The Phaselis Festival is a free, open-to-all music festival held every September in the 2,700-year-old ancient city of Phaselis, near Kemer. The 16th edition took place from 21 to 26 September 2026 with four concert evenings, ranging from opera arias and Sezen Aksu songs to a “Bach to Turkish Music” finale. This guide covers the festival, the ancient city and how to plan for next September.
The Phaselis Festival at a glance
- When: September (2026: 21–26 September, 16th edition)
- Where: Phaselis Ancient City, Kemer district, near Tekirova
- Organiser: Kemer Region Promotion Foundation (KETAV), supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Admission: free, with no ticket sales
- Start time: all 2026 concerts began at 21:00
The 2026 programme
| Date | Concert |
|---|---|
| 21 September | Opening: soprano Dilruba Bilgi, baritone Caner Akgün, violinist Can Özhan and the Cameratalia String Orchestra. Opera arias, Neapolitan songs, tango and traditional melodies. |
| 23 September | “Three Greats”: songs of Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, performed by Altuğ Dilmaç with narration by Teyfik Rodos |
| 25 September | “A Night with Sezen”: songs of Sezen Aksu, sung by Gökçe Eyüpgiller with Metin Kiper on piano |
| 26 September | Closing, “From Bach to Turkish Music”: cellist Dilek Türkan, the Çellistanbul ensemble and kanun player Serkan Mesut Halili |
The festival’s story
Arts events at Phaselis began around a quarter of a century ago. After an irregular start, the festival has been organised every year for the past 16 years since KETAV took it on. What makes it special is the setting: concerts begin inside the ancient city, among pine trees, in the shadow of Mount Tahtalı.
About ancient Phaselis
Phaselis was an ancient port city on the border of Lycia and Pamphylia, famous for its three harbours. Today it lies in pine forest, and visitors can walk its main street and see the theatre, baths and aqueduct. You can also swim beside the ancient harbours. It’s about 15 km by road from central Kemer. For daytime visits, check the site’s opening hours and entry rules in advance.
Tips for next September
- Arrive early. Concerts are free and unticketed, so arrive early for a good spot.
- Dress comfortably. The ground is stone and earth, so wear flat shoes and bring a light layer for the cooler evening.
- Plan your return. Concerts finish late, so arrange your car or taxi in advance.
- Make a day of it. Swimming in the ancient harbours in the afternoon and staying for the evening concert is the best way to experience Phaselis.
Where to stay for the festival
September is one of the best months in Kemer: the sea is at its warmest and the crowds are thinning. Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, close to the beach and with a pool. Phaselis is a short drive away, and on other evenings you can enjoy Kemer’s marina and town centre. Browse our rooms, check availability for September or read our Kemer travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Phaselis Festival?
The festival is held in September. The 16th edition took place from 21 to 26 September 2026.
Is the Phaselis Festival free?
Yes. The 2026 concerts were free and open to the public, with no ticket sales.
How far is Phaselis from Kemer?
About 15 km by road from central Kemer, very close to Tekirova.
Related events
For Kemer’s summer culture calendar, see Kemer summer festivals and concerts. If you’d like to swim in Phaselis’s waters, read our open water swimming guide. See the full Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Dosseman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.