This is Athens City Festival

Vassilis Papageorgiou - Painting and Sculpture: Lignea Creatura Stans
2025-05-13 11:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-14 11:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-15 11:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-16 11:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-17 11:30 - 15:00 (Europe/Athens) | 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

Piano City Athens
2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Evangelismos Hospital, Ipsilantou 45-47, Athens, Athens, 106 76, Greece
The healing power of music is undeniable. In collaboration with Piano City Athens, the This is Athens City Festival brings music to Evangelismos—the city’s largest hospital—offering moments of calm and comfort to those who need it most.

The initiative is addressed exclusively to the medical, nursing, and administrative staff of the hospital.

CONQUISTADORS
2025-05-14 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-15 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-16 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-17 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

Fitness Sessions
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Eleftherias Park, Eleftherias Park, Athens, Athens, 115 21, Greece
A chance to get moving in the lush green setting of Eleftherias Park, where expert trainers and their teams lead sessions focused on health and wellbeing.

At the Fitness Sessions, exercise is all about fun—not competition. Yoga, Pilates and aerobic workouts are adapted to suit all levels, aiming to inspire a lifestyle of movement and balance.

Bring your own mat!

Fairy Tales in the Square: Naya Oikonomopoulou - Maria Georgopoulou
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Agios Pavlos Square, Agios Pavlos Square, Athens, Athens, 104 38, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

As much fiction, as much truth! Whether at festivals, libraries, museums, schools, cafés, or under a large oak tree, a fairy tale needs nothing more than someone to tell it and someone to listen – as long as both have an open heart.

Nagia Oikonomopoulou tells myths and fairy tales from the oral tradition, captivating both young and old, with the enchanting musical accompaniment of Maria Georgopoulou, a classical guitar teacher, music educator, and composer.

Sonoridades Lusofonas
2025-05-14 19:00 - 21:30 | Kypseli Municipal Market, Kypseli Municipal Market, Athens, Athens, 113 61, Greece
The Kypseli Municipal Market is transformed into a vibrant crossroads of cultures, hosting a unique experience dedicated to the dances and musical traditions of the Portuguese-speaking world.

From Angola and Mozambique to Brazil, Cape Verde, and Portugal, the Athenian audience will journey with music as its ark and the Portuguese Language as its map, discovering the common cultural thread that unites both sides of the Atlantic.

Miranda Verouli and Choro Plus will perform beloved pieces from the Fados of Amália Rodrigues, the Mornas of Cesária Évora, the Sambas of Caetano Veloso, and the Bossa Nova of Sérgio Mendes, framed by rare sounds from Lusophone Africa.

The stage comes alive even more with Victoria KizzArte and The KizzLab team, who will draw us into the rhythms of traditional Semba and the sensual Kizomba of Angola.
The dance journey concludes with Forró Atenas, who will transport the audience to the warm atmosphere of a Brazilian celebration.

A musical journey-ode to the peoples and cultures that weave the blue veil of the Portuguese language.

May 14, 2025 | 19:00 | Free Entrance

A synergy of the City of Athens Festival and the Embassy of Portugal, with the support of Camões, I.P., as part of the celebrations for World Portuguese Language Day (May 5th).

Leonard Cohen Tribute
2025-05-14 20:00 - 23:00 | Athens Book Space, Athens Book Space, Athens, Athens, 115 21, Greece
Three of the most distinctive and fresh voices in Greek music—Nalyssa Green, Sugahspank! and Lou Is—pay tribute to the legendary Leonard Cohen. Backed by a stellar band, they bring new life to songs that have left a lasting mark on music history.

Seven years after its powerful debut, this moving tribute returns for a captivating afternoon in the courtyard of the Athens Book Space.

Midnight Express: Star Trek
2025-05-15 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, inspired by a longing for the magical midnight screenings once held at legendary Athens cinemas like Alphaville and Cine Dexameni—a personal mission to bring them back to life.

Now, Midnight Express steps out of the dark and into the light. In the beautiful garden of the Athens Observatory, the original Star Trek film returns to the screen—a reminder of bold, visionary cinema. A chance for older generations to revisit it, for younger ones to discover it, and for everyone to share in a truly iconic viewing experience.

Booking required.

Friday at the Square with the Embassies of Georgia Hungary and Serbia
2025-05-16 17:00 - 21:00 | Klafthmonos Square, Klaftmonos Square, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
The Hungarian Embassy in Athens joins forces with the Embassies of Serbia and Georgia for a lively celebration in the heart of the city. Historic Klafthmonos Square will host a shared cultural and culinary event featuring tastings of traditional dishes and drinks—think gulyás, pogácsa, and the beloved chimney cake. 19:30 Traditional Hungarian dances by the EL.K.E.LA.M. folk group

6th Agatha Crime Fiction Festival
2025-05-16 17:30 - 22:30 | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
The 6th Agatha Crime Fiction Festival is a fact!

The landmark event for Greek crime fiction returns for the sixth consecutive year to bring together readers, writers, and publishers in the great celebration of books.

