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Chicago is preparing to bring together thousands of visitors for the third Traditional Turkish Festival, which will showcase Turkish culture, cuisine, arts and customs near the city on Aug. 1-2.
Around 10,000 people from Illinois and other US states are expected to attend the two-day event at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The festival will remain open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days.
The program will serve up a wide selection of Turkish food while putting on concerts, folk dances, whirling dervish performances, cultural panels and activities for children.
Visitors will also be able to explore traditional handicrafts and numerous exhibition stands presenting different aspects of Turkish culture.
From Turkish coffee, kebabs and baklava to traditional works of art, the event aims to introduce Türkiye's cultural heritage and hospitality to a broader American audience.
Entry to the festival's Grand Bazaar area will be free, although tickets will be required for the main stage program, special performances and some activities.
First held in 2024, the festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors during its inaugural edition. Its program and attendance expanded the following year, helping it develop into one of the most extensive Turkish cultural gatherings in the US Midwest.
Organizers expect this year's event to once again draw in people from different cultural backgrounds as well as members of the Turkish-American community.
Ahead of the festival, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson officially proclaimed August as Turkish Heritage Month in recognition of the Turkish-American community's contributions to the city's cultural, social and economic life.
The official proclamation prepared by the City of Chicago was presented to Halil Demir, chairperson of the Turkish Festival Cultural Heritage Convention Committee.
The declaration highlighted the importance of promoting Turkish history, traditions, cuisine, music and culture, while describing the festival as an event that brings different communities together.
Johnson also released a video message inviting Chicago residents and visitors from surrounding states to attend the festival and experience Turkish culture.
Demir stressed that the festival was not designed exclusively for the Turkish community but as a wider meeting point for thousands of people from different cultures.
"Our mission is to introduce the richness of Turkish culture to future generations and American society in the best possible way. The City of Chicago's declaration of August as Turkish Heritage Month is also a great source of pride and honor for our community," he said.
The festival is expected to bring together visitors from Illinois and other parts of the Midwest while promoting Türkiye's traditions, arts, cultural heritage and hospitality.
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