What’s on in Athens

Athens Festival

June, July and August annually

Herod Atticus Odeon and other venues

The Athens Festival takes place at a number of venues, including the magnificent Herod Atticus Odeon, which dates back to 161 AD. The ancient, tiered theatre nestles at the foot of the Acropolis. The festival runs through summer and autumn, and graces audiences with marvellous symphony orchestras, classical drama and dance, and operas. The large and varied programme features Greek and international artists, with travellers catching the festival's summer section during June and July, and the autumn section during August and October.

Website www.greekfestival.gr

Traditional Greek Dance Festival

Most summer evenings

Dora Stratou Theatre

Nothing demonstrates the warmth and energy of Greek people as well as their traditional dance. Travellers visiting Athens can catch performances on most summer nights at Dora Stratou on Philopappou Hill. Established by Greek folk expert, Dora Stratou, the lovely theatre quite rightly describes itself as 'the living museum of Greek dance', where traditional folksingers and musicians accompany the dancers in a charming garden theatre that seats up to 800 people. It's a great place to spend a hot night in Athens. For visitors who want to learn more about the dance and folk traditions on show, the theatre also doubles as a school offering courses, lectures and workshops on Greek dance, embroidery and culture.

Rockwave Festival

TBC 2025

Terra Vibe, Oropos

Since its inception in 1996, Athens' Rockwave Festival has become one of Europe's most popular live rock music events and continues to draw the hottest performers and an enthusiastic crowd of tens of thousands. The annual festival takes place over three days and features three stages, where visitors will find metal, rock and dance music respectively. Past performers include big names such as Ozzy Osbourne, The Prodigy and Machine Head. The well-organised festival has kiosks that work as meeting points, bulletin boards and helpful staff on permanent duty. Fans will find first-aid stations plus loads of food and drink options, though they'll have to pay through the festival's coupon system rather than cash. Sponsors run leisure areas where there are games and activities. The venue is in the scenically marvellous and protected Malakasa area, so fans are urged to avoid littering and to respect the natural surroundings.

Website www.rockwavefestival.gr

Athens