In the first week of October, the smell of sun-dried figs and the crack of walnut shells fill the streets of Tire, an inland town southeast of Izmir. Opening on 4 October 2026, the Tire Municipality turned Alay Park into the stage for the Fig and Walnut Festival, a two-day celebration of the district's two signature crops that drew thousands of visitors to the producers' stalls.
Two Days of Harvest at Alay Park
The festival opened with a ceremony attended by Tire's district governor, Mesut Yakuta, and mayor Hayati Okuroğlu. After a folk dance performance by the Tire Zeybek Group, the stalls where regional producers display figs, walnuts, and other local goods opened to the public. Over two days, the park drew everyone from local officials to curious day-trippers.
What Was on Stage
Opening-day music was handled by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Pop Orchestra and singer Özlem Menokan. A children's cooking workshop and an exhibition billiards match kept the program from being an adults-only affair. The second day continued in the afternoon with a performance by the Izmir Metropolitan Turkish Folk Music Orchestra and singer Burak Maral, followed by an awards ceremony for Best Fig, Best Walnut, and Fig-Walnut Delicacies. The festival closed with the Pop Orchestra and singer Gülce Alatay.
What the Stalls Sell
Most producer stalls sell dried figs and walnuts side by side, alongside village-made jams, grape molasses (pekmez), and fig-or-walnut Turkish delight. One corner of the park is given over to local cheese and olive stands, another to handmade textiles and ceramics — turning the event into a small regional market as much as an agricultural festival.
The Road From the Airport to Alay Park
Tire sits about an hour from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport by private transfer. On festival days, the square gets crowded, so it helps to have your driver drop you as close to the entrance as possible and pick you up from the same spot afterward. Parking around the square is limited, so arranging a private transfer in advance beats hunting for a car when the festival lets out. You can check routes and vehicle options on our Tire VIP transfer page.
When to Go and What to Watch For
The stalls are calmest before midday; the square fills up fast once the 1pm concert and the awards ceremony that follows begin. Card readers aren't guaranteed at every producer's table, so carrying cash makes buying easier. Most of the park is open ground, so comfortable shoes and a hat are worth packing. Beyond figs and walnuts, look for local jams, molasses, and dried fruit mixes on the tables.
Who It Suits
Families drawn to local produce and live music, photographers, and visitors curious about regional food culture will enjoy the festival; the children's workshop is a bonus for anyone traveling with kids. It's a poor fit for anyone hoping for a quiet, crowd-free visit — the concert and awards-ceremony hours get loud and busy, so aim for the quieter morning hours instead.
Rounding Out a Day in Tire
Once you've left the festival grounds, don't skip the district's everyday character: our guide to Tire's Tuesday Market is worth a look. If you're hungry, our guide to Tire's skewered meatballs tells you where to find them. Ending a day that smells of harvest with the town's signature meatballs is the most practical way to get to know Tire in a single visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the Fig and Walnut Festival held?
The Tire Municipality opened the festival at Alay Park on 4 October 2026, and it ran for two days. Thousands of visitors toured the producers' stalls during that time.
How do you get to the festival grounds from the airport?
Tire sits about an hour from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport by private transfer. Since the square gets crowded on festival days, it helps to have your driver drop you as close to the entrance as possible.
Can you pay by card at the stalls?
Card readers aren't guaranteed at every producer's table. Carrying cash makes buying easier.
What's there for families with children?
A children's cooking workshop and an exhibition billiards match were part of the program. These kept the festival from being an adults-only affair.
What's the best time to visit?
The stalls are calmest before midday; the square fills up fast once the 1pm concert and the awards ceremony that follows begin. Anyone wanting a quiet visit should go in the morning instead.
What can you do in Tire after the festival?
After leaving the festival grounds, you can visit Tire's Tuesday Market or try the town's skewered meatballs. Ending a day that smells of harvest with the town's signature meatballs is a practical way to get to know Tire in a single visit.