Didim's calendar is shaped by a handful of regular festivals running from spring into autumn. Each draws a different crowd, and together they sum up the region's cultural and social life. One of the best ways to understand a place is to join the events it holds throughout the year — in Didim, these festivals bring locals and visitors together in equal measure.
Altınkum Beach Festival
Held every August and organised free of charge by Aydın Metropolitan Municipality, the Altınkum Beach Festival runs as two separate programmes: daytime and evening. The daytime programme features games and competitions anyone from 7 to 77 can join — musical chairs, tug of war, sand sculpture, dance. The evening programme brings concerts with a range of performing artists. Because it's held on Didim's most visited beach, turnout is always high.
Altınkum Writers' Festival
Also held in August and organised by Didim Municipality, the Altınkum Writers' Festival is a long-running tradition. It brings together notable authors for talks that strengthen the connection between readers and writers. The festival holds particular value for Didim; some authors have decided to live here after taking part. Holidaymakers get a chance at cultural engagement alongside their books and authors — and the festival plays a notable role in instilling a love of reading in children in particular.
Didim Peace Festival
Held on 1 September, World Peace Day, this festival features live music, dance performances and art exhibitions. Folk songs mark the significance of the day; the programme also includes concerts, walks and traditional folk dances.
Apollon Motofest
Held in September in Tavşan Burnu Forest with support from Didim Municipality, and organised by the Didim Motorcyclists' Community and the Özel Adamlar Motor Group, Apollon Motofest brings together motorcycle groups from Turkey and abroad. Riders gathering at the camp are joined by various performers throughout the festival; the event also provides a space to discuss challenges riders face and work out solutions.
Vegan Festival
Held in May, the Vegan Festival was Turkey's first vegan festival. Its programme includes talks, workshops, panels, live music, sports programmes, vegan recipes, film screenings and art programmes. These events introduce visitors to vegan cuisine, culture and ethics — and offer a valuable opportunity for non-vegan visitors to understand the subject too.
Annual Festival Calendar
- May: Vegan Festival
- August: Altınkum Beach Festival and Altınkum Writers' Festival
- 1 September: Didim Peace Festival
- September: Apollon Motofest
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Altınkum Beach Festival is organised free of charge by Aydın Metropolitan Municipality; most other festivals are also free thanks to municipal support.
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The Didim Peace Festival is held on 1 September, World Peace Day.
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Turkey's first vegan festival is held every May in Didim.
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Apollon Motofest is open to motorcycle groups from Turkey and abroad; it's organised by the Didim Motorcyclists' Community and the Özel Adamlar Motor Group.
