximately 100,000 art lovers from across the Antalya region attend the festival. A significant portion of the audience consists of foreign visitors who combine their holiday with an unforgettable cultural experience.
Aspendos Theatre — Opera Turkey — Ballet Turkey
The festival is organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet under the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
It stands among the most prestigious opera and ballet festivals worldwide, both in artistic quality and historical setting.
World-Class Acoustics and Artistic Excellence
What makes the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival truly exceptional is the extraordinary acoustic quality of the ancient theatre. Classical music and vocal performances can be heard with the same clarity and depth from every seat, without artificial amplification.
This unique acoustic environment attracts internationally renowned conductors, choreographers, directors, and soloists, making the festival a focal point of global interest in the world of opera and ballet.
International Recognition and Cultural Prestige
The Aspendos Festival is a member of the European Festivals Association and is the first and only opera and ballet festival to receive the Best Quality Management Certificate.
As a true meeting point of civilizations, the festival has hosted countless Turkish and international artists, bringing together lovers of classical music, opera, and ballet in the magical setting of Aspendos.
An Unforgettable Cultural Experience
Watching timeless masterpieces of opera and ballet under the stars, surrounded by ancient stone walls that have stood for two millennia, creates an atmosphere unlike any other cultural event in the world.
The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is not just a performance — it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the performances take place
All performances are held at Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included
Yes — pickup and drop-off from all hotels is included in the price.
What time do the performances start
All performances start at 21:00.
What type of performances are included
The festival features world-famous operas and classical ballet productions performed by leading artists of Opera Turkey and Ballet Turkey.
Is the festival suitable for foreign visitors
Yes — the festival is highly popular among international guests, and the performances transcend language through music, movement, and visual storytelling.
Why is Aspendos Theatre so special
Aspendos Theatre is globally famous for its perfect natural acoustics and exceptional state of preservation, offering an unmatched opera and ballet experience.
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival or Fire of Anatolia Show?
The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, held every September for over 30 years, is perfect for visitors who enjoy classical music, opera, and ballet in the unique setting of the ancient Aspendos Theatre.
Fire of Anatolia, performed throughout the summer season, offers a high-energy show with traditional Turkish dances, impressive choreography, and spectacular stage effects.
Choose the Opera and Ballet Festival for a refined cultural experience, or Fire of Anatolia for an exciting and entertaining evening. For most visitors, Fire of Anatolia is the more popular and accessible option.
5 Good Reasons to Experience Opera and Ballet in Aspendos
1. It is not just a show, it is a night inside history
Watching opera or ballet in Aspendos is very different from seeing a performance in a modern hall. The ancient stone theatre, open-air setting and evening atmosphere give the event a powerful sense of place.
2. Aspendos makes every performance feel more impressive
The stage, the lights, the music and the historical surroundings create a special mood that is hard to find anywhere else. In Aspendos, the venue becomes part of the performance.
3. It adds something unforgettable to your Antalya holiday
Many visitors come to Antalya for the sea, sun and hotels. An evening at Aspendos offers something different: culture, elegance and a memorable experience beyond the usual holiday routine.
4. Famous works become more powerful in this ancient setting
Productions such as Attila, Anna Karenina, Spartacus and Carmina Burana feel even more dramatic in the atmosphere of Aspendos Ancient Theatre. The setting gives these performances extra depth and emotion.
5. Ticket options with transfer make the evening easy
With Vigo Tours, guests can join Aspendos opera and ballet events more comfortably with ticket options including transfer. No need to worry about transport, parking or the return journey after the performance.