What Is On, Istanbul on Summer Evenings

Summer days in Istanbul are hot and the programme shifts to the evening. Between June and September almost everything moves outdoors, with stage, cinema and concerts starting after sunset. The headings below recur every summer. Open-air cinema Miniaturk runs a summer cinema programme with screenings on summer evenings; the selection ranges from classics of Turkish cinema to children's animation, and children aged fifteen and under attend free. As the area is open, bring a light layer, since it cools down by the Golden Horn in the evening. Concerts at Harbiye The Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre keeps its music and theatre programme running through the summer. The stage sits among trees and the acoustics are good; tickets sell out quickly depending on the artist. After a concert, Harbiye and Nisantasi are within walking distance. Jazz on the terrace Jazz concerts are held on summer evenings on the terrace of the Kadikoy branch of Istanbul Kitapcisi. It is a small-scale, intimate programme facing the sea view, and as places are limited you need to arrive early. Open-air film screenings are also held on the same terrace from time to time. A ferry with music on the Bosphorus Istanbul Arasi leaves from Kabatas pier and combines a Bosphorus journey with music, theatre and guided narration. Summer evenings are the most sought-after period for it, with sunset falling inside the voyage. Cooling off in the cistern The Serefiye Cistern is underground and its temperature is steady, making it the coolest concert venue in the city in summer. The Sounds from the Deep concerts continue through the season. Museums open late In the summer period some museums stay open into the evening on certain days; Miniaturk and the Digital Experience Centre do this seasonally. An evening visit makes sense as a way of escaping the daytime heat. Swimming Within the city limits, Kilyos and Sile on the Black Sea coast and the islands on the Marmara side are the options. Currents on the Black Sea can be strong and the lifeguard flag must be respected. The islands ferry leaves full on weekend mornings. Evening walks on the shore Summer evenings are the best time for a shore walk. Moda, Bebek, Ortakoy and Fenerbahce Park come alive after sunset. The taverns and cafes in the Kadikoy and Besiktas markets stay open late. Free for young people The Koltuk Senin application opens places for the under-twenty-fours in the summer programme too; demand is high for open-air concerts.