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ATHENS STREET FOOD FESTIVAL
Where: GaziWhen: 24,25 & 26 May 2019Why Go: Discover the dynamic street food scene in AthensReturning for its fourth year, the Athens Street Food festival brings out the flavours of urban Athens in the hip suburb of Gazi. The festival brings together a global community of street food from all corners of the globe including Asia, Africa, Northern Europe, Latin America and of course, Greece. Over three consecutive weekends in May,…
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EVENTS at the Stavros Niarchos Center
Where: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)When: Throughout May 2019Why Go: Great for architecture buffs & outdoor activities suitable for solos, couples & familiesThe Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is one of the largest and newest developments that Athens has seen since it hosted the Olympic Games. It is a remarkable architectural feat pioneered by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and brought to life by the extraordinary vision of Italian architect Renzo Piano. It now houses two of Greece’s…
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ATHENS TECHNOPOLIS JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Technopolis in GaziWhen: 27 May – 2 June 2019Why Go: For the best line up in the int’l jazz sceneOne of the oldest and most loved Jazz event of the city returns for its 19th year. The Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival will once again present the best line up of jazz music and trends from around the world over seven days. Visitors can expect 21 musical formats from 19 countries, with a series of…
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EVENTS AT THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Where: Acropolis MuseumWhen: May, June and July 2019Why Go: To get more out of your visit to the museumThe Acropolis Museum holds special events throughout the summer to enhance your experience of visiting the museum. Free guided tours, musical interludes and important archaeological artefacts on display on a temporary basis. See what’s on this month. Skip the line e-tickets are available to purchase here in advance FREE GUIDED TOUR AND GALLERY TALK OF…
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ATHENS OPEN AIR FILM FESTIVAL 2019
Where: Various locations around AthensWhen: 5 June to 26 July & 23 to 28 August 2019Why Go: To see iconic movies against the backdrop of Athenian sites & landmarksThe Athens Open Air Film Festival returns for its 9th year, transforming some of the most iconic spaces around Athens into outdoor cinemas, screening some of the greatest movies in film history. This year, the festival program includes masterpieces from legendary world cinema directors such as Federico Fellini, David Leeds, Michelangelo Antonioni, Louise Buonuel, Akira…
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GUIDED TOURS INSIDE HELLENIC PARLIAMENT
Where: Hellenic Parliament, SyntagmaWhen: Throughout June, July & September 2019Why Go: A look behind the walls of the Greek Parliament buildingComplimentary guided tours of Hellenic Parliament take place in June, July and September, providing fascinating insights into the history of the building. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the grand rooms such as the Assembly Hall and the debating chamber and learn more about Greece’s modern history. Take a sneak peak here of what’s…
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Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra
Where: Katrakeio Outdoor TheatreWhen: 7 June 2019Why Go: See this renowned Gypsy orchestra LIVEHungary’s explosive Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra returns to Athens to perform for one night only at the outdoor Katrakeio theatre. The orchestra combines the spontaneity of gypsy music with the accuracy and synchronisation of a typical Viennese orchestra, performed by 100 masterful musicians (74 violins, 10 bass, 10 clarinets, 6 cymbals). Known around the world…
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ATHENS AND EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL 2019
Where: Various venues around Athens & EpidaurusWhen: 5 June – 10 August 2019Why Go: For an extensive line up of music, theatre & danceThe Athens and Epidaurus Festival is the city’s annual arts festival and a highlight of the Greek summer calendar. With a legacy that spans more than sixty years, today it incorporates a full programme of music, theatre, dance and visual arts. Performances at the two ancient theatres of the Odeon Herodes Atticus and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus are highlights…
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NORMA at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 5, 7, 9, 11 June 2019Why Go: See this tragic and powerful opera on an iconic stageNorma, returns to the stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens presented by the Greek National Opera (GNO) as part of the 2019 Athens and Epidaurus Festival. This opera, by Vincenzo Bellini, was one of the first to be presented in Athens as a newly formed state in 1837. In the GNO’s long…
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ELENI KARAINDROU at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 14 June 2019Why Go: Hear music from this renowned Greek composerAcclaimed Greek composer Eleni Karaindrou will captivate audiences with her music for one night only at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Thirty-one years after her first iconic concert at the Odeon in 1988, Karaindrou will deliver a spellbinding concert in two parts for this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. In the first, audiences will enjoy…
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JETHRO TULL live at the Acropolis
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 15 June 2019Why Go: See these musical legends LIVEBritish rock band, Jethro Tull performs at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, following their first gig at the ancient theatre in 2003. They return to Athens celebrating their 50 years of music as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Led by lead vocalist, flautist and acoustic guitarist Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull have influenced…
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YUJA WANG & the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 17 June 2019Why Go: Hear this rising piano virtuoso LIVE at an iconic venueAcclaimed Chinese classical pianist, Yuja Wang will captivate audiences with her virtuosity and her riveting performing style for one night only during the 2019 Athens and Epidaurus Festival at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. A phenomenal pianist, Wang has astounded audiences in the greatest concert halls around the world since her 2008 graduation from the Curtis…
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GREEK SINGERS PERFORMING IN ATHENS
Where: Various locations around AthensWhen: June & July 2019Why Go: Experience the latest in modern Greek music LIVEGreek singers perform all around Greece throughout the year. For those wanting to experience the latest in the Greek music scene, there’s a legendary line up in store this month in Athens.
