MIX Festival Istanbul 2026: Kelis, Saint Etienne & WhoMadeWho

From R&B and British indie pop to electronic music and Anatolian psychedelia, Istanbul's MIX Festival returns on Friday, 6 November 2026 for its tenth edition.

What happens when artists from completely different musical worlds share one stage? At Zorlu Performing Arts Center (Zorlu PSM), MIX Festival by Modundayız brings together international stars, alternative sounds and experimental performances in a single evening.

That is increasingly rare: a lineup where you can move between several genres without leaving the building. For Istanbul's international community, it is one of November's most interesting live music nights.

The International Headliners

Kelis (USA)

Best known for Milkshake and Acapella, Kelis has spent more than two decades moving between R&B, hip-hop, pop and electronic music. Expect a dose of nostalgia and plenty of energy.

Saint Etienne (UK)

Formed in 1990, the British group pairs melodic pop with electronic production and dance influences, a sound that has kept them an enduring name in alternative British music.

Sleaford Mods (UK)

Raw, provocative and unmistakably British, the Nottingham duo sets stripped-back electronic beats against punk attitude and sharp social commentary.

WhoMadeWho (Denmark)

The Danish trio is scheduled to play a Hybrid DJ Set, mixing electronic and melodic dance music with touches of jazz and indie.

More Than the Headliners

MIX Festival's appeal lies in its unexpected combinations.

Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek reinterpret Anatolian musical traditions through psychedelic arrangements, while Islandman combines electronic production with regional influences.

Dov'è Liana bring house-pop energy, Dumbo Gets Mad explore psychedelic and experimental sounds, and Egosex blend electronic textures with Afro-diasporic rhythms.

The lineup also includes Cihangir Eryıldız Live, Donna Mobile by Elif Çağlar and Koffein Club Radio.

Beyond the stages, the MIX Screen program presents live audiovisual performances by Ari Alpert, Berdin Demir and Touchy Toy Collective.

Why It's Worth Going

Istanbul hosts plenty of international concerts, but MIX works differently. You might arrive for Kelis, discover the psychedelic sound of Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, and finish the night dancing to WhoMadeWho.

That variety makes it a good pick for a group of friends with different tastes, and because the music crosses genres and traditions, you don't need to speak Turkish to enjoy any of it.

Before You Go

• Age: 18+. Under-18s cannot attend.

• Format: Standing festival. Access to individual stages is limited by capacity, so arrive early for the acts you care most about.

• Tickets: Early Bird tickets were listed at ₺2,098 on 23 October 2026, with a discounted Genç ticket for ages 18–25. Prices and availability may change.

• ID: Bring a passport, national ID card or driver's license. Entry without identification is not permitted.

• Bags: Backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside; a cloakroom is available. Bags are checked at entry, and liquids, gels, perfume and deodorant are not permitted.

• Food and drink: Outside food and drinks are not allowed; both are sold on site.

Tickets and full event rules: MIX Festival 2026 on Passo

Discover Istanbul's Music Scene with Smileys

Smileys brings expats, international students, digital nomads and globally minded locals together through real-life events, from concerts and cultural outings to language exchanges and dinners. MIX Festival is another chance to explore the city's international music scene and meet people who share your taste.

Join Smileys Community

Information checked on 23 October 2026 against Zorlu PSM's official listing. The organizer may change the schedule or lineup; check before attending.