Athens is not just a city of ancient ruins and historical landmarks; it is also a vibrant cultural hub that hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. From traditional events rooted in ancient rituals to contemporary celebrations of art, music, and food, Athens offers a diverse array of festivals that cater to every taste and interest. Here's a guide to some of the most famous festivals in Athens that will enrich your travel experience.
1. Athens Epidaurus Festival
The Athens Epidaurus Festival is one of Greece’s most prestigious cultural events, celebrating the performing arts with a wide range of performances, including modern and ancient theater, ballet, opera, jazz, classical music, and more. Held across various iconic venues, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus beneath the Acropolis and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, this festival is a must-attend for anyone interested in Greek culture and performing arts.
When: May 31 to August 24, 2024
Where: Various locations including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
2. Athens Jazz Festival
The Athens Jazz Festival, established in 2001, is a cornerstone of the city's musical scene, offering free entry to jazz enthusiasts. This annual festival showcases a diverse lineup of jazz musicians from around the world, making it a vibrant celebration of this genre in the heart of Athens. Free performances by international jazz artists, a lively atmosphere in the historic Technopolis of Gazi, and a gathering of jazz lovers from all over the world.
When: 26 May to 3 June, 2024
Where: Technopolis of Gazi, Athens
3. Rockwave Festival
The Rockwave Festival is one of Greece's largest and most awaited music events, featuring performances by both international and Greek artists. Live performances under the stars, a wide array of camping sites, shops, bars, and a vibrant atmosphere that brings music lovers together in a scenic outdoor venue are organised during this festivals.
When: 25 June to 1 August 2024
Where: Terra Vibe Park, Malakasa, approximately 40 km north of Athens.
4. Athens Street Food Festival
The Athens Street Food Festival is a gastronomic paradise for food enthusiasts. Launched in 2016, it has quickly become one of Greece's largest food festivals, featuring a wide variety of street food vendors, food trucks, and chefs showcasing the best of Greek and international street food culture. During this festival, you can enjoy a diverse range of street food from traditional Greek dishes to innovative culinary creations and live music.
When: 3-6 October, 2024
Where: Old OSY depot, Gazi, Athens
Entrance: EUR 6
5. Athens Digital Arts Festival
The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) is an annual celebration of digital culture and contemporary art. This festival showcases innovative artworks that explore the intersection of art, science, and technology, offering a platform for artists to present cutting-edge multimedia creations. It showcases exhibitions of video art, interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, and multimedia performances.
When: 16 - 26 May 2024
Where: Various venues in Athens city center
Entrance: EUR 7- EUR 10
6. Athens Open-Air Film Festival
The Athens Open-Air Film Festival offers a unique movie-watching experience under the stars. Held during the summer, this festival screens a diverse selection of classic and contemporary films at various iconic locations throughout the city, including archaeological sites and parks.
When: 17 June - 4 September, 2024
Where: Various outdoor venues across Athens
7. Athens International Film Festival
The Athens International Film Festival is a major cinematic event that brings together film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. Established to promote independent cinema, this festival features film screenings, live Q&A sessions with directors and actors, workshops, and panel discussions that offer deep insights into the art of filmmaking.
When: April 7-13, 2025
Where: Various cinemas and venues across Athens, including the historic Attikon and Apollon theaters.
8. Burger Fest
Burger Fest is Greece's first food festival dedicated to the art of burger-making, attracting foodies from all over the country. Since its inception in 2014, it has become a beloved annual event where local restaurants, food trucks, and chefs showcase their creative takes on the classic burger. A wide range of burgers from classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, live music, cooking demonstrations, and a lively atmosphere that brings together food lovers for a celebration of culinary creativity.
When: 20-22 & 27-29 September, 2024
Where: Various locations in Athens, often in the old OSY depot in Gazi.
9. Athens Photo Festival
The Athens Photo Festival is the leading international festival of photography and related media in Greece. It offers a platform for contemporary photography from around the world, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and screenings that explore diverse photographic styles and themes. Exhibitions of documentary photography, conceptual art, and visual storytelling, along with educational programs, networking opportunities, and talent development initiatives for emerging photographers are the main attractions of this festival.
When: 6 June – 28 July 2024
Where: Various venues across Athens, including the Benaki Museum and other cultural centers.
10. Athens Beer Festival
The Athens Beer Festival is an annual celebration of craft beer culture, showcasing a wide variety of local and international brews. This festival is a must-attend for beer enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse flavors of Athens’ vibrant craft beer scene. It features a vast selection of craft beers from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, interactive workshops on brewing, live music performances
When: April 6, 2025
Where: Technopolis of Gazi, Athens
Athens is a city that thrives on its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festival scene. Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, an art enthusiast, or someone looking to experience the unique traditions of Greece, the festivals in Athens offer something for everyone. Plan your visit around these events to immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere and create unforgettable memories in this historic yet modern metropolis.