Dimitris Rentoumis: Solo Exhibition
2026-05-21 12:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Athens) | Crux Gallery, 4 Sekeri, Athens, 106 74, Greece
Crux Galerie presents the solo exhibition of Dimitris Rentoumis. Through his new series of works, the artist “dialogues” with the transient and fragile nature of paper, experimenting with the transition from a two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional variable materiality. He transforms paper surfaces into sculptural forms that occupy the space.

With a rich journey that includes studies at the Athens School of Fine Arts and the Netherlands, as well as participation in prestigious programmes such as Jan van Eyck and Onassis Air, the creator brings a proposal to Athens that balances the delicacy of the material with the dynamics of the installation.

This is a unique opportunity for the public to discover how paper can “breathe” and develop beyond the boundaries of the frame, creating a living visual environment.

Exhibition duration: 1–30 May

Opening hours: Wednesday–Friday: 12:00–20:00; Saturday: 12:00–16:00. Closed on Monday, Tuesday & Sunday.

Giorgos Louloudis: The Path of Light – The Innate
2026-05-21 12:00 - 21:00 | Genesis Gallery, Ippokratous 121, Athens, Athens, 114 72, Greece
In his new solo exhibition at Gallery Genesis, Giorgos Louloudis places light centre stage, moving beyond its role as a mere physical phenomenon.The artist turns his focus toward the small Greek chapels and their unique relationship with the landscape, transforming them into potent symbols of hope, silence, and internal quest. These works function as quiet stations of contemplation, where physical space and psychological experience are inextricably linked.

Through a powerful expressionist style, Louloudis’s painted surfaces gain emotional intensity and depth. Light becomes an inner necessity, a force that guides the viewer toward a deeply personal reading of the work. This exhibition speaks to the universal need for solace and the enduring power of hope, asserting art’s ability to serve as a point of renewal and reflection in demanding times.

Opening: Thursday, May 7 at 20:00.
Exhibition duration: 7–30 May

Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00–21:00; Saturday: 12:00–15:00. Closed on Monday, Wednesday & Sunday.

Evgenia Grigoraki: Roadside Shrines
2026-05-21 15:00 - 20:00 | Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre, 48 Armatolon-Klefton, Athens, 114 71, Greece
The Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre presents a solo exhibition by Evgenia Grigoraki titled “Roadside Shrines”, a photographic series focusing on a familiar yet often overlooked element of the Greek landscape. Through a personal and direct lens, the artist approaches these shrines not merely as markers of memory and faith, but as small, paradoxical presences that persist in inhabiting public spaces—alongside roads, around bends, and throughout our daily commutes.

The strength of the exhibition lies in this experiential, almost tender observation. Under Grigoraki’s gaze, these shrines are transformed into objects of artistic exploration, highlighting their enduring stability and the specific meaning they continue to hold within Greek society. It is an exhibition that bridges the everyday gaze with folk tradition, inviting us to pause once more before one of the most characteristic and poignant sights of the Greek roadside. Presented alongside Marilia Fotopoulou’s exhibition, the show will offer you the chance to explore two different yet complementary photographic interpretations of the same subject.

Exhibition duration: 1–23 May

Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday: 15:00–20:00; Wednesday, Friday: 12:00–20:00; Saturday: 12:00–16:00. Closed on Monday & Sunday.

Cracks in the Narrative: A Performance Walk
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Athens Trilogy, Panepistimiou 39, Athens, Athens, 105 64, Greece
The students of the Athens Conservatoire Drama School, under the guidance of Professor Antonis Volanakis, invite us to rediscover the city centre through a subversive new lens. The iconic Athenian Trilogy (the Academy, the University, and the National Library), the Korai 4 Memorial, and Klafthmonos Square are no longer monuments “frozen” in time. Instead, they awaken and find a new voice through the bodies and performances of the city’s rising talent.

In this unique urban takeover, the traditional guided tour makes way for a performance that seeks out the “cracks” in the official story of Athens. It’s an invitation to listen to the city itself as it speaks of knowledge, forgetting, and the living present. Moving between these historic urban stages, the action unfolds in the open air, proving that history is a living pulse, not a museum piece.

Students: Agapi Theodoridou, Angeliki Andreadaki, Alexandros Kavrakos, Antonis Lymperis, Georgianna Zouganeli, Giannis Bariamis, Giannis Fountas, Zoe Tsirouki, Kleio Christopoulou, Lefteris Argyros, Manos Karanikolas, Marlen Kypriotaki, Markella Papadimitriou, Panagiotis Regkas, Stella Selpesi, Tasos Bekyros, Filemon Adamou, Christos Kekridis, Christina Karakosta, Christina Mitrousia.

