Balıkesir has a rich structure in terms of culture and art activities. Culture and art centers in the city both support local artists and host various cultural events. Balıkesir Arts Center, operated by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, makes great contributions to the cultural life of the city by organizing various theater performances, concerts and exhibitions. In addition, this center enables the training of young artists through various art courses and workshops.
Events in Balıkesir continue throughout the year and reflect the cultural diversity of the city. For example, the annual Balıkesir International Folklore Festival brings together folklore groups from all over the world. This festival offers visitors unforgettable moments with dance and music performances and showcases the cultural richness of Balıkesir. There are also literature-oriented events such as Altınoluk Writers Festival, which includes author readings, book signings and panel discussions.
In terms of museums, Balıkesir offers attractive spots for history and culture enthusiasts. Balıkesir Archaeology Museum presents the rich history of the region to visitors through archaeological finds. The museum is equipped with artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, which shed light on the life of Balıkesir in prehistoric and ancient times. In addition, the Kuvayi Milliye Museum makes visitors feel the spirit of that period by exhibiting period-specific documents and artifacts describing the events in and around Balıkesir during the Turkish War of Independence.
In addition to culture and art centers and museums, Balıkesir also offers a cultural atmosphere with its natural beauties and historical sites. Nature walks and sightseeing tours organized in the foothills of Kaz Mountains blend with art and cultural events to offer a different experience to visitors. The city creates a cultural richness by offering a variety of activities to its visitors and locals throughout the year with its modern art and cultural events as well as its historical and natural beauties.