The festival’s activities culminate over the three-day period of May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, at the War Museum (Vasilissis Sofias & Rizari 2, Athens).

Friday, May 16th – Rigas Feraios Hall

17:30: Petros Markaris vs Kostas Charitos.

A discussion covering all aspects of the author and the man Petros Markaris, and his famous hero Kostas Charitos.

Speakers: Grigoris Azariadis (author, crime fiction critic), Vaso Kyriazakou (translator, editor).

19:00: Tribute: Romy Hausmann

Presentation and speech by the author, in collaboration with the ÖSD Institute Greece and Metaichmio Publications.

Speakers: Vangelis Giannisis (author and translator), Klairi Theodorou (author).

There will be consecutive interpretation at the event by Klairi Theodorou.

20:30: Debate: Classic VS contemporary crime novel

The Hellenic Association of Crime Fiction Writers (ELSAL) organizes an event that has now become a tradition. On one side of the “ring,” supporting the “dinosaurs” of crime fiction, are authors Aliki Aliferi, Georgia Papalymperi, and Kostas Stoforos, while opposite them, on the side of the “fresher” perspective, are Tefkros Michaelides, Tessi Papathanasiou, and Elena Chousni.

Moderated by Erika Athanasiou (author).W

Gyzi Street Party
2025-05-16 18:00 - 23:00 | Gyzi Square, Gyzi Square, Athens, Athens, 114 74, Greece
One of the most respected Greek DJs returns to his neighborhood for a special tribute, as part of the Gyzi Street Party.

The participation of Reverb Sessions in the This is Athens City Festival highlights the city’s authentic alternative culture, showcasing diverse forms of art, the variety of its creators, and its multicultural, multifaceted identity. With unity as its emblem and art—especially dance electronic music—as its connective thread, the Reverb Sessions team transforms one of the city’s central squares into an open-air club for the afternoon, where past, present, and future seamlessly connect.

Best 92 6 Party
2025-05-16 18:30 - 23:00 | Aigli Zappeiou, Aigli Zappeiou, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
For over two decades, Best 92.6 has been a mainstay of the Athenian airwaves, building a loyal following that lives and breathes music. Now it returns to the This is Athens City Festival with the Best 92.6 Party, bringing fresh sounds from the electronic scene to the beloved Cine Aigli at Zappeion.

Yucatan
2025-05-17 17:30 - 23:00 | Zappeion Megaron, Zappeion Hall, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
The name Yucatan has become synonymous with some of the most impressive parties in recent years. This trend-setting team, which has managed to turn its lifestyle into a movement, joins forces with Sensory Production to bring their magic to the This is Athens City Festival.

Known for their attention to detail, collaborations with acclaimed artists, and seamless blend of music, fashion, and art, the two teams unite their creative forces to transform the path lined with jacarandas at Zappeion into a unique open-air club—featuring incredible music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Lykeion ton Ellinidon
2025-05-17 18:00 - 19:00 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
The Lykeion of Greek Women (L.G.W.), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1911 by Kallirroi Sigano-Parren, a pioneer of the feminist movement and volunteering in Greece.

The organization is structured into various sections, established to fully achieve its multiple objectives. The 1911 charter included only 4 sections, each divided into smaller committees. Today, the Lykeion consists of 17 sections, one of which is the National Dances Section.

The Lykeion’s Dance Group will present a program of representative traditional Greek dances, accompanied by live traditional music, providing the audience with the opportunity to admire the diversity of Greek regional costumes.

Pratinou Street Party
2025-05-17 18:00 - 23:00 | Pratinou Street, Pratinou and Amasias, Athens, Athens, 116 34, Greece
A real and vibrant neighborhood in the city center is celebrating! Pepper 96.6 and the shops on Pratinou Street in Pagrati invite you to a unique Street Party for everyone. Get ready for a Saturday afternoon full of music, food, drinks, window shopping, and endless fun! From 6 in the afternoon, the beloved Pepper 96.6 radio producers Lefteris Kefalas and Dj Spector, take over the decks to get everyone, young and old, excited with their top music choices. A celebration for all ages, a celebration that brings to life the image of the neighborhood we all love and dream of!

Fairy Tales in the Square: Georgia Haikali - Ioanna Riga - Marina Dakanali
2025-05-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Mesologgiou Square, Mesologgiou Square, Athens, Athens, 116 34, Greece
This event will only be available in Greek.

Once upon a time, and three times more…
Fairy tales for children aged 6 to 106. G.Haikali, M.Dakanali, and I.Riga travel with words and music through time, continents, and hearts. Is it dark? Is it far away? Is it suffocating? Spring will reveal its secrets through our melodic fairy tales.

Storytelling by: Georgia Haikali
Vocals/Percussion: Marina Dakanali
Santouri: Ioanna Riga

An Evening of Bulgarian Folk Dances in Athens
2025-05-17 19:00 - 23:00 | Korai Square, Korai 1, Athens, Athens, 105 64, Greece
The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Greece and the This is Athens City Festival present an evening of traditional Bulgarian dance, featuring three folklore groups based in Athens. Talented dancers—including students—will perform in traditional costumes, showcasing vibrant dances from across Bulgaria. Visitors are invited to enjoy a joyful spring evening filled with rhythm, colour and live music. Let’s all come together in a colourful celebration of dance!

