Whether you’re visiting Athens, counting the days till your official vacation, or simply one of the few still in town, this weekend offers a surprising reward. With a welcome dip in temperatures and the worst of the heatwave postponed until next week, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy the city—especially in the cooler late afternoon and evening hours.

Athens & Epidaurus Festival Highlights

At the iconic Odeon of Herodes Atticus, piano virtuoso Daniil Trifonov will perform works by Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Barber on Friday, July 19. At just 34, Trifonov is widely considered one of the finest pianists of our era. Don’t miss the chance to see him play under the stars, beneath the Acropolis.

Meanwhile, over at Peiraios 260, two fascinating visual installations are on view:

  • “Tenant” by video designer Pantelis Makkas transforms a translucent house into a living archive of his stage collaborations over the past 15 years. It explores how theatrical works inhabit and interact with both space and audience.

  • Objects of Common Interest, the Athens–New York design studio, presents a luminous experiment in form and light—an installation of sculptural tubes that reshape our perception of space. Running until July 24.

Big Names, Big Sounds

Pop icon Kylie Minogue lands in Athens to headline Release Festival at Plateia Nerou on Friday, July 18. Expect a dazzling set packed with hits—and glitter.

Kylie Minogue Greece

On Saturday, July 19, the stage heats up again with Gojira, the French metal giants who stunned the world at the Paris Olympics’ Opening Ceremony. They’re joined by While She Sleeps and Italy’s metal heavyweights Lacuna Coil.

On Sunday, July 20, Beth Gibbons—the haunting voice of Portishead—graces the Lycabettus Theater as part of her solo tour for Lives Outgrown. Special guest: Bill Ryder-Jones, founding member of The Coral.

Timeless Films Under the Stars

Don’t miss this week the classic film “Casablanca” screened at the iconic open-air cinema next to the Acropolis, Cine Thiseion.

Athens’ beloved open-air cinemas continue to charm with classic re-releases. Here’s what’s screening this weekend:

  • Casablanca (1942) – Cine Thiseion
  • The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) – Cine Ecran, Zephyros, Cine Amiko, Oasis, Aello
  • Purple Noon (1960) – Cine Athina
  • Rebel Without a Cause – Cine Paris
  • In the Mood for Love (2000) – Riviera, Laura Digital
  • Malena (2000) – Athenee
  • Hate (1995) – Vox, Cine Ecran, Cine Electra, Atikon Groove, Cine Laura
  • 8½ (1963) – Cine Athina

Swedish-born actress Ingrid Bergman with Humphrey Bogart in a scene from the classic 1943 film “Casablanca.” (AP photo)

Farewell Festivities in the Neighborhoods: Summer in Athens Festival Comes to an End

All the following events are part of the “Summer in Athens Festival”, the annual open-air celebration by the Municipality of Athens. Admission is free to all performances.

Friday, July 18

  • 21:00 | Avdi Square (Metaxourgeio)
    Swinging with Manolis Hiotis – A musical tribute curated by Lina Nikolakopoulou with performances by Manolis Karadinis, Aspasia Stratigou, and Gerasimos Andreatos, bringing to life the jazz, mambo, and rebetiko flair of the legendary Greek composer.
  • 20:00 | Koumoundourou Square
    “Fárisa” by Danae & Dionysios – A site-specific dance duet inspired by pilgrimage and our connection with animals and nature.
  • 20:30 | Koumoundourou Square
    “Trüpped” – A powerful dance piece exploring the metaphor of tripping as a symbol of social and political neglect. Choreographed by Iris Liakakou and Isidora Fraser.

Saturday, July 19

  • 20:30 | Penelope Delta Square (Ellinoroson)
    Children’s Music Performance – “Where Did the Moon Go?” by Giorgis Christodoulou. A fun, theatrical concert for young audiences.
  • 21:00 | Manitaki Stadium, Sepolia
    Concert by Vasilis and Vaggelis Korakakis – A rich journey through the urban folk music of Greece, uniting two generations of musicians.

Sunday, July 20

  • 21:00 | Santa Rosa Square
    Concert by Chainides – A legendary Cretan folk collective blending traditional dialect, poetry, and political courage. A must-see for fans of uncompromising art.

Also in Athens Neighborhoods

Not part of the Municipality’s Summer in Athens Festival—but well worth the trip for those willing to venture a little farther—two standout events await in the green suburbs of Athens.

A Walk Through Africa | African Summer Concert

In the cool, shaded grove of Rematia Park in Halandri, a magical journey unfolds with the African Summer Concert – “A Walk Through Africa”, hosted at the open-air municipal theater nestled in the forest.


Organized by Vana Ba Afrika, the event brims with the energy of African percussion, dance, colorful crafts, and vibrant street food from across the continent. A special surprise appearance by the music group of the therapeutic community KETHEA-PAREMVASI adds a powerful and unexpected layer.

The event starts at 7pm. Free entry, first-come seating.

Jazzèt – Hellenic International Jazz Festival 2025

After a successful debut in 2024, Jazzèt returns for its second year at the iconic Petra Theater, bringing international and local jazz to the open air.

Opening night lineup – Saturday, July 20:

  • 21:00 | Bag of Nails (Greece)
    Pano Katsikogiannis (vocals, guitar)
    Thanos Zacheilas (keys, vocals)
    Ilias Katis (drums, percussion)
  • 22:00 | Espen Berg Trio (Norway)
    Espen Berg (piano, composition)
    Bárður Reinert Poulsen (double bass)
    Simon Albertsen (drums)