This is Athens City Festival

How to Fit Inside the City
2025-05-22 12:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-23 12:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Athens) | Athens Gallery7, Solonos 20, Athens, Athens, 106 73, Greece
The work of Haris Baskozos is compelling not only for its final forms but also for the sources of inspiration behind them. The artist studied architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and fine arts at the Athens School of Fine Arts. When drawing from his background in architecture, his work leans toward a rectilinear style that echoes urban planning and evokes a kind of “emotional Mondrian.” In these compositions, consciousness seems to take the lead. In contrast, when his fine arts training prevails, his work shifts towards a freer, more instinctive expression, dominated by human-like forms and influenced by art brut, where the unconscious plays the central role. In both cases, the final result is not a strict monologue of either approach, but rather a dialogue—one side mostly leading, the other echoing through. In this way, Baskozos offers a fascinating visual argument: the idea of collectivity (the city) tends to be shaped through a more conscious process, while reflections on individuality (the human being) emerge through the unconscious.

Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00–20:00 Wednesday & Saturday: 12:00–16:00

Vassilis Karakatsanis: Urban Tools
2025-05-22 12:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-23 12:00 - 21:00 | Genesis Gallery, Ippokratous 121, Athens, Athens, 114 72, Greece
Vassilis Karakatsanis invites us on a journey through the spectrum of contemporary existence—a complex, ever-evolving interplay of memories, collective narratives and social dynamics. His exhibition Urban Tools unfolds as a compelling dialogue between past and present, the personal and the monumental. Seven large-scale paintings, accompanied by numerous smaller works—created using acrylic, oil and gouache on canvas—invite a deep exploration of life in all its textures and tones. At the heart of Karakatsanis’ practice lies a transcendent inner process shaped by memory and materiality. The exhibition title hints at the hidden mechanisms that define a place’s essence: the subtle, often invisible tools that help us navigate, define and interpret the environments we inhabit—as well as those that shape and compose our very being. The urban landscape is not only his subject matter; it becomes his medium. Each brushstroke reveals the layered relationship between its singularity and the stories it holds. Symbols of personal and collective identity, ideology and emotion are interwoven into the fabric of daily life.

Opening night: Thursday 8 May 2025, 20:00

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

For303 X Butterfly
2025-05-22 17:00 - 23:00 | Omonia Square, Omonia Square, Athens, Athens, 104 31, Greece
Some of Athens’ hottest DJs take over one of the city centre’s most historic spots with back-to-back sets from 17:00 to 23:00. Atsou, Korrila, Fotinos, Dexx and Amelia from For 303 and Butterfly keep the May groove madness of This is Athens going strong.

Fairy Tales in the Square: Susurades
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Agios Sostis Square, Agios Sostis Square, Athens, Athens, 117 45, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Fairy Tales in Primo – Secondo. A narrative performance of fairy tale duets.

Duets that sprout wings and fly, that weave stories from threads of dreams, that lull us to sleep with a sugar-sweet slumber on a pillow of silk.

A red thread ties distant places together and weaves two voices, telling stories both together and one after the other—stories told, dreamed, and sung by the people of the world. These stories are told in conversation, whispered, sung, and even with the gestures of hands, reminding us that a deep wish to fly can move both heaven and earth.

EMST Rooftop Party
2025-05-22 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. 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.

Papazo Live with Voice Radio
2025-05-22 19:30 - 23:00 | Dexameni Square, Dexameni Square, Athens, Athens, 106 73, Greece
Papazó (Vasilis Papazotos) is a singer-songwriter, music producer, and doctor. For the past year, every Sunday, he has been sharing videos of his renditions of beloved songs from his balcony. Alongside him, renowned artists join in on a series that quickly went viral through his TikTok channel.

On May 22, Papazó returns for an anniversary concert at Dexamenes Square, bringing along fresh, beloved artists and presenting unique covers. Penny Baltatzi, Mirella Pahou, Nina Mazani, Billie Kark, Katerina Lazaridou, Ody Icons, and Giannis Margaris promise an unforgettable night of music.

Midnight Express: Purple Rain
2025-05-22 19:30 - 23:00 | National Observatory of Athens, Lofos Nymphon, Athens, Athens, 118 10, Greece
Midnight Express is the brainchild of film critic Akis Kapranos, born from a deep nostalgia for the magical midnight screenings once held at historic cinemas like Alphaville and Cine Dexameni. His mission? To revive that shared passion for pure cinematic joy—so older generations can reminisce, younger ones can discover, and everyone can experience the thrill together.

This time, Midnight Express steps out of the theatre and into the open air. In the garden of the Athens Observatory, it screens Purple Rain—an iconic gem of 1980s pop culture.

Booking required.

