Every year ancient theaters, green hillsides, quarries that have been converted into theaters, overflow with spectators enjoying ancient drama, international and local music, dance theater and ballet under the clear Athens sky. From June to September, Athens demonstrates a unique cultural intensity, the heart being the ancient Odeion of Herodus Atticus (Herodeion). It provides a stage for the greatest events on the program of the city’s most historic arts celebration, the Athens Festival (part of the Hellenic Festival). The same colorful festival atmosphere pervades the whole city.

Mora than 50 years of Hellenic Festival

This year the Hellenic Festival celebrates its 54th anniversary with the participation of eminent artists both from Greece and abroad at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient theater of Epidaurus, the Little theater of Epidaurus and many other venues.

Lykavittos theater

A few Athens Festival (Hellenic Festival) events are held at the Lykavittos theater (4.000 seats), set on a pinnacle of Lykavittos Hill. The specialty here is popular concerts with past performers such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Massive Attack and Paco de Lucia. Since buses travel only as far as the bottom of the hill and taxi drivers often won't drive to the top, buy a one-way ticket on the funicular and walk about 10 minutes to the theater. After the concert, you can walk down the hill enjoying the warm summer Athens night.

Events & Tickets: contact Tickethellas at 210 618 9300 or the Lykavittos box-office at 210 722 7233
Lykavittos Hill – Kolonaki

August Moon Festival

Every year, on the night of the full moon in August (believed to be the brightest and most beautiful moon of the year), the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Odeion of Herodes Atticus and sometimes other sites, are open to the public for free. Opera performances, Greek dance and classical music take place by moonlight amidst the ancient columns. If you're in Athens in August, this is a must see!

Theatro Petras Festival

The old rock quarry at Petroupoli (literally, "stone city") has been transformed into a stunning outdoor venue and is now the home of a summer festival jam-packed with acts such as Stomp, Tierra Brava and international percussion performances. It attracts audiences from June to September to musical and theatrical events featuring both big names and amateur groups.

76-78, Varnali - Petroupoli

Summer in Maroussi

Between June and early September, the City of Marourssi brings some of the best productions by Greek theater companies to the Theatro Anavryton (Alsos Syngrou), while well known artists from the Greek rock and art music scene will be giving free concerts in Iroon Square.

In the shadow of the rocks

The municipalities of Vyronas (June-July) and Ymittos (July-August) share the Theatro Vrachon (theater of the rocks) for the organization of two different festivals that present the best summertime Greek musical and theatrical productions. Their programs always include one or two concerts and dance performances by foreign companies.

Rockwave Athens

The biggest rock festival in Greece takes place in July and takes over the capital during those days. Thousands of young, and not so young, avid fans make their way to the city to immerse themselves in the atmosphere which Rockwave creates.

Attracting leading international bands, the event has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1996 and if you are in the region, it is well worth checking out. The fact that it takes place in glorious sunshine should be welcome to any of you who have ever attended any outdoor concerts in the rain in the rest of Europe.

How to get to Terra Vibe?

By car: Take the Greek National Road heading towards Lamia/Thessaloniki. The festival area is near the Malakassa exit, at km 37 of that road. There will be signs to guide you. This is a 20-minute trip from Athens once you have reached the national road.

By train: From the station Stathmos Larisis (Larissa train station) in the centre, take a train towards Halkida and get off at the Sfendali station (about a 30-minute ride). From there it is 10-minute walk to the festival area. One-way ticket: 2.60 €. Trains: every 30 or 60 minutes. Warning: The last return train leaves Sfendali at 23:09 which might be too early for the show.

By special bus service: busses leave from Larrisa train station at 13:00 and 16:00 and return at 00:00 and 01:30. Return ticket: 8 €. Ticket distribution: Sunways, Xenofontos 15A (Syntagma) Athens – 210 3234 513. Available seats are limited.

For more music and cultaral performances, see our Cultural Agenda pages.