Partner with Smileys
Bring your event to Istanbul's international community.
Connect with expats, international students, digital nomads, and globally minded locals through English-language editorial coverage, community recommendations, and event collaborations.
Who our members are
Smileys is a curated community: members apply and are reviewed. They come to meet people in person, and events they can enjoy in English or without needing the local language are the ones that reach them most naturally.
Expats and international professionals
People building a life in Istanbul who look for things to do in English and rely on a trusted voice to tell them what is worth their evening.
International students
Exchange and degree students who are new to the city, often looking for culture, music and nights out they can join without a language barrier.
Digital nomads and remote workers
Longer-stay visitors who want to meet people and see the city beyond the tourist trail.
Globally minded locals
Local members who enjoy international company and events that work for a mixed-language crowd.
The community in numbers
Measured from our own records on 13 October 2026. These are separate groups that overlap β please don't add them together.
- Registered members
- 1,657
- Approved accounts that have been activated, today.
- Active members
- 662
- Members with a confirmed spot at an event in the last 90 days.
- Event attendees
- 422
- Members with a recorded check-in in the last 90 days. Door check-in is not recorded at every event, so this is a minimum.
Ways to collaborate
Channels and deliverables are agreed individually, to fit your event. We can't promise ticket sales, attendance, positive coverage or a particular reach β what we offer is honest, useful information in front of people who are likely to care. Editorial coverage and interviews are independent and are not for sale; paid placement, sponsorship and branded events are a separate offer on Advertise with us.
1. English-language event coverage and practical guides
An article that explains your event for newcomers: what it is, where, how to get there, and how to book.
2. Artist or organizer interviews
A conversation with the people behind the event, written for an international audience.
3. Member discounts and group offers
An offer for Smileys members, shared only through the channels you approve.
4. Approved ticket giveaways
A giveaway of tickets you provide, run only when you agree to it.
5. Hosted community attendance
A Smileys host organizes a group to attend together, so members arrive with people to meet.
6. Relevant business-event partnerships
Conferences, networking and professional events that suit an international professional audience.
Selected coverage
A few recent articles, as examples of our editorial work. Featuring an event or organizer here does not mean they are an official Smileys partner.
Youngr brings his live-looping show to Istanbul
October 17, 2026 | The British musician builds electronic pop performances in real time, layering beats, vocals and instruments into one-person arrangements.
Read the article β
Grouper Live in Istanbul: An Evening of Music and Discovery
Grouper brings her atmospheric vocals and dreamlike melodies to Fiba Salon Δ°KSV on November 4, with Istanbulβs Ekin Fil opening the evening. Discover her music and find everything you need to plan your nightβfrom arrival times to tickets.
Read the article β
A Parisian Night in Istanbul: Olivier Giraud Brings His Hit English-Language Comedy to Istanbul
French comedian Olivier Giraud performs How to Become a Parisian in One Hour? β fully in English at DasDas Sahne on Saturday, October 24.
Read the article βDiscuss a partnership
Tell us about your event and what you have in mind. You can also write to info@smileyscommunity.com.
Looking for sponsorship or advertising instead? See Advertise with us. Want to attend events as a member? Apply to join.