Martha Mavroidi: Cheilanthe
2025-05-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Mitropoleos Square, Mitropoleos Square, Athens, Athens, 105 63, Greece
A Celebration of the Voice – 90 Singers in One Performance

Composer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist Martha Mavroidi presents an evening dedicated entirely to the human voice. Joined by Anna Linardou, Tasos Poulios, Alkmene Basakarou, Giorgos Nikopoulos, the Polyphonic Workshop of Rodia, and vocal ensemble CHÓRES, she unveils a series of new a cappella works inspired by global musical traditions.

These compositions explore the voice as a musical instrument in its own right—organic, resonant, and profoundly expressive.

Featuring Angelos Polychronou on percussion.

Photo: Panos Iliopoulos

CONQUISTADORS
2025-05-23 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-24 11:00 - 15:00 | Macart’s Cultural Space, Lenorman 244, Athens, Athens, 104 43, Greece
Nikos Kyriakopoulos and his conquistadors disembark on Lenorman Street.

Dragons and wild beasts, locals and conquistadors—and even Death himself—battle deep in untrodden jungles.

The thirty-six works in this exhibition are not intended to serve History or the historical genre of painting. Instead, the artist draws his material from the mythos surrounding the Age of Discovery, crafting images that move beyond naturalism, both in form and content. Created using monotype, a technique dating back to the 16th century, the works gain added resonance when paired with the fantastical stories they depict. The adventures of the characters serve as a point of departure—not only for the adventures of line and colour, but also for reflection on themes such as desire, fear, conflict and illusion.

Opening: Thursday 8 May 2025, 19:30–23:00

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00–18:00 Saturday: 11:00–15:00 Closed on Sunday

Giorgos Gyzis: Clippings: Athens
2025-05-23 11:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Ikastikos Kyklos, Akadimias 6, Athens, Athens, 106 71, Greece
Clippings: Athens presents the third series of paintings inspired by clippings sourced from old newspapers. Photographs, drawings, and articles about Athens emerge from the archives, transformed into visual artworks that evoke emotion. The works on display offer a brief journey through the evolving form of Athens, beginning with the distinctive sketches by 19th-century British travellers in Attica and culminating in the height of modernism during the 1950s and 60s.

Exhibition Opening: Saturday 10 May 2025, 12:00–17:00 Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00–14:30 / 17:30–20:30

Wednesday, Saturday: 11:00–16:00

Closed Sunday and Monday

Vassilis Papageorgiou - Painting and Sculpture: Lignea Creatura Stans
2025-05-23 11:30 - 20:30 | Gallery Ersi, Kleomenous 4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
The worlds of plants, animals and humans—along with legend, myth, imagination and dream—form the basis of Vassilis Papageorgiou’s new artistic exploration. His paradoxical heroes and hand-crafted wooden creatures inhabit both two- and three-dimensional space in a state of perpetual whirling. Through an aesthetic lens, Papageorgiou reflects on the consequences of humanity’s destructive impact on the natural world. From this meditation, he generates new values—drawn from the cultural references of nature and tradition—that define the conditions for coexistence.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30–14:30 & 17:30–20:30 Saturday: 11:30–15:00

TAKIMI II – Reconnections Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition
2025-05-23 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Pottery Museum, Melidoni 4-6, Athens, Athens, 105 53, Greece
The Museum of Modern Greek Ceramics, in collaboration with the French Institute of Greece, presents the exhibition TAKIMI II – Reconnections, featuring works by emerging ceramic artists Olga Vlassi and Auréline Caltagirone. The exhibition showcases pieces created during their 2024 artist residency at the French Lodging in Rhodes, organised by the French Institute of Greece. Their creations engage in a dialogue with the museum’s permanent collections, reflecting the myths and ceramic heritage of Rhodes through a contemporary lens. Through their work, the artists share impressions and personal narratives inspired by their time on the island—reconnecting modern expression with tradition and the historical context that shaped it.

Curated by: Thalassini Bratsou

Opening: Sunday 18 May 2025, 20:30

Opening hours: Monday: 12:00–15:00 Tuesday–Thursday: 12:00–20:00 Friday: 12:00–15:00 Saturday: 11:00–14:00

Discovering Athens Through the Work of Spyros Vassiliou
2025-05-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Hellenic Children’s Museum, Vas. Georgiou Β΄ 19, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.
Paintings from the archive of Spyros Vasiliou “converse” with exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Athens, creating an environment that takes us on a journey through early 20th-century Athens.

Families with children aged 6-12 are invited to explore the artist’s work, focusing on the transformations of the urban landscape.

