Athens is a dynamic city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a calendar packed with festivals and events that celebrate its history, vibrant arts scene, and modern creativity. From ancient traditions to contemporary expressions, these cultural experiences highlight Greece’s lasting influence on global culture. Whether you’re interested in classical performances, contemporary art, or local traditions, Athens has something to offer every traveler eager to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural pulse.
Here’s a list of the top annual cultural events and festivals in Athens that showcase the city’s diverse artistic spirit.
Athens Epidaurus Festival
The Athens Epidaurus Festival is the oldest and most prestigious cultural events in Greece, held every summer. The festival celebrates the rich heritage of ancient Greek theater, with performances of ancient dramas and contemporary theater, as well as dance and music performances by Greek and international artists. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, set against the Acropolis, the ancient Theater of Epidaurus and the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, as well Pireos 260 veue create a truly magical setting for these events. Ancient Greek plays performed in their original language and setting and world-class performances in the atmospheric setting of historical venues are unique must experience to live during your summer in Athens.
- When: June – October
- Where: Various venues, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Ancient Epidaurus Theater (Main and Little one), Pireos 260
- Highlights: Ancient Greek dramas, modern theater, music, dance performances
- Official Website: www.aefestival.gr
Athens Jazz Festival
Athens Jazz Festival celebrates jazz in all its forms, from classic to experimental, with performances by top Greek and international jazz artists. Held in the unique industrial setting of Technopolis in the center of Athens, a converted gasworks factory, the event is free to the public and is one of the city’s most laid-back and accessible music festivals. It’s a free entrance festival and usually there is a vibrant atmosphere in the Technopolis complex with food and art vendors around.
- When: May – June
- Where: Technopolis City of Athens, Gazi (Metro: Kerameikos)
- Highlights: International and Greek jazz performances, free admission
- Official Website: athensjazz.gr
Rockwave Festival
One of Greece’s largest music festivals, Rockwave Festival brings major international rock, pop, and metal bands. It usually takes place in TerraVibe Park, just outside Athens in Malakasa area, but last summer in has also some events held in Lycabettus open air theater in the city center. It has hosted icons like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Robbie Williams, Lana Del Rey and many more popular artists, making it a must for music lovers visiting Athens in the summer. As each day of the festival usually starts early, it’s perfect to plan a daily trip in Athens suburbs, and, why not, explore this part of region and maybe a short hiking path in Parnitha.
- When: June – July
- Where: TerraVibe Park,
- Access: Sfendali station, accessible by suburban train, public buses (Attica Bus) or private bus of the festival
- Highlights: International rock, metal, and pop acts, multi-day event
- Official site: www.rockwavefestival.gr
Release Athens Festival
Release Athens Festival one of the recent athenian festival but it has quickly become one of the most anticipated music festivals in Greece. Hosted at Plateia Nerou in Faliro area, a scenic spot by the sea, this festival brings some of the biggest names in rock, electronic, and pop music, such as Duran Duran, Pulp, Massive Attack, Iggy Pop, Offspring, Judas Priest, Arctic Monkeys, Nick Cave, The Prodigy, Liam Gallagher etc to Athens. The multi-day event offers an incredible lineup that includes both legendary acts and popular contemporary artists, providing a high-energy experience by the Athenian coast. Food trucks, chill-out zones, and facilities would be in the area of the festival for a full festival experience .
- When: Summer
- Where: Plateia Nerou (Water Square), Faliro, Athens
- Access: Easily accessible from central Athens by tram
- Highlights: International headliners, electronic and rock music, beachside venue
- Official Website: www.releaseathens.gr
Ejekt Festival
Another staple in the Athenian summer, Ejekt Festival, also a quite recent festival of the city, is known for featuring some of the biggest names in alternative rock, indie, and electronic music, such as Florence & The Machine, Editors, Maneskin, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, Kasabian etc With an impressive lineup that includes both international superstars and rising local artists, Ejekt is a must for fans of the alternative and electronic music scene. Like Release, it’s hosted at Plateia Nerou, offering a breezy beachside vibe that adds to the overall energy of the event. Hint: Already announced the first artist for the line up of summer 2025 and it’s Green Day band!
