The İzmir International Fair, held for the 95th time this year, opened its doors at Kültürpark under the slogan “The Fair at the Heart of the City.” Attracting great interest from İzmir residents from its very first day, the fair is offering unforgettable experiences to visitors of all ages, from concerts and cultural and artistic events to entertainment and vibrant gatherings. Emir Can İğrek, who took the stage on the opening day of IEF, took the excitement to its peak.
 
The İzmir International Fair (IEF) opened its doors for the 95th time with great enthusiasm at Kültürpark, the heart of the city. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, with Folkart as the main sponsor and Migros as the event sponsor, IEF has been offering visitors moments filled with culture, art and entertainment from its very first day. Welcoming guests until September 13 under the slogan “The Fair at the Heart of the City,” the fair can be visited every day between 16:00 and 23:00. Visitors of all ages are in for a vibrant and enjoyable fair atmosphere, with events taking place throughout Kültürpark throughout the day.
 
Grass Concerts Kick Off with İğrek
One of the traditional events of the fair evenings, the Grass Concerts kicked off with a performance by Emir Can İğrek. At the concert, organized with the sponsorship of Migros, İğrek performed his popular songs together with the fair visitors. Expressing his great happiness at being in İzmir and meeting with İzmirians, the artist left his mark on the evening with his performance. The Grass Concerts will continue with Levent Yüksel on September 6, sponsored by Migros; Yıldız Tilbe on September 7; Mert Demir on September 8; Model on September 9; Gülşen on September 10; Teoman on September 11; and Semicenk on September 12. Throughout the fair, music lovers will enjoy pleasant summer evenings accompanied by performances from popular artists.
 
Exhibitions Draw Great Interest from İzmir Residents
At the heart of the cultural and artistic program of the 95th İzmir International Fair is the ROMANTİKA / Voyage of a Lifetime Exhibition, one of the most comprehensive exhibitions on Nâzım Hikmet ever held in Türkiye. Supported and hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and produced by Folkart, the exhibition attracted numerous İzmirians on the first day of IEF. The exhibition can be visited at the Atlas Pavilion until January 15, 2027. Curated by M. Melih Güneş, with exhibition identity and design by Ömer Durmaz, the exhibition was installed across 15 halls, including the foyer, covering an area of approximately 2,125 square meters. The Kültürpark is 90 exhibition, prepared to mark the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Kültürpark, also received great interest from İzmirians at the Pakistan Pavilion. The exhibition will remain open until December 31, 2026. At the Mehmet Tüzüm Kızılcan Art Gallery, the Stops of Art – Hüseyin Terzioğlu Collection Exhibition opened its doors to art lovers. The exhibition can be visited between August 21 and September 21, 2026. The İzmir Culinary Museum’s Towards the Opening exhibition, hosted at Kültürpark’s former Göl Gazinosu, can also be visited between 12:00 and 23:00 throughout the 95th İzmir International Fair.
 
Municipalities Bring Their Services to the Fair
Visitors entering Kültürpark through the Lausanne Gate were welcomed by “You Are the Conductor” and dance performances. Along the routes leading to the Kaskatlı Pool, visitors had the opportunity to explore the stands of boat and automotive companies and take a closer look at a variety of sectors. Like every year before, the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Stand welcomed visitors in the area in front of the İlber Ortaylı Library. The stand, where the Metropolitan Municipality’s services were introduced to citizens, became one of the fair’s prominent stops. A variety of events held throughout the day also added color to the stand.
At the local government stands around the Uzun Pool, municipalities introduced their services and activities to visitors, while also adding to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the fairgrounds.
 
A Variety of Flavors Meet in the Food Area
Thematic areas established at various points throughout Kültürpark created a dynamic and colorful atmosphere across the fairgrounds. The layout was designed to ensure that commercial areas, social gathering points and experiential spaces complemented one another, allowing visitors to explore different parts of the fair and keeping the grounds lively throughout the day. The Food Area, located around the lake, brought together flavors from different culinary cultures. Offering a wide range of options, the area gave visitors the opportunity to discover new tastes and experience different flavors.
 
