This is Athens City Festival

Athens Urban Picnic 2026
2026-05-01 12:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Athens) | Plato’s Academy Park, Monastiriou 138, Athens, Athens, 104 42, Greece
The Athens Urban Picnic is back, and for the fifth year in a row, we are keeping the tradition alive: May Day in the city starts on the grass! For the fifth year running, we are launching at our favourite annual hangout to welcome May exactly as it should be: outdoors, together, and under the glorious spring sun. So, dust off those picnic blankets and join us at Plato’s Academy Park—a historic green oasis which will once again transform into a giant, vibrant hug in the heart of the city, bursting with music, colour, and great fun.

If you’ve joined us before, you know the score: the Athens Urban Picnic is more of a “vibe” than just an event. It’s all about sprawling across the grass with your mates, spontaneous dancing, and the sound of kids’ laughter mixing with the music—all in all, living and breathing the city a little differently for the day.

What’s on the cards? Starting early in the morning, the city’s top radio producers will be spinning the perfect tracks to keep the energy high. Little ones can dive into a world of imagination through creative workshops, musical theatre, and interactive games throughout the park. As the sun begins to set, the mood gets even more magical with open-air screenings and that lovely “summer is coming” breeze.

It’s an experience that truly has it all: music, art, relaxation, and the best company in town. So, grab your mat, pack your hamper, put on your brightest smile, and help us kick off the This is Athens City Festival 2026. After all, spring in Athens is meant to be shared.

Yoga Sessions
2026-05-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-16 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Rizari Park, Rizari 5, Athens, Athens, 106 76, Greece
Rizari Park is transforming into the quietest, yet most radiant, spot in the city. Think of it as a lush green sanctuary right in the heart of Athens, where time seems to slow down and the city’s daily hum just fades away behind the trees.

As part of the This is Athens City Festival, our Yoga Sessions are back, inviting you to roll out your mat on the grass and get in sync with your body and breath. Practising under the shade of the trees with the open sky above is a total game-changer, it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and the city in a whole new way.

We’ve got some fantastic instructors on hand to guide everyone from total beginners to seasoned yogis through a harmonious flow focused on balance, focus, and finding that inner alignment. Every inhale brings a fresh burst of energy, and every exhale lets go of the day’s tension.

It’s that lovely moment when Athens reveals its serene side—a gentle reminder that wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s a rhythm we can all find together.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Fitness Sessions
2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Eleftherias Park, Eleftherias Park, Athens, Athens, 115 21, Greece
Parko Eleftherias is being transformed into a sprawling open-air hub of energy and well-being for this year’s This is Athens City Festival. At Fitness Sessions, movement is a celebration; here, exercise isn’t about competition—it’s about self-care, community, and recharging your batteries right in the heart of the city.

Set within one of Athens’ most refreshing green spaces, you’re invited to rediscover the joy of physical activity in a welcoming and supportive environment. Expert instructors and their teams will lead sessions for everyone, ranging from Yoga and Pilates to more high-energy workouts, offering a programme tailored to all fitness levels and needs.

Participation and good vibes are the order of the day, turning this event into a true festival for the body and the city alike. It’s a cracking opportunity to get moving together in one of Athens’ most beautiful outdoor settings.

Fun Vibes Family Festival
2026-05-17 11:00 - 20:00 | Rizari Park, Rizari 5, Athens, Athens, 106 76, Greece
One of the city’s most beautiful green lungs is being transformed into a massive playground for a day. As part of the This is Athens City Festival, Rizari Park is hosting an all-day fest dedicated to kids, families, and the pure joy of getting active.

Think of it as the ultimate outdoor reset. Through a mix of sports, games, and creative activities, this is a chance for families to bond away from the glow of their screens. Whether you’re competing in team games or trying out new wellness activities, the focus is on teamwork, well-being, and all-around joy.

It’s the perfect excuse to grab the trainers, round up the kids, and head to the park for a day of fresh air and high energy. In a city as bustling as Athens, this is a rare moment to slow down (or speed up!) and reconnect with nature and each other through play.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Wellness Festival - In your Greenery, I am Reborn
2026-05-23 09:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-24 09:00 - 20:00 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

“GREEN ATHENS | National Garden – Metropolitan Green,” in collaboration with the This is Athens City Festival, invites you for the 2nd consecutive year to a unique wellness escape in the capital’s most enchanting ecosystem. Under the guidance of Nicki Petroulaki and a team of acclaimed professionals, the National Garden transforms for two days into an open temple of self-improvement, offering a rare opportunity to renew body and mind beneath the shade of its historic trees.