- When: Summer
- Where: Plateia Nerou, Faliro, Athens
- Access: Easily accessible from central Athens by tram
This is Athens City Festival
This is Athens City Festival is a relatively new and exciting addition to the city’s cultural calendar, introduced to showcase Athens’ vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. Organized by the city of Athens, this festival transforms the city into a lively hub of free and ticketed events, including music, dance, art installations, food tastings, and outdoor movie screenings. It’s an ideal festival for both locals and travelers looking to dive deeper into Athenian culture, community, and urban spaces. The festival celebrates the city itself, spotlighting its cultural diversity and hidden gems through various events spread throughout Athens. Events take place in popular landmarks and off-the-beaten-path spots, allowing visitors to explore different parts of the city while enjoying diverse activities. The festival’s program changes each year, covering a mix of genres and themes that highlight Athens as a modern, dynamic city with deep roots in history. The festival includes a variety of events across different locations, so planning ahead is key to make the most of your visit and as it is spread across multiple parts of Athens, making it a great way to explore neighborhoods like Plaka, Psiri, and Gazi. Many events are free to the public, offering a budget-friendly way to experience local culture.
- When: May
- Where: Various venues across Athens, including museums, parks, historic sites, and public squares
- Official Website: cityfestival.thisisathens.org
SNF Nostos Festival
The Nostos Festival showcases a mix of music performances, art installations, cultural events, and recreational activities that reflect the festival’s spirit of curiosity, joy, and community. One of the festival’s unique features is the Nostos Conference, a platform for engaging talks and discussions led by thought leaders, journalists, scientists, and social innovators on critical issues facing the world today. The event’s open-air setting by the Athenian Riviera adds a special charm, especially in the evenings when the festival site is illuminated and bustling with activity.
A highlight of the festival, the music lineup features a mix of Greek and international artists, ranging from well-known acts to emerging talent across various genres. Inspirational talks and panel discussions cover a range of topics like technology, mental health, sustainability, and culture, drawing notable speakers from around the world. Visitors can participate in friendly competitions, open fitness classes, and even try activities like rowing, yoga, and skateboarding, making it a fun, interactive experience. Each year, the festival includes unique, often interactive art exhibits and installations that add a touch of creativity and wonder throughout the SNFCC grounds. The festival includes plenty of activities for children, including games, crafts, and storytelling sessions, making it a family-friendly event.
The festival is free, so popular events and performances can draw large crowds. Arriving early ensures a good spot. With so many activities, from morning sports events to evening concerts, Nostos Festival is best enjoyed as a full-day experience. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center itself is a stunning venue, with its modern architecture, lush gardens, and views of the Aegean Sea.
The Nostos Festival is an enriching experience that offers something for everyone—whether you’re interested in art, fitness, music, or global issues. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the SNFCC, this festival is a true celebration of creativity, community, and learning, making it a must-attend event for anyone visiting Athens in the summer.
- When: June
- Where: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Kallithea, Athens
- Highlights: Free concerts, family activities, interactive art, sports events, Nostos Conference
- Official Website: www.snfnostos.org
Piano City Athens
Piano City Athens is a captivating festival dedicated to the piano, transforming Athens into a city-wide concert hall. Modeled after similar events in cities like Berlin and Milan, the festival invites both professional and amateur pianists to perform in various settings throughout Athens. Concerts take place in surprising and scenic locations—from public squares to historical buildings—offering a special opportunity to hear everything from classical and jazz to pop and experimental genres. The festival is free and accessible to all, making it an intimate and immersive experience for music lovers and curious passersby alike. Experience Athens’ architectural beauty as concerts are held in iconic landmarks, cozy venues, and open-air locations.
- When: May
- Where: Various locations across Athens, including public squares, cultural venues, and open-air spaces
- Highlights: Free piano concerts, pop-up performances, diverse musical styles
- Official Website: www.pianocityathens.gr
Megaron Spring Festival
The Megaron Spring Festival takes place at the renowned Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), a premier venue for classical music, opera, and cultural events in Greece. This festival is a celebration of classical and contemporary music, bringing together acclaimed international and Greek musicians. With a focus on high-caliber performances, the Megaron Spring Festival includes a mix of orchestral music, chamber music, and solo recitals that showcase both timeless classics and innovative compositions. The Athens Concert Hall is known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and elegant design, creating a memorable listening experience. Of course, Athens concert Hall has events to attend any time of the year and during summer it hosts its events at its beautiful garden, you only need to bring your pic nic blanket to attend them.
When: March – May
Where: Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)
Highlights: Classical music concerts, international and Greek artists, diverse musical repertoire