Three-Star Architectural Crown: The Neoclassical Trilogy of Athens
2025-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Athens Trilogy, Panepistimiou 39, Athens, Athens, 105 64, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Archaeologist and guide Michalis Giohalas leads a tour of the Athenian Trilogy, in collaboration with the This is Athens City Festival. The University, the Academy and the Library—an opus magnum by brothers Hans Christian and Theophil Hansen—form Athens’ famed neoclassical trilogy. Described by Alexandros Philadelpheus as “the architectural triple crown of our city,” these buildings remain an enduring and iconic landmark. In the heart of the urban fabric, visual and literary references to ancient history and mythology intertwine with the dominant ideologies of the time. In these structures, the recent past confronts antiquity—mirroring the spirit, aspirations and ideals of a bygone era.

Fairy Tales in the Park: Sussurades
2025-05-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Prompona Park, Eratonos 2, Athens, Athens, 111 43, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Fairy tales in primo – secondo. A narrative performance of fairy tale duets. Duets that spread wings and fly, that weave tales from threads of dreams, lulling us into a sugary sleep on a pillow full of wonder. A red thread binds different places together, weaving two voices that tell stories—sometimes together, sometimes one after the other—that have been told, dreamed, and sung by the people of the world. Stories shared through conversation, whispers, songs, and even gestures, all coming to remind us that a deep wish to fly can move both heaven and earth.

A Parade with the Agia Fanfara
2025-05-23 20:30 - 22:00 | Attiki Square, Attiki Square, Athens, Athens, 104 40, Greece
Agia Fanfara may be humble, but they’re also a household name. This 25-piece brass, woodwind and percussion band has earned a kind of superstar status in Greece—not through showmanship, but through the fierce devotion of its fans. There’s nothing flashy about them, and none of its members would ever fit into the typical “celebrity” mould. They’ll be joining the This is Athens City Festival for a full-blown Balkan street party, starting at Attiki Square and dancing its way to Agios Panteleimonas Square.

Food and Wine Experience - Aigli Zappiou with Ktima Kir-Yianni
2025-05-23 20:30 - 23:00 | Aigli Zappeiou, Aigli Zappeiou, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
The Greek vineyard meets some of the leading figures of the Athenian culinary scene in some of the city’s most iconic venues. Top labels from beloved Greek estates, distinguished wines, as well as well-hidden treasures, accompany creations that celebrate and showcase the products of the Greek land in surprising pairings.

Athens City Festival and Wine Style are coming to the Aigli Zappiou restaurant, bringing with them the top labels from Ktima Kir-Yianni.

WELCOME

Scarerdas Freres Hommage Blanc de Noirs NV (Methode Traditionnelle)

MENU

SOURDOUGH BREAD with extra virgin olive oil

ATHENIAN SALAD
Kir-Yianni Palpo Single Block (Chardonnay, 2023)

SHRIMP GIOUVETSI (Orzo pasta with shrimp)
Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko Single Block (Tarsanas, 2022)

BEEF SIRLOIN with wild asparagus, seasonal mushrooms, and Xinomavro sauce
Kir-Yianni Diaporos (Xinomavro, Syrah, 2019)

BAKLAVA with pistachio ice cream
Kir-Yianni Chryssogerakas (Gewurztraminer, Malagousia, 2021)

Wellness Weekend with Niki Petroulaki
2025-05-24 10:00 - 20:00 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
“Breath of Life” with Niki Petroulaki
In your greenery, I am renewed

GREEN ATHENS | National Garden – Metropolitan Green, in collaboration with established professionals in the fields of health and wellness, invites you to a two-day free wellness programme designed to refresh body and mind, within the rare and enchanting ecosystem of the National Garden of Athens.

24 & 25 May: Experience a unique journey of wellbeing and inner connection, in the heart of the city, beneath the trees.

Why take part?

Because you’ll have the chance to join a rich, holistic two-day programme completely free of charge
Because you’ll be guided by leading professionals in yoga, pilates, meditation and personal development
Because it’s a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in one of Athens’ most beautiful spots
Because you’ll feel the joy of community, movement, breath and genuine self-connection
Because your body and mind need it

What to expect:

Yoga, Pilates, Fitness and Meditation sessions
Music experiences that touch the soul
Talks and mini-seminars on self-awareness, self-improvement and wellbeing
A full programme, open to all – no restrictions, no cost

Sign up for the “In your greenery, I am renewed” wellness programme and make space within yourself for greater calm, care and vitality.

Programme

10:00 | Power Walk, Eleni Petroulaki – Fitness Expert
Walking as a simple and effective form of exercise for body and soul. Let’s walk together.

11:00 | Yin Yoga & Gong Bath Ioanna Koliakoudaki – Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, Stavros Sachlas – Sound Therapist
Gentle yoga combined with the healing sounds of gong for deep relaxation, renewal and body-breath awareness.

12:00 | Inner Focus: Cultivate Spiritual Wellbeing, Nancy Malerou – Master Coach
Transform anxiety into strength and claim your emotional freedom.

13:00 | Let’s Get Physical – Pilates, Eleftheria Georgiou – Pilates Instructor
An introductory pilates session with a fun, full-body activation for all levels.