A holistic journey that combines movement with inner peace: from dynamic Yoga and Pilates classes to deep meditation and talks on self-awareness and personal growth. The experience is completed with soul-stirring musical journeys, creating an atmosphere of true connection with ourselves and nature.

We await you to share the joy of community, free breathing, and well-being, in a comprehensive program open to all, without restrictions and free of charge. Give yourself the pause you need and experience Athens… in its greenest and brightest version!

Programme

Saturday

09:00: Maria Chrysocheraki / Chakra Healing – Balance & Female Well-being

Discover the balance between health and vitality by harmonizing your energy. Centered on female empowerment, we create a shared space of coexistence where every presence is welcome, aiming for inner peace and total rejuvenation.

Maria Chrysocheraki

Beginning her studies at the source of Yoga, India, Maria Chrysocheraki (Level 3 Iyengar Teacher) dedicates her work to the female nature. As an experienced teacher and author on pregnancy, she creates a framework of safety and love, where knowledge becomes the vehicle for holistic well-being. Guidance that embraces a woman’s needs, offering balance and spiritual renewal.

10:00: Eva Tripolitsioti & Tania Saiti / Deep Relaxation & Inner Reconnection – Yin & Yoga Nidra

In a world moving at a frantic pace, returning to stillness is the most essential act of self-care. This class is an invitation to slow down and listen to our bodies again. Through the stillness of Yin Yoga, we release the tension accumulated deep within our tissues, while with Yoga Nidra, we are led into a state of conscious sleep. There, where the mind ceases to strive, true inner reconnection begins. A holistic journey from external action to inner serenity.

Eva Tripolitsioti

Eva is a certified Yoga teacher (Hatha & Vinyasa Flow) trained in India and the YogaWorks school, where she also served as an assistant trainer. Teaching since 2005, she specializes in programs for children, pregnant women, and special populations. From 2014 to 2022, she founded and managed Anahata Shuddhi studio; today, she organizes holistic wellness retreats and works as an executive for a German health and nutrition company.

Tania Saiti

Focusing on the healing power of stillness, Tania Saiti guides Yoga and Yoga Nidra practices that offer a sanctuary from daily tension. Through her teaching, she nurtures deep relaxation and inner connection, creating a safe space for awareness. Her goal is to restore balance and highlight energetic harmony in every practitioner.

11:00: Mandy Persaki / Pilates for All

Based on the Pilates philosophy, this class utilizes the power of isometric exercises and our own body weight. It is a precision workout that builds stability and strength from the inside out. Naturally, the repertoire is adapted with alternative options to cover the needs of every practitioner and special populations.

Mandy Persaki

Mandy Persaki holds a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science (UoA), along with a Master’s and a PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in the effects of Pilates on female physical fitness and health. She is the founder and owner of the successful “Pilates By Mandy and more” chain, which currently operates 8 studios across Attica. Alongside her business ventures, she remains actively involved in scientific research projects at the University of Athens, bridging the gap between academic expertise and practical fitness application.

12:00: Nikos Florakis / Hip Work – Release the Hip – Decompression, Opening, Mobility

A class designed to provide strength while “unlocking” the vital hip joint. Through a combination of dynamic flow and restorative approaches, we focus on releasing tension and improving mobility. A practice open to all levels that balances intensity and deep relaxation.

Nikos Florakis

A graduate of Sports Science from Brunel University with a Master’s in Sport & Leisure Management. With over a decade of experience, he is a certified RYT-200/300h teacher and lead trainer for YogaWorks. Additionally, he holds Pilates certification from BASI and specializations in Sport Performance Enhancement and Corrective Exercise (NASM).

13:00: Christina Pikoula / MindGames – Stop Sabotaging Yourself & Make Your Mindset Your Ally

How many times have you felt that while you want to move forward, something inside keeps you back? In this interactive session, you will discover how your thoughts affect your choices and results, identify self-sabotage patterns, and learn how to transform them into power. Through simple exercises and practical “mind games,” you will make your mindset your strongest ally in daily life and growth.

Christina Pikoula

Christina guides people daily to overcome internal obstacles and maximize their potential. As the voice behind the “Win Win Podcast,” she inspires her audience to take action, exceed their limits, and consciously create the life they desire.

14:00 – 15:00 Break

15:00: Gina Poulou / The Voice the Body Hides – Voice as a Bridge between Body & Nervous System

The voice ceases to be just a means of communication and becomes a bridge between the body and the nervous system. Through its vibration and energy, we release emotions, vent tension, and return to our center.

Gina Poulou

With studies and an extensive career abroad, Gina specializes in the voice as a means of therapy and expression. As a Buteyko Breathing Instructor and author, she introduced the YogaYourVoice method to Greece, an innovative approach uniting breath, voice, and emotional release.