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A TRIBUTE TO NIKOS SKALKOTTAS – ERT National Symphony Orchestra
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 21 June 2019Why Go: An evening of music beneath the starsMarking 70 years since the death of Greek composer Nikos Skalkottas, the ERT National Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to his work at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Performing the ballet The Sea, a series of vivid images drawn from the marine world revolving around fantasy…
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ANCIENT EPIDAURUS THEATRE PROGRAMME & TICKETS
Where: Palea Epidaurus in ArgolisWhen: 21 June - 10 August 2019Why Go: To experience a live performance & perfect acoustics at this ancient theatreAs part of the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the Epidaurus theatres come alive with the works of great Greek playwrights such as Aeschylus, Euripides, Sophocles and more. These three ancient sites welcomed more than 90,000 theatre-goers last year, across eight weekends in summer and is an absolute highlight to experience a midsummer production at these…
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THE LIFE & TIMES OF OEDIPUS – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 21 and 22 June 2019Why Go: Discover Oedipus, the mythical Greek king of ThebesThis production of Oedipus at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. The iconic story of Oedipus comes alive in Robert Wilson’s series of breathtakingly, distinctive tableau vivant. The celebrated American director follows Oedipus’ story chronologically, without faithfully adapting Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. From the moment of…
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YIANNIS PARIOS IN CONCERT
Where: Vrachon Theatre + Veakio TheatreWhen: 23 June & 8 July 2019Why Go: See one of Greece’s most famous singersOne of Greece’s most famous and loved singers, Yiannis Parios will be performing at two magnificent open-air theatres in Athens for one night only in June and July as part of his summer tour. A regular highlight of the summer calendar, visitors to Athens will have the chance to see Parios at the Melina Mercouri Theatre…
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A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FILMS BY STEVEN SPIELBERG
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 24 June 2019Why Go: Relive special musical moments from Spielberg’s filmsThe Athens State Orchestra will perform a musical tribute of selected films by Steven Spielberg at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Much of the success of Spielberg’s films have been compounded by their musical score, composed by some of the world’s greatest film composers…
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LOREENA MCKENNITT live at the Odeon Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 27 June 2019Why Go: See the star of Celtic musicCanadian musician and composer Loreena McKennitt comes to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. McKennitt will perform from her new album ‘Lost Souls’ along with tracks from her long career. Known for her dramatic soprano vocals, McKennitt has sold more than 14 million records worldwide. Her music employs…
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YANNIS MARKOPOULOS 80th birthday celebration at the Odeon
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 28 June 2019Why Go: Enjoy the music of a famed Greek composerCelebrating his 80th birthday, legendary Greek composer, Yannis Markopoulos comes to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to present a full repertoire for an enchanting evening of music as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. With an active career spanning almost 60 years, Markopoulos created compositions for symphonic orchestras, film, theatre scores, operas and…
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ORESTEIA by Aeschylus – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 28 & 29 June 2019Why Go: See Aeschylus’ trilogy at an iconic venueThis production of Oresteia by Aeschylus at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. A bold, original concept by the National Theatre of Greece: Oresteia, the only extant ancient drama trilogy is presented in a single performance by three directors in their Epidaurus debut, with a…
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SUMMER NOSTOS FESTIVAL at the Stavros Niarchos Center
Where: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural CentreWhen: 23 - 30 June 2019Why Go: Packed program ideal for the whole familyThe Summer Nostos Festival at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) returns in June for a week of music and dance to celebrate the beginning of summer. Modern pioneers, internationally acclaimed performers and leading Greek artists from every field make up the programme of this year’s festival. HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER NOSTOS FESTIVAL 2019 ADMISSION TO ALL…
