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Fourth Annual California Turkish Festival

On Sunday, June 1st, the vibrant Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Turkey at the 4th Annual California Turkish Festival. Organized by the Association of Turkish Americans of Southern California (ATASC), this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, with expectations of over 5,000 attendees, following last year's success which exceeded all attendance projections.

Festival Chairperson Nilay Senel-Nylund expresses excitement about the upcoming event, inviting everyone to experience a day filled with fun and cultural celebration. “We cannot wait to welcome all of our neighbors from Southern California! Please come join us for a day filled with fun, food, and drink, celebrating our diversity and unity,” she enthusiastically noted.

This year's festival will feature Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site representing one of Turkey’s most significant historical destinations. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to uncover the rich architectural heritage and cultural depth of this ancient city, promising a journey through history intertwined with modern festivities.

Food lovers will be delighted to find a variety of traditional Turkish cuisine available, including mouth-watering döner, kebabs, baklava, and Turkish coffee. With delicious food at the forefront, the festival will also showcase a slate of live entertainment throughout the day. Attendees can enjoy performances from a variety of talented artists, including the Ali Tolga Band, Miles Apart Rock Band, and the AKM Turkish Music Choir, along with traditional dances by the Turkish folk dance group TUFOD and performances by belly dancer Laman Museyava.

In addition to music and dancing, there will be arts and crafts vendors, providing a platform for small businesses to showcase their creations and engage with the local community. A range of activities is planned for children, ensuring that families can enjoy the festival together.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support from local and international sponsors, including GlobalB Law Firm, Mothers Essential, Swan Bitcoin, and Yellow Law.

ATASC plays a vital role in uniting Turkish Americans from Santa Barbara to San Diego, providing cultural and educational programs through its seven local chapters and three schools. Established as the oldest and largest Turkish American nonprofit in Southern California, ATASC promotes the enrichment of the Turkish American community, sharing their vibrant culture with their neighbors.

Event Details:

• - Date: Sunday, June 1st, 2025
• - Time: 11 AM to 5 PM
• - Location: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
• - Parking: The Pike Outlets Parking Garage / Aquarium/Queensway Bay Parking Garage
• - Admission: Free – open to everyone

For those eager to witness the joyful celebration of cultures, the California Turkish Festival is not just an event but a gathering that emphasizes diversity and community spirit. You can keep up with festival updates through their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.

For more information, visit ATASC's website.

This festival promises a rich experience of Turkish heritage, filled with joy, meals, and entertainment that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.