ONX.Showcase.Athens.2026: Human in the Loop
2026-05-21 18:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-22 18:00 - 23:00 | Onassis Ready, 2 Strati Tsirka, Ag. Ioannis Rentis, 182 33, Greece
Onassis Foundation presents for the first time in Athens the immersive art exhibition ONX Showcase, a celebration of creativity, technological innovation, and new forms of artistic expression. Since its founding in 2020, ONX, the global digital cultures platform of the Onassis Foundation, has supported artists experimenting at the boundaries of art, science, and emerging technologies. Centred around the thematic axis “Human in the Loop”, the exhibition reflects on what it means to remain human in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, seeking out the handmade and the analogue within a deeply technological environment.

The programme features ten works from the Onassis ONX and AiR ecosystem, six new commissions from the ONX Seeds programme, and works from the Onassis Collection by Andreas Angelidakis, Noemi Iglesias Barrios, Spyros Poros, and Theo Triantafyllidis. Alongside the exhibition, a series of talks and professional gatherings bring together artists, technologists, curators, producers, and cultural practitioners, foregrounding the emerging artistic languages shaping the future of digital culture.

With the participation of internationally acclaimed artists whose work has been presented at festivals including Sundance Film Festival, Ars Electronica, SXSW, and Venice International Film Festival, ONX.Showcase.Athens. 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience immersive art in its most advanced and transformative form.

Participating artists include Gabriel Barcia-Colombo, Adam Cole, Marc Da Costa, Dionysios, Andrew Thomas Huang, Gregor Kuschmirz, Giannis Kranidiotis, Marion Lasserre, Zisis Bliatkas, Matthew Niederhauser, Giorgos Papafigos, Sarah Rothberg, Ali Santana, sister sylvester, Ivona Tau, Ontroerend Goed, and Playfool.

Papazó
2026-05-21 19:00 - 23:00 | Dexameni Square, Dexameni Square, Athens, Athens, 106 73, Greece
The historic Dexameni Square, with its old-school Athenian charm and the cool breeze of Lycabettus lingering in the air, becomes the stage for a major musical takeover headlined by Papazó. Vassilis Papazotos, songwriter, music producer, and medical doctor, brings the vibrant energy and effortless connection that made his viral music videos and unexpected collaborations a local sensation.
The signature “musical salon” he built online is moving to the physical stage for an open-air concert featuring an incredible roster of guests. The night strikes a perfect balance between contemporary urban culture and the warmth of a massive parea (group of friends), breathing new life into beloved tracks and making the entire square feel like one big choir. It’s a spring stroll that evolves into one of the most soulful and electric musical highlights of this year’s festival.

EMST Rooftop Party
2026-05-21 19:00 - 23:00 | National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens (ΕΜΣΤ), Athens, Athens, 117 43, Greece
Step into the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) as it opens its doors for you to explore with free admission. From morning until late afternoon, discover the collection of permanent and temporary exhibitions that spark the imagination.

As the day draws to a close, make your way to the museum’s stunning rooftop for a cocktail party, where you can raise a glass to the city’s beauty while enjoying a panoramic 360° view of Athens and moving to the stunning music choices that the Italian maestro of electronic sounds Glass Coffee has picked for you. They will both leave you speechless.

Athens’ Hispanic Film Festival (FeCHA) at Ellinis Europa Cinemas
2026-05-21 20:30, 2026-05-22 20:30 | Open Air Cinema “Ellinis”, Leof. Kifissias 29, Athens, Athens, 115 23, Greece
The finest moments of Spanish-language cinema return to the city for their 10th edition, filling an entire week in May with images, passion and emotion. Innovative directors, internationally acclaimed actors and inventive screenwriters come together with an enthusiastic audience, bringing to Athens an authentic atmosphere from Spain, Chile, Argentina, Cuba and other beloved countries of Latin America.

Through screenings that highlight both contemporary filmmaking and the rich cinematic traditions of these countries, Athens is transformed into a vast “cinema” celebrating the diversity and expressive power of Spanish-speaking culture.

Screenings will take place at the open-air cinemas Ellinis Cinemax and Aello Cinemax, as well as at the Instituto Cervantes and the Hellenic American Union.

The anniversary programme includes 23 feature films and 13 short films, offering a comprehensive look at contemporary cinema from Spain and Latin America.

Programme Highlights

Opening Film: The festival officially opens with the highly anticipated satirical comedy Homo Sapiens? (Homo Argentum), Argentina’s biggest commercial success of 2025.