14:00-16:00 Pranic Healing

16:00 | Creative Visualisation, Christina Pikoula – Mindset Coach
Guided breathwork and visualisation to connect with your empowered future self.

17:00 | Pilates for All, Mandy Persaki – Pilates Instructor
A session focusing on core strength, flexibility and relaxation, suitable for all levels.

18:00 | Total Body Workout, Thodoris Tsounatos – Fitness Trainer
A complete circuit training session to build strength, energy and endurance.

19:00 | Prana Yoga Flow, Nikos Manolis – Senior Yoga Teacher
A dynamic yet grounding practice that nurtures vitality, intuition, balance and mindful movement.

Bring your own mat!

Guided Tour at the Elytis House Museum
2025-05-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Elytis’ House – Museum, Polygnotou 7, Athens, Athens, 105 55, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Step inside the Elytis House Museum, a neoclassical gem in the heart of Plaka, and explore the world of Nobel Laureate Odysseas Elytis through a guided tour of its permanent exhibition. Rare manuscripts, Greek and international editions, paintings, personal artefacts, and the poet’s original writing desk—all housed in the space where he lived and worked for decades—offer an intimate experience of one of Greece’s most iconic literary figures.

Cyprus 74 - Never Forget
2025-05-24 11:00 - 12:00 | National Historical Museum, Stadiou 13, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

A guided tour of the memory exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Through rare posters from the era and corresponding photographic material, the exhibition aims to highlight the events of the Cypriot tragedy, the nationwide solidarity with the people of Cyprus, and their ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.

Three-Star Architectural Crown: The Neoclassical Trilogy of Athens
2025-05-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Athens Trilogy, Panepistimiou 39, Athens, Athens, 105 64, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek. Archaeologist and guide Michalis Giohalas leads a tour through the Athenian Trilogy, in collaboration with the This is Athens City Festival. Comprising the University, the Academy and the Library, this neoclassical ensemble—designed by brothers Hans Christian and Theophil Hansen—was hailed by Alexandros Philadelpheus as “the architectural triple crown of our city.” Since its completion, it has stood as one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. At the heart of the city’s urban fabric, these buildings weave visual and literary references to ancient history and mythology into the prevailing ideologies of their time—where the recent past engages with antiquity, reflecting the spirit, aspirations and ideals of a bygone era.

Fairy Tales in the Museum: Sassa Voulgari
2025-05-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments “Fivos Anoyanakis” – Centre for Ethnomusicology, Diogenous 1, Athens, Athens, 105 56, Greece
Fairy Tales in the Garden: Sasa Voulgari The Tears of the Earth: The Animals that Speak, the Trees that Ache…

Trees that hide fairies, magical fruits, humble ants, ducks, lions, wolves, storks, and proud eagles that gratefully return the good deeds done to them, people who transform into birds, trees, and stars… So much and more is hidden in the magic of old fairy tales! From the ends of the earth and from the depths of time, old legends and cosmogonic myths reveal to us that all creatures of this earth were once siblings. Animals, Plants, and Humans, we are inseparable parts of our vast world, with our common destiny being the great Journey of Life with all its adventures and all its beauty. Besides, “Kosmos” (World) in our beautiful language means ornament!

Sasa Voulgari, a pioneer of neo-narration in Greece, unravels her fairy tales “as if singing them,” with vocal improvisations and melismas, and accompanies them with her strange musical instruments from all over the world.

The narration lasts approximately 60 to 70 minutes. It is suitable for children from 5 to 115 years old!

The December Events - The Clash at Makriyianni
2025-05-24 11:00 - 13:30 | Zappeion Megaron, Zappeion Hall, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

This historical walk explores one of the most important battles of the Dekemvriana or December events, the urban warfare that took place in Athens at the end of World War II and which announced the start of the Greek Civil War. At the barracks of the Makrygiannis Gendarmerie Regiment, we will learn about the methods used by ELAS, as well as the desperate defense of the gendarmerie, the intervention of the British forces, and the counter-movements on other fronts of the battle.

A reservation is required.

Athens Music Instruments Show
2025-05-24 11:00 - 21:00 | Serafeio, Echelidon 19 & Pireos 144, Athens, Athens, 118 54, Greece
The Athens Music Instruments Show is the first nationwide gathering dedicated to the world of musical instrument making in Greece—spanning from education to craftsmanship, and from tools to accessories. The event celebrates traditional Greek luthiery, a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage. Its mission is to connect the public with instrument makers, strengthen the community of artisans, and identify their needs—offering a space for dialogue, visibility, and the promotion of their craft.

Tickets: Presale €7 per person / per day €11 two-day pass

On-site (during event days & hours) €8 per person / per day €13 two-day pass Free entry for children under 12 and people with disabilities
