I’m the first to admit that every time I hear reference to Istanbul, that infectious song gets stuck in my head. But Turkey’s most populous city has left its footprint in the history of world civilization without help from some cheesy song.

Photo: HBarrison

In 2010, Istanbul will be celebrated as a capital of European culture with yearlong events, the opening of new exhibits and museums, renovations of landmarks and performances by artists from around the globe. In preparation, the city has renovated landmark attractions and even opened new museums. Renovations include the Ataturk Culture Center, the Topkapi Palace museum and the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most famous churches and mosques. Istanbul has also opened the Maslak Culture Center as a venue for performing arts and commenced a Frank Gehry-designed opera house.

The events will follow the theme “A City of Four Elements” to help the city organize the yearlong celebration. Jan. 1 through March 20 will represent the “Earth” period, where archaeological excavations will be showcased, exhibits illustrating the city’s historical development will be featured and the influence of Ottoman Istanbul is detailed. March 21 through June 21 will represent “Air” and will feature multicultural and inter-religious events. “Water” will take place from June 22 through Sept. 22 and boast two weeklong presentations of music, art and food from numerous European countries in waterfront districts of Istanbul. Ending the yearlong celebration “Fire,” which takes place Sept. 22 through Dec. 31, will focus on Turkey’s contemporary art scene.

For more information and a detailed calendar of events, visit www.istanbul2010.org or www.goturkey.com.

Plan your 2010 trip to Istanbul on TravelMuse.

The end of summer is on the horizon, but you can still squeeze in some affordable last minute warm-weather fun at a music festival. Summer music festivals are a great way to take a pseudo-vacation; you get to spend time outside, listen to amazing music and check out all of the awesome vendors. Here are four to get you started, but make sure you check your local listings for festivals in your area.

Outside Lands 2008. Photo: vonlohmann

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is the venue for the 2nd annual Outside Lands Festival. This three-day festival takes place from August 28 to 30 and boasts a wide variety of musical genres including rock, blues, reggae, jazz, hip-hop, soul, latin and electronic music. Sample some of the best food San Francisco has to offer, while enjoying the music of bands such as Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Modest Mouse and The Mars Volta. If you need a break from the crowds at one of the three main stages, saunter past the arts and crafts booths and pick up a souvenir to bring home with you.

For more information, visit www.sfoutsidelands.com.

Pukkelpop

Pukkelpop is one of the largest alternative open-air festivals in Belgium. The festival takes place from August 20 to 22 and features eight stages of live music, with more than 200 acts. Some of the notable acts include The Offspring, Snow Patrol, 50 Cent and Wilco. Make sure you bring your tent and sleeping bag, because your festival ticket includes free access to the campsite.

For more information, visit www.pukkelpop.be/en/.

Outside Lands 2008. Photo: Julio Enriquez

Monolith Festival

Once deemed the “Best Live Music Venue in North America” by Pollstar, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado will host the 2009 Monolith Festival from September 12 to 13. The festival will present more than 50 musical artists on five stages, including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Method Man and Redman, Girl Talk and The Dandy Warhols. Enjoy the music, sip a cold brew and be ready to rock out.

For more information, visit www.monolithfestival.com.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

The Austin City Limits Music Festival dates back to 2002, and over the course of the year it has become one of the most recognized music festivals in the United States. Austin’s three-day festival has been known to draw as many as 65,000 people a day, and this October 2 to 4 will be no different. Major acts for the 2009 show include John Legend, Lily Allen, Andrew Bird, Mos Def, the Levon Helm Band, Ben Harper and the Relentless7, Michael Franti and Spearhead, and Sonic Youth.

For more information, visit www.aclfestival.com.

Who says you have to be a geek to appreciate museum events? At the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Thursday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. (through Oct. 29, 2009) are now dedicated to NightLife, with music, food, cocktails and science presentations for adults 21 years and older.

For only $10 ($8 for members), you can shake your groove thang to hot DJ-supplied tunes or learn something scientific with your drink in hand. Each week, a different part of the Academy hosts the party, but you can still walk through the exhibits to your heart’s content (although some, like the Rainforest and Penguin exhibits, close early).

NightLife is the perfect event for those of us who love seeing kids excited about science, and who also prefer to get in close to see that cool-looking stingray, thankyouverymuch.

So, on your next San Francisco vacation, go to the Academy of Sciences at night—and you can check “spectacular new science museum” and “cool San Francisco nightlife” off your itinerary at once! For more information, visit www.calacademy.org.