Special Tributes: A tribute to the late director Fabián Bielinsky, alongside the Diversidad section featuring queer short films in collaboration with Athens Pride.

Closing Film: The festival concludes with A Poet (Un Poeta) from Colombia, presented in the presence of lead actor Ubeimar Rios.

International Guests: Distinguished filmmakers including Helena Taberna, Asier Urbieta and Albert Pintó will attend the festival, participating in masterclasses and audience discussions.

Information & Free Events

Masterclass: Saturday 23 May at the Hellenic Open University.

Free Events: 28 May at the Hellenic American Union (docuFeCHA & cortoFeCHA) and 29 May on the rooftop of the Instituto Cervantes.

Online Screenings: Available from 29 to 31 May via www.fecha.gr

Tickets: Advance sales begin on 8 May via more.com and from 14 May at the cinema box offices.

Athens’ Hispanic Film Festival (FeCHA) at Aello
2026-05-21 20:30, 2026-05-22 20:30 | Open Air Cinema “Aello”, Patission 140, Athens, Athens, 112 57, Greece

Connect Athens: Building Bridges for the Mental Health of At-Risk Youth
2026-05-22 17:00 - 20:00 | City of Athens Cultural Centre, 50 Akadimias, Athens, 106 79, Greece
The This is Athens City Festival joins forces with IASIS (Civil Non-Profit Organisation) and the Connect Athens Youth Centre through the second edition of the Connect Athens Festival, contributing to raising awareness around the mental health of young people experiencing vulnerability and social exclusion.

Through the event “Building Bridges for the Mental Health of At-Risk Youth”, it brings to the forefront contemporary challenges such as loneliness, uncertainty, lack of purpose, and the emergence of delinquent behaviour. In the discussion panels, young people themselves join their voices with experts and institutional representatives.

The aim of the event is to transform personal experience into collective action, linking the needs of young people with concrete policies and practices at both national and European level. At a time when social cohesion is being tested, the Connect Athens Festival highlights that vulnerability is not an individual issue, but a shared challenge that calls for connection, understanding and meaningful support in order to create an inclusive future for every young person in the city.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Guided Tour at The Maria Callas Museum
2026-05-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Maria Callas Museum, Mitropoleos 44, Athens, Athens, 105 63, Greece
The Maria Callas Museum invites us on a moving tour into the world of the 20th century’s leading soprano. Through a specially designed guided experience, visitors have the unique opportunity to discover the most iconic moments of her career, while exploring the unknown, personal aspects of the journey that established her as a global opera icon.

The narrative brings her path to life beyond standard exhibition texts, illuminating her artistic legacy and complex personality directly and experientially. This is an experience tailored to its audience, offering a deep look at the woman and the artist who changed lyric theatre forever, right in the heart of the city she loved so dearly.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Biscuits at the Museum!
2026-05-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-23 11:30 - 12:30 | Hellenic Children’s Museum, Vas. Georgiou Β΄ 19, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
The Hellenic Children’s Museum is opening up its most delicious exhibit for a hands-on kitchen takeover. If you’re looking for a brilliant way to keep the kids entertained (and well-fed) this May, “Kitchen: Discovering the World of the Biscuit” is exactly where you need to be.

In this “Biscuits at the Museum!” workshop, our younger festival-goers get to swap the sketchbook for a rolling pin. It’s not just a baking lesson; it’s a magical journey into the world of pastry through the eyes of a museum.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Melachrinos Velentzas: Rebirth
2026-05-22 18:00 - 19:30 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
An abandoned piano, long-silent in a dusty Athenian corner, finds its voice once more. Pianist and performer Melachrinos Velentzas presents Rebirth, blending performance, installation, and collective ritual in some of the city’s most emblematic spaces.

Through a musical ceremony, Velentzas resuscitates an instrument that has endured years of stillness. It is a powerful parallel between the decay of a forgotten object and the quiet frustration of a person who has lost their connection to “play.” But this isn’t just a performance to watch, it’s an invitation to participate. As the notes echo through the air, you are invited to join a collective act of storytelling, leaving your own personal histories on the stools of other “forgotten” pianos from across Athens.

Part of the artist’s long-term research into the materiality of instruments and the memories held within the city’s homes, Rebirth transforms individual loss into a shared, redemptive experience. Come and witness the city’s silent history find its rhythm again.

