The first day of the 20th Anniversary Youth Festival, organized by Kastamonu University, began on May 13, 2026, with events held at the Ayyıldız Sports and Life Center. Cultural, artistic, and sporting activities organized throughout the day attracted high participation. 

The program was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Deputy Governor Mevlüt Özmen, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan and Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, as well as representatives from public institutions and organizations, academics, students, and many invited guests. 

Speaking at the opening of the festival, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that Kastamonu University has been conducting studies in many areas, from education to culture, from sports to art, over the past 20 years, and emphasized the importance of activities that contribute to the social and cultural development of young people. Our Rector thanked those who contributed to the festival's preparation. 

After the speeches, the opening ribbon was cut by our Rector and Deputy Governor Mevlüt Özmen, along with the protocol members. Later, the festival area booths were visited, and information was gathered about the work being done. 

As part of the festival, traditional and world cuisine dishes prepared by local and district municipalities, as well as international students, were presented to the participants at the "Traditional City and Culture Days" events organized by the Health, Culture, and Sports Department, the General Directorate of Foreign Relations, the International Student Coordination Office, and the International Student Society. Students from different countries introduced their cultures with traditional clothing. 

As part of the program, the Raksan Folk Dance Community and our international students staged dance performances. Throughout the day, workshops in painting, marbling, and wood carving were organized, while live foosball, sports activities, traditional games, and competitions created enjoyable moments in the festival area.  

In the evening section of the festival, concert programs were held at the Emin Baydil Sports Field. In the events where Doğan Dalmızrak and Gürkan Gökhan Gökmen took the stage, participants experienced moments filled with music. The day's finale featured a performance by DJ Onur Can.

The first day of the Kastamonu University 20th Anniversary Youth Festival concluded with events that brought together culture, art, sports, and entertainment.