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YO-YO MA solo cellist at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 30 June 2019Why Go: Experience an unforgettable performanceWidely considered as the greatest cellist in the world, Yo-Yo Ma comes to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens to perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello. Having received more than 18 Grammy Awards and accolades including the Polar Music Prize (2012) and the United States National Medal of the Arts (2001),…
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ROSAS dance group with Bach’s Six Cello Suites
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 2 July 2019Why Go: See Bach’s cello suites accompanied by world-class dancersThe world famous Rosas dance group along with choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, perform to Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello, for one night only at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Joining them on stage will be the great French cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, acclaimed for his musical virtuosity. Critics have described…
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THE SUPPLIANTS by Euripides – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 5 & 6 July 2019Why Go: See this ancient Greek tragedy by EuripidesThis production of The Suppliants by Euripides at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. Two national theatres, the National Theatre of Greece and Cyprus Theatre Organisation, join forces to produce an iconic play: a tragedy about war and the dead, existential dread, dignity, faith and…
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WORLD OUTDOOR GYMNASTICS GALA
Where: Panathenaic StadiumWhen: 7 July 2019Why Go: See top level gymnasts at an iconic venueA new gymnastics competition, ‘The World Outdoor Gymnastics Gala’ (WOGG) will premier at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, hosting 20 Olympians from 20 countries. Top representatives from three Olympic sports; rhythmic, artistic and trampoline gymnastics, will display their highest levels of ability and skill. Greek Olympians such as Lefteris Petrounias, Vasiliki Miloussi, Vlasios Maras, Varvaro…
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ALCINA by George Frideric Handel
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 6 & 7 July 2019Why Go: See one of Handel’s greatest worksArmonia Atenea – The Friends of Music Orchestra and accomplished conductor George Petrou return to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to perform George Frideric Handel’s Alcina as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. With award-winning productions in theatres and festivals across Europe, Armonia Atenea embark on a journey to the magical world of Baroque…
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UB40 & ANTONIS REMOS live in Athens
Where: Theatro Petras, PetropouliWhen: 10 July 2019Why Go: For an unforgettable concert under the starsLegendary reggae band UB40 and multi-platinum selling Greek singer Antonis Remos will perform together at Theatro Petras in Petropouli in Athens, marking the bands 40th anniversary tour. UB40, who have received 4 Grammy Award nominations and sold more than 70 million records worldwide, will perform their greatest hits including, “Red Red Wine”, “Here I Am”…
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OEDIPUS REX by Sophocles – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 12 & 13 July 2019Why Go: See Sophocles’ masterpieceThis production of Oedipus Rex at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. Sophocles’ masterpiece and arguably the ancient Greek tragedy par excellence begins with a mystery. The city of Thebes is afflicted with plague. King Oedipus wants to know why this is the case. The oracle…
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MAXIM VENGEROV with the Athens State Orchestra
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus, AcropolisWhen: 16 July 2019Why Go: See this solo violinist perform on a majestic stageWorld famous violinist Maxim Vengerov together with the Athens State Orchestra will perform at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus as part of this year’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival. In this first collaboration, Vengerov will perform one of the greatest and most demanding concertos for violin of all time, Concerto for violin and orchestra in D major,…
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IPHIGENIA IN AULIS by Euripides – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 19 & 20 July 2019Why Go: A play full of twists & dilemmasThis production of Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. One of Euripides’ late plays, written between 408 and 406 BC and presented posthumously at the Great Dionysia, where it won first prize. The tragedy focuses on the fateful decision…
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ELECTRA & ORESTES by Euripides – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 26 & 27 July 2019Why Go: See two of Euripides’ plays brought together at onceThis production of Electra & Orestes at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. Belgian theatre director Ivo van Hove brings together two of Euripides plays, telling the story of Electra and Orestes and more specifically how the two siblings reunite and make a pact to…