Tilda Swinton: Ongoing
2026-05-22 18:00 - 23:00 | Onassis Ready, 2 Strati Tsirka, Ag. Ioannis Rentis, 182 33, Greece
Marking its fifth year with a great collaboration with Onassis Stegi, we offer an encounter with one of the season’s most keenly discussed artistic propositions. At its centre is Tilda Swinton, a figure who has long moved with deliberate, almost defiant ease between cinema, fashion, and the visual arts, each appearance less a performance than a considered cultural gesture.

The exhibition Ongoing, presented at the recently inaugurated Onassis Ready, resists the tidy framing of a retrospective. Instead, it unfolds as an active, evolving dialogue between Swinton and a close circle of collaborators. Among them Pedro Almodóvar, Luca Guadagnino, Jim Jarmusch, Joanna Hogg, Tim Walker, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Olivier Saillard, and Derek Jarman. Through short films, installations, and photographic works, the exhibition gently dismantles and reassembles the layers of her artistic identity, moving between the dreamlike and the intimately personal. The result is a multi-stranded exhibition that illuminates her rich creative journey and her profound connection to contemporary art.

20 invitations are available from the Onassis Stegi for 22, 24, 29, and 31 May – 5 invitations per day.

Bookings open one week before each event at 12:00 noon and are made via this page.

A Historical Walk with Dr. Iordanis Papadopoulos: Kypriadou
2026-05-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Holy Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, 2 Andreopoulou, Athens, 111 41, Greece
On the fringes of Patisia, where the urban density gives way to a different architectural rhythm and a quieter Athenian breath, the City of Athens Festival invites us to discover the Kypriadou district. Guided by Dr. Iordanis Papadopoulos, this walk unravels the history of a model neighbourhood, Athens’ original “garden city” that set the blueprint for suburban areas like Psychiko and Nea Smyrni.

As we wander past grand villas, hidden ateliers, and streets that preserve the imprint of a different era, we’ll trace the footsteps of the so-called “Kypriadis School,” as the great artist Yannis Moralis once named it. From the architectural vision of Aristotelis Zachos to the homes of legends like Parthenis, Kontoglou, Pikionis, and Argyros, this neighbourhood emerges as a living canvas of the famed ’30s Generation and the Athenian intelligentsia. This tour connects modernism, memory, and everyday life, illuminating a side of the city that remains charming, unexpected, and deeply Athenian.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Fairytales with Georgia Chaikali
2026-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Voutie Park, Voutie Park, Athens, 118 52, Greece
A garden of fairy tales!

Georgia Chaikali, Marina Dakanali and Ioanna Rigas weave a world made of words, sounds and images. A form of storytelling that is not just speech, but experience—rhythm, breath, glances. Alongside them, music becomes a living presence: voice, percussion and santouri create a vivid sonic landscape that carries the audience away.

A children’s performance that is not only for children, but for anyone who wishes—if only for a while—to return to a place where everything is possible.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Wellness Festival - In your Greenery, I am Reborn
2026-05-23 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.

Connect Athens: All Day Street Festival
2026-05-23 10:00 - 22:00 | Fokionos Negri Pedestrian Street, 48-58 Fokionos Negri, Athens, 113 61, Greece
The This is Athens City Festival in collaboration with IASIS (Civil Non-Profit Organisation) and the Connect Athens Youth Centre, through the second edition of the Connect Athens Festival, is organising a full-day celebration on the pedestrian street of Fokionos Negri.

Following our “Building Bridges for the Mental Health of At-Risk Youth” event on 22 May, Connect Athens is bringing the conversation from the panels straight to the heart of the city. Under the motto #bringyourgrandma, we’re putting theory into practice, turning “”connection”” into a shared experience for every generation.

Dive into empathy-building activities and original AI workshops inspired by the memories of our elders. Catch street theatre, global dance performances, and an open forum featuring influencers and public figures sharing the stories that unite us. We’re wrapping things up with a massive music-and-dance party featuring multicultural bands and DJs.

It’s all about proving that mental well-being and acceptance are built within the community. When generations meet, we create a safe, bright space for everyone.

The Gift That Remained Unopened!
2026-05-23 11:00 - 12:30 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
A secret parcel, hidden among the centuries-old thickets of the National Garden, awaits its first explorers. For the Athens City Festival 2026, the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation invites young citizens to an unconventional adventure blurring the lines between detective work and fine art. Armed with magnifying glasses and “scientific” gloves, children will track the artistic footprints of the legendary Stephen Antonakos.

Drawing inspiration from the artist’s iconic “Travel Collages” and “Packages”, participants dive into the world of conceptual art through immersive role-playing and team missions. They will discover how a simple journey transforms into a collage and how a sealed package can contain entire universes, eventually crafting their own original masterpieces using organic materials gathered directly from the Garden’s ecosystem.

