Mobidictum Conference 2026 brings the games industry to Istanbul on October 7–8. But the conference programme is only part of what the city has to offer that week.
From live music and citywide photography programming to museum exhibitions and cultural events, early October provides plenty of reasons to extend your time in Istanbul before or after the conference.
Here is a closer look at selected events taking place across the city during the Mobidictum Conference week.
| Date | Event | Category | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 4 | Oktober in Istanbul | Music & festival | The final day of the multi-day music, food and entertainment festival at KüçükÇiftlik Park. |
| October 4 | Magical Istanbul International Folklore Festival | Culture & performance | The closing day of an international folklore and performance programme. |
| October 4–11 | 36th Akbank Jazz Festival | Music | Concerts, talks and workshops taking place across multiple venues in Istanbul. |
| October 4–11 | 212 Photography Istanbul | Art & culture | A citywide photography programme featuring exhibitions and events at multiple locations. |
| October 7–8 | Mobidictum Conference 2026 | Games industry | Two days of sessions, meetings, networking and expo activity at Lütfi Kırdar ICEC. |
| Until October 11 | Cannes! at Ara Güler Museum | Exhibition | An exhibition of Ara Güler’s photographs from the Cannes Film Festival. |
| Until October 18 | Panorama: Dreams and Placesat Istanbul Modern | Exhibition | A group exhibition focused on contemporary Turkish photography and lens-based art. |
| October 11 | Craig David | Concert | A concert listed at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre. |
Music across the city
The 36th Akbank Jazz Festival runs through October 11, bringing concerts, conversations and workshops to venues across Istanbul. For attendees looking to experience the city after a full day of meetings and sessions, the festival offers a wide range of evening options throughout the conference week.
The city’s music calendar also includes a Craig David concert at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre on October 11 for visitors staying through the weekend.
Exhibitions, photography and culture
Early October is also a strong period for art and culture in Istanbul.
212 Photography Istanbul continues until October 11, with exhibitions and programming across the city. Visitors can also explore Cannes! at Ara Güler Museum before it closes on October 11, or visit Istanbul Modern’s Panorama: Dreams and Places, which remains open through October 18.
Whether you are arriving early, extending your trip for the weekend, or looking for an evening plan after the conference, Istanbul offers plenty to discover beyond the venue.
Join the games industry in Istanbul
Mobidictum Conference 2026 brings together investors, founders, studios, publishers, platforms and service providers for two days of industry conversations, 1:1 meetings, expo activity and networking.
Join us on October 7–8 at Lütfi Kırdar ICEC, Istanbul.
Explore Mobidictum Conference 2026 and get your ticket
*Event dates, venues and ticket availability may change. Please check the relevant organiser or venue before making plans.
