This fun free festival is held next to Old Fisherman's Wharf at the Custom House Plaza!

The Turkish American Association of California (TAAC) proudly presents the 26th Annual Monterey Turkish Arts & Cultural Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday August 29–30, 2026, at Monterey's Custom House Plaza in Monterey State Historic Park.

For twenty-six years, the Monterey Turkish Arts and Cultural Festival has brought together residents and visitors from across California to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Turkey (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 Turkey's most treasured cultural and spiritual traditions and offer festival visitors a rare opportunity to witness this centuries-old art form.

New this year! 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. Ebru Art is a traditional Turkish art form in which artists create colorful patterns by floating pigments on the surface of water that has been thickened with a natural gum. The designs are then transferred onto paper by carefully laying a sheet on the water's surface. In 2014, UNESCO added Turkish Ebru art to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

New this year! Turkish Carpet Weaving Demonstration:  Turkish carpets are handwoven rugs known for their intricate designs, rich colors, and traditional craftsmanship.

Food lovers will have the opportunity to taste Maraş Dondurması, the famous Turkish ice cream originating from the Kahramanmaraş region of Turkey. 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.

"Simit Turkish Sesame Bread"- a traditional sesame-crusted bread ring popular throughout Turkey. It needs to be toasted. Simit is very versatile and can be eaten in several ways: Plain — Many people simply enjoy it as a snack with tea. With cheese — Traditionally paired with Turkish white cheese (similar to feta), but cream cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar also work well. With olives and tomatoes — A common Turkish breakfast combination. With jam, honey, or Nutella — For a sweeter option. As a sandwich — Slice it in half and fill it with cheese, vegetables, eggs, or deli meats. 

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.

Attendees can also enjoy Turkish Delight (Lokum), one of Turkey'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 Turkey' most cherished social customs.

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

Summary of Festival Activities

The Monterey Turkish Arts & Cultural 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 also launching a fun new community contest:
"What's Your Favorite Turkish Food and Why?"
Participants may submit a response of 50 words or less via the festival website or Facebook page. Three winners will be selected by random drawing and receive $50 in Festival Food Vouchers redeemable during the festival weekend. Vouchers are 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 explained festival organizers. "We are excited to welcome returning guests and first-time visitors for another memorable weekend on Monterey's beautiful waterfront."

Event Information At a Glance:

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

Time: 

11 am - 7 pm - Saturday, August 29, 2026

11 am - 6 pm - Sunday, August 30, 2026

Location: Custom House Plaza, Monterey, California

Admission: Free

Family Friendly

Information contact: [email protected]

Ilge Karancak (831) 277-2258 (during July)

Saime Matsu: (831) 224-6501 (during August)

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 Turkey's rich traditions.

For presentations, photos, sponsorship opportunities, or additional
information, please contact the festival organizers through the festival website. For media interviews, contact Wendy Brickman at (831) 594-1500 or [email protected].

More Information: 
Turkish American Association of California (TAAC)Website: https://www.turkfestca.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/turkfestmonterey/