This month, many Istanbulites and members of the expat community will be heading to the beach for interesting festivals, while there will also be dance marathons as well as many ways to express yourself in the summer swelter.

July 31: Spoken Word Istanbul

The popular multicultural open-mike event series Spoken Word Istanbul resumes on Tuesday, July 31 with an evening of six-minute performances in a wide variety of genres including, but not limited to, music, poetry, stand-up, stories and anecdotes. Frequented by the expat community, this event series, which was featured in The Atlantic in the article titled "The Slam Poets of Istanbul," takes place every other week on Tuesdays throughout the summer at Arsen Lüpen, located in Beyoğlu. The show, which is free to attend, begins at 8:30 p.m.; however, those aspiring to perform are advised to sign up for a spot by 8:15 p.m.

Aug. 3 & 7: InterNations' & Expat Only Party

On Friday, Aug. 3 InterNations, the world's largest international expat professional networking community, will be holding their summer party at the chic Sortie located in Kuruçeşme. A rare opportunity to experience Turkish nightlife at its finest, the event starts at 7 p.m. with no loud music until after 10 p.m., allowing people to converse comfortably.

Then, on Tuesday, Aug. 7, InterNations will then be holding their August Expat Event at Ravouna 1906 in Beyoğlu starting at 6:30 p.m. Inter Nations events are for members, who receive discounted entrance fees. However, for those not registered, the entrance to both events is set at TL 60 ($12).

Aug. 4: VeganFest on Burgazada

On Saturday, Aug. 4 Cennet Bahçesi, a live music performance space located on Burgazada, one of the quieter of the Princes' Islands, will be the site of VeganFest, a day of workshops, seminars, stands and musical performances devoted to the kind and conscious vegan concept. Entrance is free to this event, which will take place from noon until 8 p.m., and there will be a vegan brunch, patisserie and cantina as well as a vegan reading library. There will be seminars given throughout the day on the benefits of vegan lifestyle, such as pregnancy and veganism, and a talk by a cardiovascular specialist. There will also be workshops on how to make vegan mayonnaise, sausages and burgers.

Aug. 5: Creative Workshop at circuit istanbul
​

On Sunday, Aug. 5, Indian expat Charu Wadhawan and the creator of Almost Turk, an entertaining Facebook and Instagram account of illustrations on Turkey and Turkish culture, will be leading a three-hour creative workshop titled "Ideation Illustration." Held at Circuit Istanbul and starting at 4 p.m., Charu will be sharing her own creative process of how she comes up with the inventive illustrations she posts on social media inspired by her experiences residing in Turkey as a foreigner. The course costs TL 100 to attend, and space is limited, so reserve your spot to be a part of this creative workshop.

Circuit Istanbul is an arts and culture organization that connects people through creative education and gatherings based in Kadıköy's colorful Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood. They host a number of interesting courses, many of which are led by expats, including a near nightly yoga session at 7 p.m. and at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Aug. 10-13: Forra ala Turca Festival

Forro İstanbul is the city's biggest community for Brazilian dance and this month, they have organized a four-day Forro ala Turca Festival with dancers, teachers and musicians from all over the world. Throughout the weekend, there will be workshops held for beginners, intermediate and advanced dance students at bomontiada in Şişli, followed by concerts each night with the event capping off with a day at the beach.

The festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 10 with a Turkish Cuisine Walking Tour on the historical peninsula from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. led by a local guide and Forro Istanbul member. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, a full day of classes will take place at bomontiada ALT followed by free dance sessions, performances by the Istanbul School of Samba and nightly concerts.

The first concert will take place on Friday, Aug. 10 at Grand Pera Beyoğlu with five different international musicians and dancers. On Saturday, Fabiano Santana will perform an open-air concert at bomontiada followed by an after party that will be held at the Irish Pub on Siraselviler in Taksim. On Sunday, evening there will be a Forro party at Arsen Lüpen. Then on Sunday, the festival heads to Kilyos for a Beach Party at Tirmata.

There is a wide range of ticketing options but the price for a full-pass is 115 Euros while a concert and party pass costs just 25 Euros. Check out www.forroalaturca.org for further info.

Aug. 11: Istanbul Lindy Hoppers in Kilyos

Over the weekend of Aug. 11-12, the Istanbul Lindy Hoppers, Turkey's first-ever and largest swing community at 500 members strong, have arranged a very special weekend at the beach titled "Baykuş Swim Out." Held at Baykuş Beach in Kilyos, the Istanbul Lindy Hoppers have organized a discounted price to camp out, so members are welcome to either come for the day or stay overnight. There will also be a special dance area designated for the event and evening party. The Istanbul Lindy Hoppers also have three different dance schools in Istanbul where they teach weekly classes.