For more than half a century, one of Greece’s most celebrated cultural festivals has turned the legendary landscape beneath Mount Olympus, in northern Greece, into an open-air stage where history, music and the arts unite.
Now in its 55th edition, the Olympus Festival is once again bringing world-class theater, concerts, exhibitions and cultural experiences to some of Northern Greece’s most breathtaking archaeological and historic sites. Running throughout the summer in the Pieria region, the festival celebrates Greek culture in extraordinary settings, from ancient ruins and medieval castles to the magnificent landscapes of Mount Olympus.
The Story
The festival began in 1972 as the Festival of the Muses (Giortes Mouson), inspired by the growing archaeological significance of Ancient Dion, the sacred city of the ancient Macedonians dedicated to the king of the Greek gods, Zeus. Established by the Society of Pierian Studies – Home of the Pierian Muses, its mission was to celebrate both the region’s extraordinary cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
Just one year later, the event changed its name to Olympus Festival, highlighting its connection with Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Twelve Olympian Gods and one of the most visited destinations in mainland Greece.
Over the decades, what started as a regional celebration has grown into one of Greece’s longest-running and most respected summer cultural institutions. The establishment of the Olympus Festival Organization (OR.FE.O.) in 1993 further expanded its international profile, attracting acclaimed Greek and international artists while showcasing the rich heritage of Pieria and the wider region.
The Settings
Few festivals can rival the dramatic backdrops of the Olympus Festival. Audiences gather beneath the stars at the magnificent Ancient Theater of Dion, wander through the imposing Platamon Castle overlooking the Aegean Sea, or attend performances at the beautiful Byzantine Church of Panagia Kontariotissa. Every venue offers a unique blend of archaeology, history and natural beauty, turning each performance into an unforgettable experience.
No doubt about it, it’s a festival where the setting is as captivating as the performers themselves.
A Celebration of the Arts
Each summer’s program spans classical and contemporary theater, live music, dance, lectures, educational activities, exhibitions and community events, reflecting the festival’s commitment to making culture accessible to everyone.
Throughout its long history, the Olympus Festival has welcomed many of Greece’s most celebrated performers alongside internationally renowned artists, earning a reputation as one of the country’s premier cultural events.
Today, thousands of visitors travel to Pieria every summer to experience performances while exploring the region’s remarkable archaeological sites and the legendary landscapes that inspired countless myths. The region also attracts thousands of sports lovers and daring climbers who wish to reach the highest peak – Mytikas – of Greece’s tallest mountain.
Olympus Festival 2026
This year’s festival continues through September and is dedicated to the memory of former president Iakovos Tashounidis, who led the organization from 1993 to 2012.
The program includes theater productions, concerts, gastronomy events, lectures, workshops and family activities.
Among the standout theatrical performances are Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” and “Peace” (Irini), Molière’s “The Imaginary Invalid”, Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Aulis” and “Alcestis”, Sophocles’ “Antigone”, as well as a children’s show by acclaimed director Karmen Rouggieri.
Music lovers can enjoy performances by some of Greece’s much-loved artists, including Natassa Bofiliou, Alkistis Protopsalti, Nikos Portokaloglou, Ioulia Karapataki, Stelios Rokkos, Manolis Mitsias, the legendary local ensemble The Pierians, and a special tribute to beloved Greek poet Nikos Kavvadias.
A Night Under the Stars
A concert at Dion Theater. Photo: Olympus Festival
One of this year’s most anticipated events is the Stargazing Night at the Experiential Park of Ancient Livithra on 13 August.
Located near Leptokarya at the foot of Mount Olympus, Ancient Livithra is closely linked with the myths of Orpheus. Visitors can explore reconstructed ancient buildings, a traditional vineyard and interactive exhibits before enjoying a guided evening beneath one of Greece’s most spectacular night skies.
The event begins at 9pm and admission is free.
A Festival for Everyone
The medieval Castle of Platamon overlooking the Aegean Sea in Pieria, Northern Greece.
One of the enduring appeals of the Olympus Festival is its accessibility. Many events are free to attend, while theater performances carry only a modest admission fee, making world-class culture available to visitors and locals alike.
More than 50 years after its beginnings, the Olympus Festival continues to prove that there is perhaps no better place to experience the arts than beneath the mountain where the Greek gods themselves once watched over the world. For a full program of events visit the festival’s dedicated website.
