Cultural Events &
Festivals
in Athens
Cultural events including dance and theatre, recitals, concerts, international trade shows, conferences and symposia, public lectures, gallery exhibits, sports events and marathons are an integral part of life in this bustling cosmopolitan capital.
Built in 161 BC, the Odeon of Herod Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis can accommodate up to 5000 spectators. The Odeon provides one of the most important open-air venues for staging the annual Athens Festival, featuring music concerts and dance troupes from around the world. Superb performances of ancient and modern drama are staged at the Herod Atticus Theatre.
The National Theatre of Greece stages drama performances in modern Greek with English translations provided.
Undoubtedly the pride and joy of the city’s cultural life, the Athens Concert Hall comprises a modern theatre, concert and conference hall with spacious reception areas, exhibition space and a 500-seat recital hall. The Megaron hall is a 2,000-seat auditorium hosting operatic, dance and drama performances almost daily.
Perched high on its namesake hill in the centre of the city, the 4,000-seat open-air Lycabettus amphitheatre hosts a variety of concerts by contemporary jazz and pop artists, as well as chamber orchestras, mainly during the summer.
The open-air Dora Stratou Theatre on Filopappou Hill provides the venue for traditional Greek dances performed by the internationally acclaimed company from May to September.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center complex located in Faliro includes the Greek National Opera, which has a 1,400-seat opera auditorium and a 400-seat black box theatre.