Festivals and events in Athens: what's on through the year
Athens is more than the Acropolis. Through the year it hosts theatre, music, art and food festivals, plus a historic marathon. Here is the annual calendar for planning a visit.
- The Athens Epidaurus Festival, Greece's most important, runs in summer: in 2026 from 1 June to 29 August, at the Herodes Atticus theatre and Epidaurus.
- The Athens Jazz Festival is held in early June at Technopolis, with free entry according to Greeka.
- The Athens Marathon takes place on Sunday 8 November 2026, on the historic route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium.
If you are planning a trip around an event, book tickets and accommodation early, especially for Herodes Atticus shows and marathon weekend. And every week we publish what's on in Athens at the weekend.
Athens Epidaurus Festival
The Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece's most important cultural event. According to Discover Greece, the 2026 festival runs from 1 June to 29 August. Main performances take place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Roman theatre below the Acropolis, and at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese, about two hours' drive from Athens.
The programme covers ancient and modern theatre, dance, opera and music. Ancient drama is usually in Greek, sometimes with surtitles. Buy tickets on the festival's official site or through More.gr; popular Herodes Atticus shows sell out quickly. An evening in the Odeon beneath the floodlit Acropolis is an experience in itself, even without Greek.
Summer music festivals in Athens
According to Greeka:
- Athens Jazz Festival: early June at Technopolis in Gazi, with free entry.
- Rockwave: a big rock festival held at Malakasa, outside the city.
- Release Athens: a summer series of concerts by international acts.
Dates and line-ups change each year, so check the festival websites.
Art and culture
The Athens Digital Art Festival takes place in spring, showing digital art, video and installations. In August, on the night of the full moon, archaeological sites and museums sometimes open for evening visits and performances, an event that draws big crowds.
Food and drink festivals
Greeka also lists smaller festivals through the year: street food, coffee and chocolate festivals. For kosher travellers, these events usually have no kosher stalls; kosher restaurants are listed in kosher food in Athens.
Athens Marathon
The Athens Marathon, "The Authentic", runs the historic route from the town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) in the city centre. According to Real Greek Experiences, the 2026 race is on Sunday 8 November. Shorter races usually run alongside the full marathon. On marathon weekend some central roads close and hotels fill up.
Quick calendar
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Spring | Athens Digital Art Festival |
| Early June | Athens Jazz Festival, Technopolis |
| June–August | Athens Epidaurus Festival (2026: 1 June–29 August) |
| Summer | Rockwave, Release |
| August | Full moon events |
| 8 November 2026 | Athens Marathon |
How do you know what's on this week?
Every week we publish a weekend guide to Athens, with concerts, exhibitions and events; see for example the weekend in Athens. To plan your visit: how many days in Athens and day trips from Athens. Holidays also affect what's open: public holidays in Greece.
FAQ
When is the Athens Epidaurus Festival? In summer. According to Discover Greece, the 2026 festival runs from 1 June to 29 August.
How do you buy tickets for Herodes Atticus? On the festival's official website or through More.gr. Book early, as popular shows sell out fast.
When is the 2026 Athens Marathon? On Sunday 8 November 2026, according to Real Greek Experiences.
Are there free events in Athens? Yes. According to Greeka, the Athens Jazz Festival at Technopolis in early June is free.