For 50 years, this mysterious “gift” has sat patiently in the heart of the city’s most iconic green space. By turning Antonakos’ legacy of sealed artworks into a living, breathing mystery, this event offers a rare, hands-on exploration of the intersection between art and the environment.

Meeting point: Entrance on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, opposite the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Yoga Sessions
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.

Studying the Human Figure with Jeff Koons – ‘Shells and Shine: A Contemporary Venus!’
2026-05-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Museum of Cycladic Art, Neofytou Douka 4, Athens, Athens, 106 74, Greece
Young creators (aged 7–11) embark on an exciting journey through time, starting from the timeless figure of Venus. From the Paleolithic Venus of Lespugue to Jeff Koons’ dazzling contemporary reinterpretation, children discover how art transforms across the centuries. Guided by visual artist Vivian Emmanouilidou and educator Magda Athanasiou, participants experiment with volume and texture, creating three-dimensional compositions made of shells that are transformed into radiant, contemporary sculptures. This hands-on experience connects prehistoric expression with pop aesthetics, encouraging imagination and free artistic creation through play. The workshop is only available in Greek.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Blooming Kypseli
2026-05-23 11:00 - 22:00 | Kypseli Municipal Market, Kypseli Municipal Market, Athens, Athens, 113 61, Greece
Kypseli Municipal Market puts on its festive spring colours and invites the public to Blooming Kypseli, a two-day celebration dedicated to the world of flowers and plants. For an entire weekend, the historic Market is transformed into a blooming hub of creativity, where designers and emerging Greek brands present plants, botanical products, natural cosmetics, as well as handmade jewellery and clothing inspired by nature. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in original workshops celebrating the joy of making and creativity, while music selections, food and refreshing drinks complete the experience, turning Kypseli into the ultimate spring destination in the city.

Guided Tour at the National Historical Museum
2026-05-23 12:00 - 13:00 | National Historical Museum, Stadiou 13, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
Step inside the grand, stately building with the bronze statue of Kolokotronis on horseback out front. It’s nothing less than the Old Parliament House, the very heart of Greece’s early political acts, and it is throwing open its doors for the This is Athens City Festival.

This isn’t just a wander through a dusty museum; it’s a guided journey through the National Historical Museum. You’ll be stepping into the original debating chamber where the big decisions that shaped modern Greece were hammered out. It’s an atmospheric spot that keeps history grounded in the centre of the city. Our guide will lead you through a stunning collection that charts the Greek story from the fall of Constantinople through to the 20th century. You’ll see personal heirlooms and everyday objects from the Greek Revolution, intricate traditional costumes that are basically 19th-century high fashion, historic weaponry, and archival treasures that tell the story of a nation finding its feet.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Pictures of an Exhibition
2026-05-23 12:00 - 13:30 | The City of Athens Gallery, Municipal Gallery of Athens, Athens, Athens, 104 36, Greece
Music and painting meet in a unique collaboration titled “Pictures of an Exhibition.” Composer and pianist Christos Papageorgiou, inspired by the work of Nikolas Klironomos, creates and performs a series of compositions that “translate” the visual arts into sound.

For 70 minutes, the audience is immersed in an atmospheric experience where each musical phrase acts as a commentary on the artist’s visual world. With an international career and profound musical education, Papageorgiou establishes a living dialogue between the arts, where different artistic languages unite into a single, multisensory experience.

Reservations open one week before the event at 12:00.

Let’s Go to the Square – An Experiential Educational Activity for Children and Families
2026-05-23 12:00 - 14:30 | Mitropoleos Square, Mitropoleos Square, Athens, Athens, 105 63, Greece
The activity “Let’s Go to the Square” brings to life the nostalgic atmosphere of old Athens, inviting children and adults alike to a participatory open celebration. Through hands-on workshops and traditional neighbourhood games, children discover a world without screens, while older participants relive the customs that once defined Athenian courtyards and squares. Creative activities and storytelling serve as a bridge between past and present, transforming cultural memory into a living experience and offering a unique opportunity for quality family time in the heart of the city.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Guided tour of the War Museum for Kids
2026-05-23 12:30 - 13:30 | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
As part of the This is Athens City Festival, the War Museum opens its collections and invites us on a journey through Greece’s military history and cultural heritage. Through specially designed thematic tours, visitors will have the opportunity to discover iconic exhibits and lesser-known narratives that shed light on the Greek past.

The activity is intended for children aged 8 and above, accompanied by one adult.

This activity is only available in Greek.
