Istanbul is gearing up for one of its most anticipated creative gatherings of the year as the Istanbul Comics and Art Festival (ICAF) returns for its ninth edition on June 13-14, 2026. The festival, organized by Dream Sales Machine, will be held for the first time at Paribu Art, bringing together comic books, illustration, caricature, fanzines, animation, and street art under one roof.
A Hub for Independent Creativity
Over the years, ICAF has become a key meeting point for Istanbul’s independent creative scene. It connects publishers, artists, illustrators, designers, and creative collectives while offering visitors far more than a conventional festival experience. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a comic book collector, or someone looking for unique merchandise, this festival delivers an immersive dive into contemporary visual culture.
What to Expect at This Year’s Festival
This year’s lineup is packed with exciting features. Attendees can explore booths from prominent publishers including Gerekli Şeyler, Kara Karga, Athica, Kayıp Kıta, and Flaneur. Artist booths will showcase the work of names such as Big Baboli, Flashmarket, dirt cake studio, MRE, Bülent Gültek, Ezgi Arslan, and Selin Çınar. With support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch and Turkish artists will collaborate on live mural and wall-art projects throughout the festival.
The festival will also host collective drawing areas, workshops, signing sessions, panel discussions, and live performances. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to watch artists at work through live drawing and illustration activities spread across the venue.
Apparel & Street Art Connection
For anyone interested in custom apparel, print-on-demand, or streetwear culture, ICAF is a goldmine of inspiration. Independent illustrators and comic artists at the festival often produce limited-edition prints, patches, and apparel designs that reflect Istanbul’s vibrant underground art scene. The street art and mural collaborations also offer a glimpse into the visual language that translates beautifully onto t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories.
Whether you are a designer looking for fresh influences or a fan looking to snag exclusive festival merchandise, ICAF 2026 is the place to be this June.
Event Details
Dates: June 13-14, 2026
Location: Paribu Art, Istanbul
Admission: Open to the public
Don’t miss the chance to experience Istanbul’s most exciting independent art and comics festival of the year. Mark your calendars and get ready to explore the creative energy that makes Istanbul a true cultural capital.