Athens annual events calendar: A year of cultural celebrations!
Parthenon, mediterranean sun, sights, walks, food, history… Looking for more reasons to come to the capital of Greece? They definitely exist, don’t be surprised. Are you an art lover or a sports fan? Be that as it may, below you will definitely find at least one reason to plan your next trip to Athens. Don’t miss out! Athens’ most sought-after events are at your fingertips. Concerts, meetups, open mics, art shows, and unique experiences… Check out the list of annual events in the city and choose the dates for your accomodation!
EVENTS CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
- 07, 10, 14, 15, 18, 25/02, Carmen Ballet
Greek National Opera, Stravros Niarchos Hall
The great Swedish choreographer Johan Inger approaches Bizet’s story through the eyes of a child, with the intent to reprobate violence. Thus he creates an entirely new choreography for the heroine.
www.nationalopera.gr
- 25/02, 9th Lycabettus Run
Lycabettus Hill
Choose between 6 routes, from 4.5 to 11 km, on the road or on the mountain, walking around the ring road or inside the hill of Lycabettus. And if you didn’t register on time, you can walk them on your own!
www.lycabettusrun.gr
MARCH
- 23/02-03/03, Onassis Dance Days
Onassis Stegi
The 11th contemporary danse festival is full of music, adrenaline, choreographers, live performances. In addition, there is a parallel program featuring leading international figures.
www.onassis.org
- 07-10/03, 5th Positively Different Short Film Festival
Astor Cinema
22 countries of origin, 40 short films, 4 awards. With sensibility, courage and a sense of humour, creators address common issues, through exciting new worlds where they invite the audience.
www.positively-different.net
APRIL
- 05-06/04, Journey to the center of music – Ballet music
The Athens Concert Hall
Concerts of the State Orchestra of Athens which aim to illuminate timeless symphonic music, each time dramatizing a different symphonic musical genre. Ηistorical data blend with personal stories, hidden symbolism and the magic of the structure of symponies.
www.megaron.gr
- 06-08/04, WOW FESTIVAL
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
The “Women of the World” festival, by far the world’s largest event regarding women, aspires to give a platform to inspiring voices. It includes: speeches of guest activists both Greek and foreign, discussions on key issues that concern women around the world (gender-based violence, stereotypes in workplaces, reproductive rights, mental health), empowerment workshops, performances and film screenings, concerts, mentoring sessions and many more.
www.snfcc.org
MAY
- 07/05, 24th Bicycle Tour of Athens
Starting Point: Syntagma Square
Α fixed athletic event in Athens, which links sports and a healthy lifestyle with environmental awareness, since the bicycle is the most ecological means of transportation.
www.cityofathens.gr
- 10-12, 17-19, 24-26/05, Athens Street Food Festival
Old depot OSY
It’s application season. So you can decide to present your dishes at the biggest food festival of the country! Or you can visit to try unique new flavors, original menus and recipes from far away, as well as enjoy the Bars & Beverages Area, DJ sets from well-known radio producers and concerts of favorite artists! Inside an especially configured area of 4,700 m2.
www.athensstreetfoodfestival.gr
- 25/05, Pix Lax Concert
Panathenaic Stadium
The famous greek band Pix Lax perform their greatest hits accompanied by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducting Friedemann Riehle. Ticket presale is already on.
www.more.com
- 29/05, UEFA Europa Conference League Final
OPAP Arena
The Union of European Football Associations announced the stadium of AEK as the venue for the Europa Conference League Final.
www.uefa.com
JUNE
- 27/05-02/06, 23rd Athens Jazz Festival
Technopolis Gazi
7 days of celebration for Athenians and guests. The biggest festival of jazz music in Greece, is offering a week full of live music, rhythm and special side events – all with free entry. The moto? #JazzBeThere!
www.athensjazz.gr
- 08-09/06, Coldplay Concert
Olympic Stadium
The awesome Coldplay will be bringing their electrifying spirit to Athens. The British band of alternative rock music that was created in London in 1996 is coming to the Greek capital for two concerts!
www.coldplay.com
- 15/06, Athens Pride 2024
Starting point: Syntagma Square
“We look forward to seeing you there” marks the announcement, which was made at the dawn of 2024, for this year’s Athen’s Pride.
www.athenspride.eu
- Athens Photo Festival
Benaki Museum
Get acquainted with the work of emerging and established artists and photographers from around the world. The Festival encourages creativity and diversity, while reflecting the impact of photography on modern society.
www.photofestival.gr
JULY
- 16/07, Smashing Pumpkins Concert
SEF Stadium
The Smashing Pumpkins, the band with 30 million albums worldwide, are coming to Athens 26 years after their first concert in Greece. Αs part of their world tour “The World Is a Vampire”, they bring a special guest: Tom Morello.