Youth Area Set Up for Young Visitors
The Youth Area, prepared as part of IEF, became a focal point for young visitors by bringing together technology, sports and entertainment. Combining the excitement of the digital world with interactive experiences, the area allowed visitors to compete in technology-based games and enjoy a variety of activities. Digital XOXO, which brings the classic three-in-a-row game into the digital world, combined strategy and reflexes, while Smoothie Bike gave visitors the opportunity to prepare their own drinks by pedaling. In the Run Challenge area, where speed, reflexes and endurance took center stage, young visitors competed against one another. Slot Car, Human Claw Machine, designed around the concept of a giant toy machine, Digital Graffiti and Robot Basketball also attracted great interest from young visitors. With its balance- and reflex-testing format, Robo Surfer offered visitors an entertaining, technology-driven surfing experience.
 
Children’s Favorite Characters Come to Life at the Fair
The İzmir International Fair also hosted a wide range of colorful activities for children. In the area specially designed for children, the colorful world of cartoon characters came alive through mascot games, dance and music performances, themed play areas and interactive activities. Young visitors enjoyed themselves throughout the day. The Smurfs, Masha and the Bear, Robocar Poli, Jurassic Age, Gupi and Kucho joined children at the fair and shared in their excitement. Experience and play areas designed for children and families offered enjoyable and memorable moments through activities featuring a variety of themes.
 
İZELTAŞ and Red Bull Activities Also Feature in the Fair Program
The İZELTAŞ Event Area was designed as an interactive space where visitors could experience craftsmanship, skill and production through entertaining activities. Alongside reflex and skill-based games, the area hosted craftsmanship competitions and mini workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to actively participate in a variety of activities. The Red Bull Cardboard Boat Event Area brought together entertainment, interaction and hands-on experiences. In addition to cardboard boat workshops and other activities, the area will also feature DJ performances and various activations throughout the fair. The program will conclude with the Red Bull Cardboard Boat Race, to be held at the Kültürpark Lake on September 13.
Young Visitors Give the Fair Top Marks
Elif Naz Özsoy, one of the visitors to the 95th İzmir International Fair, said they had come to attend the concert and participated in many of the activities at the fair. “It has been a great experience for us. The first day of the fair has been wonderful. We are excited and happy,” she said. Dicle Kurumaz said she had participated in cultural activities and a quiz, and had won a ticket by coming first in the competition, adding that she had a lot of fun at the fair.
 
The Excitement of the Fair Remains the Same Over the Years
Kaan Akan, who visited the fair with his wife and five-month-old baby, said he had been visiting IEF since childhood. “I used to come to the fair when I was a child. Now that I have a child, I brought them here. We come on the first day every time it opens. Today, we are continuing to keep that same spirit alive,” he said. Yeşim Akan also expressed her happiness at being at the fair. Seda Kavuker, who said she had been visiting IEF for 13 years, described the fair as “one of the symbols of İzmir” and added, “It is beautiful this year too. We are excited.”
 
Children Have Their Fill of Fun
Children who took part in the fair’s colorful activities also enjoyed memorable moments. Güneş Ada Arı said she had tried many of the activities, adding, “All the activities were very exciting. I was very happy.” Ahmet Asım Şer, who came to the fair with his family, said he had a lot of fun and added, “The İzmir Fair is very beautiful. All İzmirians should come and see it. I really like it.”
Alperen Yağız Karabacak, who said he had come first in one of the competitions, said, “I won all the prizes. I had a lot of fun. All İzmirians should come to the fair. And please, don’t litter.” İbrahim Eymen Çakar also said he really enjoyed the fair, adding, “The fair is great. I had a lot of fun. Thanks to these activities, children get to have fun.”

The İzmir International Fair can be visited every day from 16:00 to 23:00 until Sunday, September 13. Admission is 100 TL for adults and 50 TL for students.
 
 

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