International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival

31.08.2026

As the last light of the day fades over Ephesus, the atmosphere of the ancient city begins to change. Visitors who spend the day walking among the historic ruins can become spectators of an opera or ballet performance in the same surroundings in the evening. As stage lights fall on the stones of the ancient theatre, the music rising into the night brings the past of Ephesus and the art of today together in the same place. This encounter is what makes the International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival distinctive. Here, opera and ballet become more than stage performances to be watched; they turn into a cultural and artistic experience enjoyed together with the historic character of Ephesus.

About the International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival

The foundations of the festival were laid in 2017 with the Ephesus Opera and Ballet Days. The first festival-style organization by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet was held in 2018. In the following years, productions by different State Opera and Ballet companies, well-known works from the classical repertoire, and different approaches to stage performance were included in the festival programs. Held for the ninth time in 2026, the festival now stands out as one of the important events on Izmir's summer cultural and artistic calendar. The central idea of the festival, however, has remained unchanged over the years: bringing opera and ballet together with the historic surroundings of Ephesus.

Watching Opera and Ballet at the Ancient Theatre of Ephesus

Watching an opera or ballet performance in an indoor theatre and watching one at the Ancient Theatre of Ephesus involves more than simply a difference in venue. In an indoor theatre, attention naturally focuses on the stage, whereas at Ephesus, thousands of years of history surround the performance. The stone seating of the ancient theatre, the open-air setting, the evening light, and the silhouettes of historic structures all contribute to the atmosphere of the performance. This effect becomes even more pronounced in works featuring large orchestras, choirs, and extensive stage casts. Carmina Burana, performed during the 2026 festival, was a striking example. The work, staged by the Izmir State Opera and Ballet at the Ancient Theatre of Ephesus, was watched by approximately 2,000 people. For this reason, considering the festival only by asking “Which work is being performed?” would be incomplete. Where and in what kind of atmosphere the work is experienced is also an important part of the overall experience.

Festival Program and Dates

The program of the International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival changes every year. Since the works, companies, artists, and performance dates may differ from previous years, the current program should be checked separately. The 9th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, held in 2026, took place from June 26 to July 8. Five different works were presented to audiences in a total of eight performances. The program included opera, ballet, a staged cantata, and a production for children. Swan Lake, Carmina Burana, Zorba, and Tosca were performed at the Ancient Theatre of Ephesus, while Pamira and the Grasshopper, a production for children, was presented at the Necdet Aydin Stage of the Bornova Culture and Arts Center. It should be remembered that the program may change in future years. When planning a trip, following the latest festival announcements is the most reliable approach.

Where Is the Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival Held?

The most characteristic venue of the festival is the Ancient Theatre of Ephesus. However, the entire program may not take place at the same venue every year. For example, in the 2026 program, the children's production was held at the Necdet Aydin Stage of the Bornova Culture and Arts Center. For this reason, when purchasing a ticket, it is important to check not only the date and time but also the venue where the performance will take place. During the festival period, special arrangements may also be made regarding the visiting hours of the Ephesus archaeological site depending on the events. Therefore, those who want to visit Ephesus and attend a performance on the same day should check the current visiting conditions.

How Can You Get to the Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival?

Since the main festival events were held at the Ancient Theatre of Ephesus in Selcuk, transportation planning is particularly important for visitors coming from Izmir. Ephesus can be reached from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport by private car, public transportation, or transfer services. For visitors arriving in Izmir by air who also want to see Selcuk, Sirince, Kusadasi, or other destinations in the surrounding area beyond the festival, renting a car can provide greater flexibility. In itineraries that include several destinations during the same trip, being able to travel without depending on public transportation schedules can be a significant advantage. On the other hand, renting a car is not essential for visitors staying in Selcuk and attending only the festival performance. It is better to choose the transportation option according to the entire trip.

How Can You Plan a Visit to Ephesus for the Festival?

A visitor coming to Selcuk for the festival does not have to plan the entire day around the evening performance. Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus during the day, taking some time to rest afterward, and then attending the festival performance in the evening is one of the natural ways to combine the historical and artistic sides of the trip on the same day. However, it is important not to make the schedule too tight. Especially during the summer months, considering the walking involved at the ancient site and the heat, leaving enough time to rest before the performance will provide a more comfortable experience.

What You Should Know Before Going to the Festival

On the day of the festival, one of the first things to do is check the latest program, performance time, and venue. Visitors planning to explore Ephesus during the day should wear comfortable shoes and take the summer heat into account. Since the performance takes place outdoors, weather conditions should also be checked on the day of the event. For visitors coming from outside the city, planning the return journey in advance and avoiding trying to reach the area immediately before the performance will make for a more comfortable evening.

Why Is the International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival Worth Visiting?

What makes the Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival distinctive is not only the works selected or the artists appearing on stage. Opera and ballet become part of the same experience as the historic surroundings of Ephesus. A visitor who spends the day following traces of the past along the roads and structures of the ancient city can become an audience member at an opera or ballet performance in the same historic setting when evening arrives. In this way, Ephesus becomes more than an ancient city to be explored; it transforms into a cultural environment in which art is also experienced. For those who want to enrich a trip to Izmir or Selcuk with culture and the arts, this is the festival's strongest attraction: watching today's art on a stage that has existed for thousands of years.