CARMEN at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 2nd September, 2017Why Go: An explosive dance production of CarmenThe dance theatre version of Carmen returns to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with Antonio Gades and Carlos Saura’s explosive interpretation of Carmen and the flamenco. Spanish dancer and choreographer, Gades and director Carlos Saura first introduced their dance theatre version of Carmen in Paris in 1983, shortly after their critically acclaimed film swept the…
AMYNTAS by George Mormoris at the Odeon
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 26 September, 2017Why Go: See a legendary play in a magical settingAmyntas first premiered at last years Athens and Epidaurus Festival and will be performed again at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, in loving memory of the late director and scholar, Spyros Evangelatos. Originally written by Torquato Tasso, Amyntas is set in a forest, full of love-struck shepherds, sheep, virgin Amazons, wild beasts and legendary creatures such…
BOLSHOI THEATRE celebrates Mikhail Lavrovsky
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 19 – 20th September, 2017Why Go: To see one of the greatest balletsA tribute to the legendary Russian ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer, Mikhail Lavrovsky by the Bolshoi Ballet. This anniversary tribute holds its first international show in Athens, after its world premiere earlier this year in Moscow. Presented in two parts, the 76 year old Lavrovsky performs in the role of Daniliev. The performance consists of historical…
THE BACCHAE by Euripides at the Odeon
Where: Odeon Herodes AtticusWhen: 11 September 2017Why Go: To see the portrayal of the god Dionysus as both actor and directorThe god Dionysus arrives at the city of Thebes, disguised in human form. King Pentheus struggles to fortify the city and himself against a religion that threatens to make everyone equal; current and former kings, gods and slaves, oracles and messengers, men and women alike and transform the world into a place where humans are…
OEDIPUS AT KOLONOS by Sophocles at the Odeon
Where: Odeon Herodes AtticusWhen: 8 September 2017Why Go: To see the ancient Greek tragedy by SophoclesThis ancient Athenian tragedy that many regard as Sophocles’ masterpiece is presented by Stavros Tsakiris who adopts the style of narrative theatre. The cast will narrate a parable on a stage that is virtually empty. The characters are conceived as apparitions of the dying Oedipus. Minos Matsas’ music will serve as a parallel text to…
MARIA CALLAS OPERA GALA at the Odeon
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 14th September 2017Why Go: A 40 year anniversary tribute to CallasThe Greek National Opera (GNO) presents an opera gala on 14th September at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to honour the memory of the leading Greek soprano, Maria Callas, who died 40 years ago on 16th September, 1977. Callas graced the stage of the Odeon as a young woman singing the lead role in Beethoven’s Fidelio and Kalomoiris’ The Master Builder. GNO’s…
PEACE by Aristophanes at the Odeon Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon Herodes AtticusWhen: 4-5 September 2017Why Go: To see the musical adaptation of Aristophanes’ PeaceThe great Greek composer Nikos Kypourgos and the talented young writer Dimosthenis Papamarkos have been commissioned by the National Theatre of Greece to write the music and libretto respectively for a musical adaptation of Aristophanes’ Peace, directed by the accomplished Konstantinos Arvanitakis. PEACE will play at the majestic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Find…
SWEENEY TODD at the Odeon Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 31 August 2017Why Go: To see Opera in Athens' best settingIn its third annual musical production, the Armonia Atenea – The Friends of Music Orchestra and George Petrou will once again impress audiences at the Athens Festival with the acclaimed musical thriller Sweeney Todd playing at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This impressive production will feature a cast of 26, including popular actors and opera…
TANGO del SUR at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Where: Odeon of Herodes AtticusWhen: 6th September 2017Why Go: A passionate evening of dance under the September full moonOn the last full moon of summer, melodies by great Argentine Masters will flood the stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with Tango del Sur (Tango of the south). The passionate movement of the tango comes alive for one night only with internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, Natalia Hills from Buenos Aires, who performs for…
The 7th Athens Open Air Film Festival 2017
Where: Various locations around AthensWhen: On now - 1st September 2017Why Go: To see iconic movies against the backdrop of Athenian landmarksThe Athens Open Air Film Festival returns, transforming some of the most iconic spaces around Athens into outdoor cinemas and screening some of the greatest movies in film history. The festival has become an anticipated part of the Athens summer calendar. Free entry to all movies. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS JULY Mad Max 2, The…
GREEK SINGERS PERFORMING IN ATHENS
Where: Various locations around AthensWhen: Throughout September 2017Why 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.
EVENTS AT THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Where: Acropolis MuseumWhen: On now - 31st August 2017Why Go: To get more out of your visit to the museumThe Acropolis Museum hold events to enhance visitors experiences of the museum including complimentary* guided tours every Friday evening at 6:00pm (in English) led by an archaeologist who shares fascinating insights about the exhibits. Until 31st August. Duration: 60 minutes *Free with the price of normal admission Why Athens Tips: Limited to 40 visitors per…
ODYSSEYS at the National Archaeological Museum
Where: National Archaeological MuseumWhen: On now - 30th September 2017Why Go: To see a visual narration of mankind’s odyssey through timeStories of conquests, exploration and the desire to overcome immortality is weaved together in the National Archaeological Museum’s latest exhibition, ‘Odysseys’. Tracing the personal and collective endeavours of mankind over many periods of time, it is a fitting tribute to the museum’s 150 year anniversary.
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.
