Held adjacent to Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey Turkish Festival Celebrates 26 Years of Culture, Food, Music, and
 Friendship

August 29–30, 2026 | Custom House Plaza | Monterey, California

MONTEREY, Calif. — The Turkish American Association of California (TAAC) proudly
presents the 26th Annual Monterey Turkish Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday,
August 29–30, 2026, at Monterey's historic Custom House Plaza.

For twenty-six years, the Monterey Turkish Festival has brought together residents and visitors
from across California to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye through music, dance,
art, food, and community. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to
experience the traditions, hospitality, and vibrant spirit of Turkish culture on Monterey's
beautiful waterfront.

New and Featured Attractions for 2026

A special highlight of this year's festival will be the appearance of the Whirling Dervishes, who
will perform both on Saturday and Sunday. These mesmerizing performances represent one of
Türkiye's most treasured cultural and spiritual traditions and offer festival visitors a rare
opportunity to witness this centuries-old art form.

Guests will also enjoy live demonstrations of Ebru, the traditional Turkish art of water marbling.
A visiting Ebru artist will showcase the intricate process of transforming floating colors into
stunning works of art while sharing the history of this unique Turkish art form.

Food lovers will have the opportunity to taste Maraş Dondurması, the famous Turkish ice
cream originating from the Kahramanmaraş region of Türkiye. Made with goat's milk, natural
orchid root powder (salep), and mastic, this unique ice cream is known for its rich flavor,
elasticity, and entertaining serving style. Unlike ordinary ice cream, Maraş Dondurması can be
stretched, cut with a knife, and enjoyed with a fork.

Another festival highlight will be the opportunity to experience authentic Turkish coffee,
recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Prepared using
centuries-old brewing methods, Turkish coffee is known for its rich flavor, distinctive
presentation, and important role in Turkish hospitality and social life.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy Turkish Delight (Lokum), one of Türkiye's most beloved
traditional sweets. Available in a variety of flavors, including rose, pistachio, pomegranate,
citrus, and walnut, Turkish Delight has been a symbol of Turkish hospitality for generations.

For those interested in cultural traditions, the festival will feature demonstrations of Turkish
coffee fortune reading, a popular custom in which symbolic patterns left by coffee grounds are
interpreted after the coffee is enjoyed. This entertaining tradition offers visitors a glimpse into
one of Türkiye' most cherished social customs.

Festival visitors can also enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, including kebabs, baklava, savory
pastries, regional specialties, and traditional desserts prepared by local Turkish community
members and vendors.

Festival Activities

The Monterey Turkish Festival will feature:
 Whirling Dervish performances on both festival days
 Live Turkish music and folk-dance performances
 Ebru (Turkish water marbling) art demonstrations
 Authentic Turkish food and desserts
 Maraş Dondurması (Turkish ice cream made with goats' milk)
 Turkish coffee demonstrations
 Turkish coffee fortune reading
 Turkish Delight (Lokum) tasting
 Artisan vendors and cultural exhibits
 Family-friendly activities
 Traditional costumes and cultural presentations
 Opportunities to learn about Turkish history, art, and traditions

New 2026 Festival Contest

Festival organizers are launching a new community contest:
"What's Your Favorite Turkish Food and Why?"
Participants may submit a response of 50 words or less through the festival website or Facebook
page. Three winners will be selected by random drawing and receive $50 Festival Food
Vouchers redeemable during the festival weekend.
Contest details and entry information will be available on the festival website and social media
pages. 

Building Cultural Bridges Through Community
The Monterey Turkish Festival continues to build cultural bridges by bringing together people
from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Turkish heritage, friendship, and community said
festival organizers. "We are excited to welcome returning guests and first-time visitors for
another memorable weekend on Monterey's beautiful waterfront."

Event Information

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 29–30, 2026

11 am - 7 pm

Location: Custom House Plaza, Monterey, California
Admission: Free
Family Friendly

For schedules, entertainment updates, contest details, vendor information, sponsorship
opportunities, and volunteer opportunities, visit:
Festival Website: https://www.turkfestca.org/
Facebook Community Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/turkfestmonterey/

Visitors are encouraged to follow the festival online for announcements, performance schedules,
special guest appearances, contest information, and additional event details as they become
available.

About the Turkish American Association of California
The Turkish American Association of California (TAAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
promoting Turkish culture, heritage, education, and community engagement through cultural
programs, educational initiatives, and public events throughout California. Through the annual
Monterey Turkish Festival and related activities, TAAC fosters friendship, cultural
understanding, and appreciation of Türkiye's rich traditions.

For media interviews, presentations, photos, sponsorship opportunities, or additional
information, please contact the festival organizers through the festival website.

More Information: 
Turkish American Association of California (TAAC)
Website: https://www.turkfestca.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/turkfestmonterey/