16:00: Viki Tzereme / Performance Training – Training Efficiency

Every movement counts; every effort brings you closer to the goal. Efficiency lies in essence, not in time. When movement is executed with awareness and correctness, results come more directly and safely. Stay focused, stay consistent – your goal is only a few quality workouts away.

17:00: Sophie Paschali / E-motion / Feel the Beat, Feel your Emotions

An experiential session to connect with your inner rhythm. Through breath and movement, you activate your body, experience well-being, and discover how to shift your energy within the flow of the beat. You will observe how emotions act as the driver of your “vehicle”—your body—and you won’t just hear this as a concept; you will truly feel it.

Sophie Paschali

Sophie Paschali is a Yoga Instructor, meditation guide, and breathwork facilitator, as well as a certified Life Coach. She holds certifications in energy healing and consistently advances her expertise by attending annual seminars in the fields of mindfulness, counseling, and positive psychology.

18:00: Nikos Manolis / Prana Yoga – Feel the Inner Flow

An energetic and creative approach to the flow of Yoga. An exploration of our internal movement and a rediscovery of the body’s natural range. An experience open to all levels that cultivates strength, flexibility, intuition, and vital energy. Through creative asana sequences, we learn to “surf” the waves of breath and the rhythms of change.

Nikos Manolis

A graduate of the British Wheel of Yoga and The Life Centre, and a member of Yoga Alliance. Having completed advanced training in Prana Vinyasa Yoga with Shiva Rea, he approaches teaching as a blend of his experiences, emphasizing “rasa” (taste), “prana” (energy), and “bhava” (mood).

19:00: Nikolaos Unalome / Sound Bath Experience – Vibrations in the Open Air

The Sound Bath is an acoustic journey of vibrations that relaxes the body, calms the mind, and activates the body’s natural healing properties. Through the sounds of instruments like gongs and crystal bowls, cosmic vibrations remove stress and all that no longer serves you. Combined with the fresh air and the changing light of the National Garden, the experience becomes a magical journey with sound as the vehicle.

Nikolaos Unalome

Nikolaos began with Yoga (Ashtanga, Hatha, Pranayama) and expanded into specialized therapeutic arts like Thai Massage, Osteo-Thai, and Ayurveda. In recent years, he has focused on the healing power of sound, using Bilas (flat bells) with high-frequency vibrations to offer transcendental experiences.

Sunday

09:00: Panos Pantios / Assisted Stretch – Core & Mobility Exercises

Imagine being able to move freely, without pain or stiffness holding you back. This is the beauty of personalized assisted stretching. Unlike traditional techniques, assisted stretching involves guidance through a series of stretches tailored to your body’s specific needs and limitations.

Panos Pantios

An expert in athletic performance and rehabilitation with studies in Sports Medicine in Germany and a background as a professional ice hockey player. He designs strategic programs combining strength with a healthy lifestyle.

10:00: Panos Kontis / Handstand Fundamentals – Building a Proper Handstand

A class for all those who love the challenge of being upside down or would like to start. We will explain the basic guide points for finding balance on our hands and focus on strengthening the specific muscle groups necessary for progress. The class concludes with partner exercises toward the handstand.

Panos Kontis

With over ten years in therapy and kinetic evolution, Panos started with Thai massage and Osteopathy. Fascinated by Yoga, he teaches it as therapeutic exercise to help people better perceive their body’s capabilities.

11:00: Adriani Strigou / Total Body Balance – Integrated Program of Strength, Posture, and Flexibility

An integrated program focusing on functional strengthening and restoring correct posture. Combining postural exercises and targeted stretching, the practice aims to restore physical balance and relieve daily tension.

Adriani Strigou

A graduate of TEFAA Athens and a former champion swimmer. Since 2000, she has been active in the fitness industry and owns “Feel Better Kifisia,” focusing on a lifestyle that combines physical well-being with daily vitality.

12:00: Eleftheria Georgiou / Let’s Get Physical Pilates – Dynamic Pilates with an Uplifting Beat

A dynamic version of Pilates combining strength with continuous flow and rhythm. Accompanied by upbeat music, the body works through controlled yet intense exercises designed to challenge endurance and stabilize the core.

Eleftheria Georgiou

A Physical Education Professor specializing in therapeutic swimming. She is the head of training for future Pilates teachers at Base Training, focusing on functional strengthening and improving quality of life through conscious movement.

13:00: Maria Papadopoulou & Evangelos Aik / Yin Within & Bhakti Sounds – Peace, Sound, Heart, Song, Union

A practice dedicated to relief and rest, representing the gentlest form of Yoga. The experience concludes with “song from the heart.” Accompanied by live musical instruments by Evangelos Apostolopoulos, movement gives way to sound, creating an atmosphere of collective connection and inner peace.

