With the summer months ushering in the 70th Athens Epidaurus Festival, theater lovers from across Europe will soon flock to the city to experience world-class performances steeped in ancient tradition. But while the iconic festival remains a cultural landmark, Athens’ live music scene this season goes far beyond classical drama.

From the Christmas Theater to the reopened Lycabettus Municipal Theater, an impressive lineup of international stars, genre-defining legends, and rising talents promises to fill the city’s venues with sound. Whether you’re visiting or living in Athens, the city invites you to celebrate summer with music from around the world.

Here are 20 concerts you won’t want to miss from April through September:

1. Kamasi Washington (Christmas Theater, April 29)
The Los Angeles-based saxophonist, known for blending jazz with hip-hop, R&B, and classical influences, is widely regarded as one of the leading musicians of his generation—and for good reason.

2. Sun Ra Arkestra (Christmas Theater, May 15)
Founded in the 1950s by the visionary Sun Ra, this pioneering jazz orchestra was among the first to incorporate electronic instruments and remains a cornerstone of avant-garde jazz.

3. Spiritualized (Lycabettus Municipal Theater, May 29)
From their 1992 debut “Lazer Guided Melodies” to 2022’s “Everything Was Beautiful,” the British band masterfully weaves experimental rock with neo-psychedelia.

4. The House of Love (Gazarte Ground Stage, May 31 & June 1)
Returning to Greece after nearly two decades, these British alternative rock pioneers promise an intimate and nostalgic performance.

5. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (Lycabettus Municipal Theater, June 4–6)
The Australian experimental rockers bring three electrifying nights to Athens’ iconic hilltop venue, armed with a prolific catalog of 25 albums.

6. Tom Jones (Lycabettus Municipal Theater, June 21)
Celebrating 60 years of musical success, the legendary Welsh singer behind hits like “Delilah” and “Sex Bomb” returns with a career-spanning performance.

7. Raining Pleasure (Odeon of Herodes Atticus, June 22)
The acclaimed Greek pop and alternative rock band reunites for a special performance under the Acropolis, marking their long-awaited return to the music scene.

8. The Stranglers (Odeon of Herodes Atticus, June 23)
With classics like “Golden Brown” and “No More Heroes,” the British punk and new wave icons promise an unforgettable night in the historic at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus as par of the 70th edition of the Athens Epidaurus Festival.

9. Air (Odeon of Herodes Atticus, June 29)
Another unique event amid the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the French pioneers of electronic music perform their seminal album “Moon Safari” live, offer a dreamy evening beneath the Athenian sky.

10. Max Richter (Odeon of Herodes Atticus, July 1)
The influential British-German composer, known for reshaping modern classical music, brings his evocative soundscapes to Athens for one night only.

11. Green Day (OAKA, July 6)
The punk rock giants, responsible for more than 75 million album sales worldwide, make their highly anticipated debut in Greece.

12. Youssou N’Dour (Odeon of Herodes Atticus, July 11)
The legendary Senegalese singer and world music icon, famed for the global hit “7 Seconds,” returns to Athens after his 1988 performance at the Amnesty International concert.

13. Cypress Hill (Rockwave Festival, Terra Vibe, July 13)
West Coast hip-hop legends and genre-blenders Cypress Hill bring their explosive energy to the Rockwave stage.

14. Morrissey (Release Athens Festival, Water Square, July 16)
The Smiths’ frontman and indie pop icon performs solo material and beloved classics from his legendary career.

15. Diana Ross (Kallimarmaro, July 16)
The soul and R&B legend, former Supreme and global superstar, revisits timeless hits like “Upside Down” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Internationally renowned singer, Diana Ross, sings in a single concert performed at the Da Villa moat of the old Venetian wall which surrounds the old town of Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday 26 June 2005. The concert was organised by the municipality of the capital and was attended by thousands of fans. EPA/KATIA CHRISTODOULOU

16. Kylie Minogue (Release Athens Festival, Water Square, July 18)
Australia’s pop queen, with over 80 million records sold, brings her vibrant energy and chart-topping hits to Athens.

17. Beth Gibbons (Lycabettus Municipal Theater, July 20)
The haunting voice of Portishead steps into the spotlight with her introspective solo album “Lives Outgrown,” exploring themes of motherhood, anxiety, and time.

18. Public Enemy (Technopolis, Municipality of Athens, July 22)
The politically charged hip-hop legends return to Greece after 17 years, bringing their revolutionary anthems to Technopolis.

19. Franz Ferdinand (Lycabettus Municipal Theater, September 11)
The Scottish indie rockers promise an electrifying night of hits and surprises, with frontman Alex Kapranos even channeling his love for rebetiko music.

20. Jethro Tull (Lycabettus Municipal Theater, September 20)
Rock legends with a career spanning seven decades, Jethro Tull close out the summer with a powerful performance at one of Athens’ most beloved venues.