Price depends on selected options
Everything you need to know at a glance
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.
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
The festival will open with Attila, performed by Antalya State Opera and Ballet.
Time: 21:00
Performed by: Antalya State Opera and Ballet
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
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
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
Spartacus, one of the most powerful works in the classical ballet repertoire, will be presented at Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Time: 21:00
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All performances are held at Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Yes — pickup and drop-off from all hotels is included in the price.
All performances start at 21:00.
The festival features world-famous operas and classical ballet productions performed by leading artists of Opera Turkey and Ballet Turkey.
Yes — the festival is highly popular among international guests, and the performances transcend language through music, movement, and visual storytelling.
Aspendos Theatre is globally famous for its perfect natural acoustics and exceptional state of preservation, offering an unmatched opera and ballet experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is organized with pickup and drop-off included from all hotels in Side, Alanya, Antalya, Belek, and Kemer.
All performances start at 21:00.
Seating surface — concrete — stone — marble
Seating arrangement — unnumbered — free seating
As seating at the Aspendos Ancient Theatre is made of stone and marble, bringing a small cushion is recommended for your comfort.
Pick-up and drop-off locations — all hotels in Side, Alanya, Antalya, Belek, and Kemer
Featured performances — Aida (Opera) — Swan Lake (Ballet)
Pick-up times may vary.
The exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before the event and sent by e-mail.
Hotel pick-up times — approximate
Side — from 18:45
Alanya — from 17:30
Belek — from 19:30
Antalya — from 18:30
Kemer — from 17:30
Bus transfer to the Ancient Theatre of Aspendos
Entrance to the theatre — 20:30
Aspendos Opera and Ballet performance begins — 21:00
End of the event and return to hotels — between 23:30 and 00:00
Validity period
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult 13 > | € 45 |
| Child 08 > 12 | € 30 |
| Option | Total | Prepayment | Max per order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st. Category | € 30 | € 30 | 20 |
|
Details Upgrading to 1st category seating section. Price: per person.
|
|||
Reviews from our guests
Frequently asked questions about this tour
Hello, thank you for your inquiries about the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. The program for 2024 has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be released in June. Please check our website for updates. The dates you mentioned typically mark the end of the opera festival, but we will have to wait and see the specifics of the 2024 program. Best regards, Vigo Tours.
Hello, thank you for inquiring about the Aspendos opera and ballet festival. The program you see on our website is for 2023. The program for 2024 has not been announced yet, but it will most likely be announced in June. AIDA will be part of the 2024 program, as it is every year, but we do not have the specific date yet. Please continue to check our website for updates. We would be delighted to assist you in obtaining tickets for the AIDA opera at the Aspendos ancient theater. Best regards, Vigo Tours.
Greetings, we appreciate your interest in the Aspendos opera and ballet festival. The schedule displayed on our website is for the year 2023. The program for 2024 has not yet been unveiled, but we anticipate it will be announced in June. AIDA is a staple of the festival's lineup each year, including in 2024, although the exact date has not been confirmed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website regularly. We are happy to help you secure tickets for the AIDA opera at the historic Aspendos theater. Warm regards, Vigo Tours.
Continue exploring
Pick-up and drop-off from all hotels and central points in Side and the entrance ticket for the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival are included in the price.