www.smashingpumpkins.com
- 18/07, Duran Duran Concert
Nerou Square
Release Athens 2024 welcomes Duran Duran who continue their successful career with their pioneering sound. They come to Athens just after the release of their new album Danse Macabre and following their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2022. Among many awards, Duran Duran have sold over 100 million records worldwide, and have scored 21 Top 20 hits in the UK.
www.releaseathens.gr
- 27, 28, 30 & 31/07, La Traviata – Verdi
Greek National Opera, Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The story of a love that went down badly, is presented by the Greek National Opera directed by Kostantinos Rigos and with the American opera superstar Nadine Sierra in the role of Violetta Valéry, inside the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
www.nationalopera.gr
AUGUST
- 02/08, Lenny Kravitz Concert
Athens Olympic Complex
Sixteen years after his last appearance in Greece, Lenny Kravitz returns for a concert at Athens Olympic Complex. AthensRocks welcomes the legendary rock superstar by inviting his fans to a unique show that only someone like him can present.
www.athensrocksfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
- 52nd Book Festival
Pedion Areos
Τhe established annual meeting of readers with all the publishing houses in Greece is the biggest celebration of books. With many parallel actions, concerts, presentations and events, it enriches the cultural life of the capital.
- 05-08/09, ECO Acropolis Rally of Gods
Initiation Ceremony: Acropolis
The World Rally Championship is already beginning as we speak in Monte Carlo and after visiting 8 other destinations (Sweden, Kenya, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Finland) will finally arrive in Greece for a legendary fixture on gravel mountain roads.
www.acropolisrally.gr
- 19-23/09, Art Athina
Zappeion Mansion
The International Contemporary Art Fair “Art Athina”, set under the patronage of the first woman President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, is one of the oldest fairs in Europe and hosts greek as well as international art galleries.
www.aavirtual.gr
OCTOBER
- 30th Athens International Film Festival
Inteal Cinema, Danaos Cinema, Asty Cinema, Astor Cinema, Athens Concert Hall, Municipal Theater of Piraeus, Goethe Institute of Athens
In the 27 years of its existence, the Athens International Film Festival has highlighted, through its program selections, later great voices of world cinema, such as directors Paul Thomas Anderson, Sofia Coppola, James Gray, Paolo Sorrentino, Danny Boyle and Sean Baker. It has also hosted well known foreign and Greek cinematographers.
www.aiff.gr
- 10-13/10, Olympic Yacht Show
Olympic Marine
The Olympic Yacht Show raises an interest in Greece and abroad and aspires to become the most important communication platform for the large class of pleasure boats.
www.olympicyachtshow.gr
NOVEMBER
- 08-10/11, Historic Acropolis Rally 2024
Ceremonial Start at Acropolis
Τhe Historic Acropolis Rally is an anniversary event worthy of the history of the most glorious greek motorsport race. The European Historic Car Rally Championship will start from Spain, passing through the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Italy. The curtain of the Championship will fall again this year in our country, with the Historic Rally Acropolis.
www.historicacropolis.gr
- 10/11, The Authentic Athens Marathon
Starting Point: Marathon
The international Athens Marathon, or Authentic Marathon as it is called, is a special annual running event. The demanding route, the history of Pheidippides and the aura of the Panathinaiko stadium, make the race stand out, ranking it among the most attractive ones in the world.
www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr
DECEMBER EVENTS
- Santa Run 2024
Starting Point: City Link
A 2.5k jaunt, a Santa suit on a small donation, 500 participants, lots of joy and Christmas Spirit! Let’s spread together the Christmas message, walking around the greek capital.
www.athenscentre.gr
- The Christmas Factory
Technopolis Gazi
Famous for the several festivities alongside the wooden huts selling numerous Christmas market foods and gifts. Within the limits of the historic centre of Athens, so don’t miss it!
www.thechristmasfactory.gr
- Christmas Village
Christmas Theater (Outside the Galatsi Indoor Olympic Stadium)
The first in Athens Christmas street food village where you can try seasonal treats and buy gifts. You can also take place in the fun games!
www.christmastheater.gr
- Santa Claus Kingdom
Mediterranean Exhibition Centre
As its schedule reveals, at Santa Claus Kingdom every day during Christmas is a celebration! Let’s take a photo with Santa Claus and live the Christmas fairy tale in the company of Frodi the snowman.
www.santaclauskingdom.com
- 24/12- 04/01, SNFCC Christmas Adventures
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
It is not a typical Christmas village but a paradise for children! The Christmas elves designed unique games for our little friends: look for the hidden Christmas balls, play with the inflatable reindeers, fill Santa’s stocking and many more!
www.snfcc.org
Please note that the events listed above represent just a selection of the vibrant happenings in Athens with international appeal. For a comprehensive list and ongoing updates, Athens remains an ever-evolving destination offering countless reasons to visit throughout the year.
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