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LA TRAVIATA at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 27, 28, 30, 31 July 2019Why Go: To see one of Verdi’s great operatic masterpiecesLa Traviata, by Giuseppe Verdi comes to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens this July presented by the Greek National Opera (GNO) as part of the 2019 Athens and Epidaurus Festival. This tragic love story, with its much-loved arias and duets, will be directed by the GNO’s choreographer and artistic director, Konstantinos Rigos who…
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THE CLOUDS by Aristophanes – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 2 & 3 August 2019Why Go: See this “comedy of ideas” on an iconic ancient stageThis presentation of The Clouds by Aristophanes at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. Aristophanes’ masterful comedy was first presented at the Great Dionysia in 423 BC and attacks Socrates’ teachings and the philosophical ideas of the time. The elderly, largely uneducated Athenian, Strepsiades, is…
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ATHENS EVENTS – August & September 2019
Where: Various locations in AthensWhen: Throughout August & September 2019Why Go: For live music & theatreThe summer season is in full swing but the month of August also marks the close of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival and the start of summer holidays for locals. Museums and archaeological sites are open throughout August although the events calendar takes a break in the weeks leading up to and following the traditional…
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PROMETHEUS BOUND by Aeschylus – Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Where: Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWhen: 9 & 10 August 2019Why Go: See Aeschylus’ tragedy on an ancient Greek stageThis production of Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme for 2019. Prometheus is punished by Zeus for giving fire to humanity. Hephaestus is tasked with chaining Prometheus on steep mountain rocks. Cratus and Bia keep watch the reluctant Hephaestus. Oceanus’ daughters, the…
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JOHN CLEESE LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 20 September 2019Why Go: See one of the world's greatest comedic actorsBritish actor and comedian John Cleese, is set to perform on the grand stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus this September in Athens. Cleese, who describes himself as “writer, actor and tall person” has been touring the US and Europe to sell-out audiences with his self-titled show ‘Last Time to See Me Before I…
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ATHENS MARATHON – The authentic and original race
Where: From Marathon to AthensWhen: 10 November 2019Why Go: Cheer on marathon runners from various vantage pointsThe Athens Marathon celebrates its 37th year in 2019 on Sunday 10th November with the annual race from the town of Marathon to Athens covering 42.195km’s. The finish line for the marathon will be held once again at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium with more than 50,000 runners expected from around the world to participate across…
Athens Events
With a vibrant cultural scene all year round, Athens events include an impressive mix of both local and international musicians, artists and dance groups. The city comes alive in the summer months where cinema screens move outdoors and plateias or neighbourhood squares are buzzing with music and festivities. From June-August every year, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival is in full swing with an abundance of events held at various iconic Athenian venues including Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre, located at the base of the southern slopes of the Acropolis.
The Athens events we list have been chosen to appeal to an international audience passing through Athens and we select events accordingly.
Events in Athens
The Megaron Athens Concert Hall and Greek National Theatre are two of the major modern day venues in Athens. In peak season and where possible, we recommend you pre-purchase your tickets or ask your hotel to assist you with this. We provide you with the venue address in English and Greek to overcome any language barriers with taxi drivers. We also provide the nearest metro station to an event, along with a map to assist with your travel arrangements.
Athens & Epidaurus Festival
This is by far the crown jewel in the annual events calendar in Athens. Running now for more than 60 years, it presents local and international productions of Ancient Greek drama that celebrates the city’s cultural heritage. Athens is blessed with a network of ancient amphitheatres including Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Aristotle’s Lyceum and Lycabettus Theatre. Extending beyond Athens to the Attica region, performances can also be found at the Ancient Theatre of Delphi and the infamous Epidaurus Theatre. Check out our travel tips of getting to Epidaurus.
August Full Moon Festival
Every August on the night of the full moon, musical performances are held at key historic venues, including the Acropolis, the Roman Agora and other sites around Greece. Be sure to watch this space for updates.
