Athens is ready to welcome May with an urban picnic tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1, at the historic Plato’s Academy Park (Akadimia Platonos), marking the inaugural event of the vivid “This is Athens City Festival” running from May 1 until June 2.
Now in its 3rd edition, This is Athens City Festival boasts an impressive lineup of over 250 events scattered across the city’s iconic landmarks as well as in less-explored parks and squares of the city, delivering springtime vibes all over Athens.
The festival’s rich program, focused on sustainability, aims to encourage locals and visitors to explore Athens beyond the Acropolis. It invites them to enjoy the city’s public spaces with their friends and family before the summer period begins.
This is Athens City festival offers an accessible and rich program with a variety of events including concerts, street parties, guided walking tours, sporting events for all ages, gastronomy and wine activities, activities organized by museums and cultural venues, as well as events inspired by the Easter holiday.
Athens City Festival-Seeds Live
De Profundis/ This is Athens – City Festival
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, commented on the launch of the festival’s program:
“This is Athens City Festival is the great spring celebration of the City of Athens. With more than 250 events this year – and more dynamic than ever – the third annual festival is expanding for the first time to all the neighborhoods of the city. We would like to thank all the organizations that are collaborating to build this meaningful and important celebration for Athens. We invite Athenians and visitors of all ages to take part in this incredible series of events highlighting the modern cultural identity of the city.”
The CEO of the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency of the City of Athens (ADDMA), Ioannis Georgizas, added:
“This is Athens City Festival 2024 is the result of ADDMA’s close and innovative collaboration with official bodies, organizations, and some of the most significant cultural and creative groups of the city. Athens will be on the minds of residents and visitors, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our fantastic urban spaces and high-quality events.”
Chores Live – Athens City Festival-Seeds Live
This is Athens – City Festival 2024 Highlights
May 1: Athens Urban Picnic at Plato’s Academy Park
The start of the This is Athens – City Festival on the green grass with live music and DJ sets from the producers of HiT 88.9, En Lefko 87.7 and RED 96.3. Activities for all ages with educational workshops, a kite show, musical performances and screenings.
May 12: Family & the City at the Kypseli Municipal Market
In celebration of Mother’s Day, an all-day celebration with creative activities and games for children and their parents.
May 12: Street Outdoors Party at Koumoundourou Square
One of the most beautiful squares in Athens will be transformed into a unique outdoor club by the Street Outdoors team.
May 16: ‘Fairytales’ in Drakopoulou Square (Patissia)
Fairytales for children from 6 to… 106 years old. Georgia Haikali, Marina Dakanali and Ioanna Riga say goodbye to spring with stories from all over the world.
May 17: Piano City Festival in Amerikis Square
With more than 100 piano concerts, this year’s festival features acclaimed artists, rising stars, and piano students at unique locations throughout the city.
May 17: Spinning Sessions at the Kypseli Municipal Market
The Agora is transformed into a spinning club with lights and DJs to motivate and inspire a day of intense exercise, well-being and positive energy.
May 18: Flare the Square Skateboarding Contest at Kotzia Square
A high-level skateboarding tournament with professional and amateur athletes. The square opposite the Athens City Hall will be transformed into a skate park with concerts, DJs, street food, and fun for everyone.
May 19: Fashions of the Dora Stratou Theater on the Runway in Plaka
The pedestrian street of Lysiou in Plaka is home to the glamor of another era, with the traditional costumes from the unique collection of the Dora Stratou Theatre finally becoming recognized as fashion.
May 19: The ‘Panigiri of Athens’ in the Park at Plato’s Academy
The complete experience of a traditional Panigiri festival, with folk musicians and songs from every corner of Greece, as well as community dancing.
May 23: Cantada in the streets of Plaka
The modern troubadours, the Karaviotis Brothers, bring a traditional Cantada from the Ionian Islands to Athens and the streets of Plaka, followed by a concert at the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments.
May 24: Skating with Agia Fanfara band from Attica Square to Agios Panteleimon
With their vivid humor and enthusiasm, the multi-member orchestra of brass and percussion instruments bring a festive mood with traditional tunes and contemporary songs from Greece, the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.
May 28: Live concert of traditional songs in Mitropoleos Square
A live performance with Savina Giannatou, Fotis Siotas, Nefeli Fasouli and the Yasemi vocal quartet performing traditional songs from all over the world, as well as favorites from the modern Greek repertoire.
May 29: Food & Wine with a tour of the National Gallery
An exclusive tour of the museum that ends with an excellent menu paired with incredible wine.
May 31: Victoria Square Party
A street party by Reverb, the promoters of alternative culture who know how to deliver a great event.
June 1: Attiko Alsos Sunset Street Party at ‘Tourkovounia’
A unique party from the group “11 Athens” on an unknown urban balcony near Galatsi that will make us dance along with the Attic sunset.
June 2: Athens All Star Party on top of Mount Lycabettus
The biggest promoters of Athens join forces to create one of the top moments of the This is Athens – City Festival 2024, turning the most impressive urban balcony into an incredible dance floor.
You can find the full schedule of This is Athens City Festival here: https://cityfestival.thisisathens.org/en/home/
