Athens City Festival Welcomes Spring With More Than 250 Events

  • by XpatAthens
  • Sunday, 05 May 2024
Athens City Festival Welcomes Spring With More Than 250 Events
In the heart of Athens, amidst the blooming spring, a grand celebration unfolds: the 3rd edition of This is Athens – City Festival. From May 1st to June 2nd, the city comes alive with over 250 captivating events spanning 129 neighborhoods, promising an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.

Kicking off the festivities is the Athens Urban Picnic on May Day, nestled within the historic surroundings of Plato's Academy. Here, the city welcomes the festival with open arms, offering a vibrant tapestry of grassy knolls, live music, and DJ sets from acclaimed stations like HiT 88.9 and En Lefko 87.7. With educational workshops, kite displays, and theatrical performances, it's a day-long celebration heralding the arrival of spring.

Throughout the festival's duration, expect a diverse array of events ranging from concerts and street parties to cultural tours and sporting activities. Noteworthy highlights include:

  • Family & the City - Municipal Market of Kypseli - May 12th: Commemorating International Mother's Day, families are treated to a day of creative activities and games, fostering bonds and memories amidst the bustling atmosphere of Kypseli's Municipal Market.

  • Street Outdoors Party - Koumoundourou Square - May 12th: Transforming Koumoundourou Square into an outdoor haven, the Street Outdoors team orchestrates a one-of-a-kind club experience under the open sky.

  • Fairytales in Drakopoulou Square (Patisia) - May 16th: Delight in enchanting stories from around the globe as Georgia Haikali, Marina Dakanali, and Ioanna Riga bid farewell to spring and usher in the warmth of summer in Drakopoulou Square.

  • Piano City Festival - Amerikis Square - May 17th: Immerse yourself in the melodious strains of Piano City Athens as it hosts over 100 concerts, featuring a blend of seasoned artists, emerging talents, and aspiring pianists, promising to stir hearts and souls alike.

  • Spinning Sessions - Municipal Market of Kypseli - May 17th: Witness the transformation of Kypseli's Municipal Market into a pulsating spinning club, where dazzling lights, infectious rhythms, and invigorating workouts converge to ignite the spirit.

  • Flare the Square: Skateboarding Contest - Kotzia Square - May 18th: Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle as professional and amateur skateboarders showcase their skills in a high-octane tournament set against the backdrop of Athens City Hall.

  • Catwalk of Traditional Costumes of the “Dora Stratou” Theater - Monument of the Airs in Plaka - May 19th: Embark on a journey through time as Lysiou Street in Plaka comes alive with the splendor of traditional costumes from the renowned collection of the “Dora Stratou” Theater, accompanied by the melodious strains of Greek folk music.

  • The Festival of Athens - Plato Academy Park - May 19th: Revel in the rich tapestry of Greek music and dance as folk instrumentalists take center stage, offering a captivating glimpse into the nation's cultural heritage.

  • The Journey of the Kantada, from the Ionian Islands... to Athens - Plaka - May 23rd: Embark on a musical odyssey through the labyrinthine streets of Plaka as the Karaviotis brothers lead a mesmerizing journey accompanied by traditional chants, culminating in an intimate concert at the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments "Phoivos Anogianakis" - Center for Ethnomusicology.

  • Skating with Agia Fanfara - Attikis Square to Agios Panteleimon - May 24th: Join the vivacious antics of Agia Fanfara as they lead a spirited procession through the streets, infusing the air with infectious melodies and boundless joy.

  • La Saramuya Fiesta - Amerikis Square - May 26th: Surrender to the rhythmic allure of La Saramuya as it brings the vibrant spirit of Latin American entertainment to America Square, igniting the senses with pulsating beats and infectious energy.

  • Puppet Theater: Ephemeria - Open Municipal Theater of Kolonou - May 27th: Enter a realm of whimsy and wonder at the Open Municipal Theater of Kolonou, where an innovative puppet show unfolds within the confines of a hospital ward, captivating audiences with its imaginative storytelling.

  • Concert with the Yasemi Quartet & Friends - Mitropoleos Square - May 28th: Experience the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity as the Yasemi Quartet & Friends take to the stage, weaving together traditional melodies and contemporary arrangements in a spellbinding performance against the backdrop of Athens Metropolis.

  • Food & Wine Experience with a Tour of the National Gallery - May 29th: Indulge in a sensory journey through the hallowed halls of the National Gallery, culminating in a gastronomic feast paired with exquisite wine selections, offering a tantalizing blend of art and culinary delights.

  • Victoria Square Party - Victoria Square - May 31st: Let loose and dance the night away at the Victoria Square Party, where Reverb, a trailblazer in contemporary alternative culture, curates a wild soirée featuring renowned DJs and electrifying musical selections.

  • Attiko Alsos Sunset Street Party - Turkovunia - June 1st: Embark on a picturesque escapade to the hidden "balcony" of the Galatsi region, where the Attiko Alsos Sunset Street Party promises an enchanting experience against the backdrop of the Attic sunset, courtesy of the esteemed group "11 Athens."

  • Athens All Star Party - Lykavittos Parking Lot - June 2nd: Witness history in the making as Athens' foremost promoters converge for the Athens All Star Party at the Lykavittos parking lot, transforming the city's beloved "balcony" into an endless dance floor ablaze with excitement and revelry.

For more information, please visit the festival's official website here.

LIFE & CULTURE