Athens Disco
2025-05-17 19:00 - 23:00 | Dragatsaniou Arcade, Dragatsaniou 8, Athens, Athens, 10561, Greece
Record collections come out and the best musical moments from legendary early ’70s clubs fill the city air, with rare vinyl sets from top Athenian DJs and collectors. A one-of-a-kind tribute to the golden age of disco, a non-stop quest for the ultimate dance move, a gathering of the tribe that bows to the mirrorball. The very definition of a party in the heart of Athens.

De Profundis Live: VBH
2025-05-17 20:30 - 21:30 | Epigraphic Museum, Tositsa 1, Athens, Athens, 106 82, Greece
Vivaldi – Bach – Handel. Three of the greatest composers of all time—who never met, but connected through musical script.

Johann Sebastian Bach discovered the music of Antonio Vivaldi through the written page, learning from the Venetian master’s compositional thinking. Though both German and born in 1685, Bach and Handel never crossed paths—yet Bach transcribed several works by Handel, drawn to his style. And Handel’s own music is steeped in the influence of Vivaldi.

This concert brings the genius of all three together for the first time—through their music—at the atmospheric atrium of the Epigraphic Museum of Athens.

De Profundis Ensemble
First Violins: Ilias Gyftonikolos, Zoi Prokopiou
Second Violins: Chrysi Tzavla, Maria Argyri
Viola: Eleni Fourlanou
Cello: Myrto Xirouchaki
Double Bass: Giorgos Danis

Reservation required.

Piano City Athens
2025-05-18 12:00 - 13:00 | “Agia Sofia” Hospital, Thivon & Papadiamantopoulou, Athens, Athens, 115 27, Greece
Recognising the healing power of music, the This is Athens City Festival, in collaboration with Piano City Athens, brings soothing sounds to the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital—offering moments of joy and calm to the young patients who need them most.

Apprenticeship Walk: 20 plus 1 Stops
2025-05-18 18:00 - 19:30 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
This activity is only availble in Greek.

Officially designated a historic site, the National Garden (formerly the Royal Garden) is a calm eye in the storm of central Athens—a space of serenity surrounded by the city’s intensity, steeped in memory and history. Among the 500 species of plants brought here from around the world under Queen Amalia’s watchful eye, marble figures wait quietly: Dionysios Solomos, Aristotle Valaoritis, Jean Moréas, Ioannis Kapodistrias and Ioannis Eynard—emblematic figures from an era of visionary leadership in Greece. In this poetic promenade, writer-director Thodoris Gonis invites audiences to follow the traces of these permanent Garden residents—poets, politicians, botanists and engineers—through the documents, letters and texts that shaped the garden’s story. At its heart is the 20-year-old queen who once dreamt it into being.

Concept & Direction: Thodoris Gonis

Dramaturgy: Thodoris Gonis, Eleni Stroulia

Costumes: Matina Megkla

Cast: Eleni Ouzounidou, Thanasis Dimou, Roxani Karfi, Christina Chalkia

Musicians: Paris Kimionis, Danai Tsironi

Athens All Star Party
2025-05-18 18:00 - 23:00 | Lycabettus Theatre Parking Lot, Lycabettus Hill, Athens, Athens, 114 71, Greece
The ultimate pilgrimage for Athens’ night owls. A legendary open-air gathering where dance crews, music collectives, locals and visitors climb high above the city to party under the stars. With sweeping views and even bigger beats, this hilltop parking lot transforms into the capital’s most electric dancefloor — for one night only.

The Athens Festival
2025-05-18 18:00 - 23:00 | Koumoundourou Square, Πλ. Κουμουνδουρου, Athens, Athens, 105 53, Greece
In the setting of the panigyri (traditional festival), songs and dances are reborn and shared in the joy of celebration—in a spirit that connects memories and identities, shared emotions and reflections. Through the participation of all, music and dance become a collective experience.
The musical group Gyalí Kafené project seeks to unite times and places, transforming the past into the present… in a circular dance of musical colours and scents. Its members are acclaimed performers rooted in Greek tradition, blending elements of rebetiko with entechno (artful Greek song) and contemporary influences. Their work forms a creative musical dialogue between “us and the others,” distinguished by freshness, vitality and groove.
Gyalí Kafené projectAvgerini Gatsi – vocals, accordionPanagiotis Vergos – santouriNikos Gyras – double bassManousos Klapakis – percussionGiorgos Kotsinis – clarinetThomas Konstantinou – vocals, oud
With them:Antonis Kyritsis and Konstantina Patsi – vocalsManolis Kottoros – violinPetros Mitsou – gaida and tsambouna
Musical direction: Giorgos Kotsinis
Gyalí Kafené was once the go-to hangout for musicians in Ioannina. Today, the Gyalí Kafené project becomes our new musical gathering place.
