Athens is buzzing this first weekend of October, and the good news is you don’t have to spend a cent to dive into some of the city’s most exciting cultural happenings. From record-digging and book-browsing to a vegan food adventure and a Nigerian cultural celebration, here are four free events not to miss.

For Earth’s Sake: Vegan Life Festival at Technopolis

Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October | 11:00–23:00 | Free Entry

The Vegan Life Festival Athens, Greece’s largest vegan event, returns for its ninth year at Technopolis in Gazi. Under the motto “For Earth’s Sake”, the festival offers a packed program:

  • The country’s biggest vegan expo with food, cosmetics, fashion, and accessories
  • Cooking workshops with chefs and food bloggers
  • Talks on health, ecology, and sustainable living
  • Live concerts at the Vegan Life Sound Stage
  • Activities for children, first-aid classes (for humans and pets), flash tattoos, a clothing swap, and even a blood donation drive.

It’s more than just food—it’s about community, creativity, and imagining a more sustainable way of living.

Vinyl Market at Technopolis

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 October | Free Entry

Also at Technopolis, vinyl lovers can rejoice: the Vinyl Market is back, bringing fresh releases, collectible gems, and crates filled with everything from rock and soul to jazz, funk, and electronica. Alongside browsing, you’ll enjoy live DJ sets spinning across the weekend. Whether you’re a crate-digger or just love the vibe, it’s a feast for the ears and eyes.

Athens Art Book Fair at Tristrato Stoa

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 October | Free Entry

For fans of independent publishing, the Athens Art Book Fair (AABF) transforms the historic Stoa Tristrato into a maze of creativity. This sixth edition gathers over 150 artists and publishers from 35 countries, showcasing zines, photo books, poetry collections, art monographs, and experimental works.

@Lila-Efremidou/ Athens Art Book Fair

Beyond browsing, the fair includes:

  • Talks with international artists and publishers on the politics and poetics of independent publishing
  • Poetry slams, live music, and radio broadcasts in collaboration with @fade.radio
  • A diverse program of exhibitions and performances.

For the festival’s full program please go here.

@Lila-Efremidou

Stadiou 29, Dragatsaniou 6 & Aristidou 6 | Metro: Panepistimio, Omonia
Hours: Fri 17:00–21:00, Sat & Sun 13:00–21:00

 Nigerian Festival at Kypseli Market

Sunday 5 October | 12:00–22:00 | Free Entry

@nikolaskominis

@nikolaskominis

On Sunday, the Kypseli Municipal Market turns into a celebration of Nigerian culture, with live music, dance, and traditional food. Expect vibrant colors, infectious rhythms, and a warm, festive atmosphere in the heart of one of Athens’ liveliest neighborhoods.