Maria Papadopoulou

With 25 years of experience in yoga and meditation, Maria specializes in holistic well-being support. She is the creator of OLON Holistic Studio and a podcaster, providing practical tools for stress management and mindfulness.

14:00 – 15:00 Break

15:00: Katerina Karageorgiou & Stamatia Andrikou / Body and Face Yoga – Releasing Tension from Upper Body and Face!

An integrated practice aiming for the total release of tension. By combining targeted exercises and breathing, we restore inner balance and tone the muscles of the face and body.

Katerina Karageorgiou

A graduate of TEFAA Thessaloniki, she specialized through YogaWorks and founded Sama Yoga in Samos, focusing on creative communication and holistic empowerment.

Stamatia Andrikou

An internationally certified Face Yoga Instructor, her approach combines aesthetic acupuncture with Sculptural Face Lifting for natural rejuvenation and glow.

16:00: Loukia Papa / The Art of Manifestation – Embodying Our Higher Version

A transcendental experience calling us to move beyond linear logic. Through quantum visualization, we explore the possibility of breaking free from limiting beliefs and architects of our reality.

Loukia Papa

Loukia specializes in connecting neuroscience with quantum change practices, guiding individuals toward self-actualization and inner freedom.

17:00: Patty Petropoulou / #ShallWeDance? – 5Rhythms Movement Meditation

A free-movement practice focusing on reconnecting with the body and releasing it from the flow of thoughts. “Meditation in motion” becomes the vehicle for calm and mental clarity. No dance experience is required.

Patty Petropoulou

The only certified 5Rhythms® teacher in Greece (trained in the USA), she has served the practice since 2011, teaching across Europe and connecting conscious movement with personal and professional leadership.

18:00: Stavros Bamakos / Full-Body Circuit – Bodyweight Training

A high-intensity program focusing on holistic training using exclusively body weight. A structured circuit aimed at improving functional strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Stavros Bamakos

A graduate of TEFAA Athens and owner of Blackbox Training Room. He has served as a Strength & Conditioning Coach for A1 female basketball, focusing on maximizing athletic performance.

19:00: Niki Petroulaki / Heart & Lyra Flow – Union of Heart & Cretan Lyra – Tradition and Core

A unique movement experience uniting the body with the heart and the circle of life. We breathe and move together, creating a living space of connection and collective energy. The experience culminates with a music collaboration: the primal sound of the Cretan Lyra meets the flow of exercise.

Niki Petroulaki

With over 25 years of experience, Niki is a physical education professor dedicated to holistic wellness. Founder of “Power House Project” and “Wellness Rituals,” she organizes high-level retreats and events, combining exercise with personal transformation.

Georgia Benioudaki

Georgia Benioudaki, an Early Childhood Education student in Athens, has been involved in music since the age of six. The guitar, the Cretan lyre, singing, and traditional Cretan dances define her creative identity.

Energy Healings

Within the framework of the festival, you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand energy practices that support relaxation, recovery, and the overall balance of the body.

Pranic Healing

Try a complimentary Pranic Healing session with certified therapists. A non-invasive technique that helps reduce muscle tension, stiffness, and strain, while enhancing recovery and focus. A freer body. Clearer movement. Better recovery.

Orgon PEMF Alignment

A modern approach that combines Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) with energy balancing. It supports:
• reduction of inflammation
• tissue repair and regeneration
• deep relaxation
• enhancement of overall vitality

It activates the body’s natural ability to recharge and find its balance.

Live the Experience

Discover how simple techniques can make an immediate difference in your body and your energy.

Try it at the Festival.

Athens Photo World: The FIFA World Cup 1930 – 2026 by the Associated Press
2026-05-29 06:00 - 23:30, 2026-05-30 06:00 - 23:30, 2026-05-31 06:00 - 23:30 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
Athens Photo World is transforming the fence running around the National Garden into a stunning open-air gallery dedicated to the “king of sports.” This exhibition presents 50 iconic photographs from the historic archives of the Associated Press, offering a fascinating journey through the evolution of the World Cup, from the very first whistle in Uruguay in 1930 to the modern moments of glory currently unfolding on the pitches of the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

It is a true walk through sporting history along Vasilissis Sofias and Amalias Avenue, where passers-by can pause before high-aesthetic images that capture the intensity, passion, and historic upsets that have shaken the planet for nearly a century. This visual timeline spans nearly 100 years of global football, showcasing the work of world-leading photojournalists who were right there on the touchline. Set against one of the most beautiful walks in the city in the heart of springtime Athens, it is a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts and football fans alike to discover global sporting history through the eyes of the masters.
