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.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels is included in the price, allowing guests to enjoy the evening without any transportation concerns.

Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival — September Program

All performances take place at Aspendos Ancient Theatre and begin at 21:00.

Festival Performances

• Turandot — Opera
• Zorba — Ballet
• Swan Lake — Ballet
• Don Quixote — Ballet
• Tosca — Opera
• La Traviata — Opera

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.