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June is a wonderful time to experience the country’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant festivals. In addition to these festivals, there are many other events taking place in Greece, such as local religious festivals, sporting events, and cultural performances.
Cultural Events
1. Athens Epidaurus Festival (June-August dates TBA)
Founded in 1955, the world-famous Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece’s leading cultural institution and one of Europe’s oldest arts festivals. Held annually from June to August, the festival, incorporates a full programme of music, theatre, dance and visual arts. Showcasing the very best in performing arts from established and emerging Greek and international artists, it has hosted the likes of legendary soprano Maria Callas, the greatest male ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev and some of the world’s biggest orchestras.
Up to 2005, performance venues included the iconic Odeon of Herodes Atticus (known as the “Herodeon”, built in the 2nd century AD) beneath the Acropolis, the two Epidaurus theatres in Peloponnese (the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, famed for its extraordinary acoustics, and the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus), and the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens.
In the summer of 2006, five brand-new theater stages were launched at the Peiraios 260 industrial complex, a crowd-favourite urban culture hub in downtown Athens that hosts contemporary performances and live concerts. Artistic productions and site-specific performances are also presented at other venues in Attica.
The first performance held at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in modern times was Sophocles’ tragedy Electra in 1938, directed by Dimitris Rontiris, with Katina Paxinou and Eleni Papadaki in the leading roles. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the late 4th century BC, is located within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, in the Argolis regional unit of the Peloponnese. It is a half-hour drive from the town of Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens. Catching an Athens Epidaurus Festival show is a summer must and a cultural experience that should not be missed.
Note by the Artistic Director Katerina Evangelatos about the programme of the Athens Epidaurus Festival 2024:
“The Athens Epidaurus Festival raises the curtain this year in a world ablaze. With 93 productions in 85 days and the contribution of approximately 2,500 performers and creators from around the globe; with a programme that is multivocal, feisty, consoling, political but also full of true beauty; with stars of international renown from the realms of Theatre and Music, along with new names at the cutting edge of contemporary avant-garde; with Dance productions, concerts, performances, screenings, discussions, educational programmes, publications, parties, free admission events, honorary tributes, new collaborations, a special showcase for art professionals and much more, we invite you to see the world in a new light, and to expand the time within you over the evenings you will be joining us.”
2. Miaoulia Festival (date TBA)
Taking place annually in late June in Hydra island to honor local admiral Andreas Miaoulis (1769-1835) who led the united Greek fleet victorious against the Ottoman naval forces during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829). Celebrations include exhibitions, lectures, musical events, games, theatrical performances, folk dances and sport games. The highlight is the reenactment of the burning of an Ottoman flagship by the Hydriots at the entrance of the island’s harbor.
3. Release Athens (07/06-23/07/2025)
Launched in 2016, Release Athens has become one of the most important summer music events in Athens and across Greece, hosted mainly in Plateia Nerou, a beautiful open – air venue right by the sea within minutes of downtown Athens. Release Athens rejuvenated the local entertainment scene, believing in the liberating power of music – from which, after all, it took its name.
4. Syrianopato (19-22/06/2025)
The Syrianapato Festival of Traditional Dances returns to Ermoupolis, on the Cycladic island of Syros. The event includes traditional costumes and dances, seminars, guided tours and culinary events.
5. Helmos Mountain Festival (date TBA)
A festival of music, outdoor activities, and recreation at the foot of Mount Helmos in Kalavrita. A grand celebration dedicated to the beloved mountain hosting the famous the Kalavryta Ski Resort, bidding farewell to the winter season and welcoming the summer.
6. Kimolos International Film Festival (21-25/06/2025)
Held annually at the beautiful island of Kimolos, the KIFF showcases feature films, documentaries & shorts in every genre (Environmental films, Human Rights films, Children’s films, Food films etc.) It also screens Greek films. Many of the official guests that attend KIFF are representatives from prestigious film festivals (Cannes, Cairo, Tallinn Black Nights, Avanca etc.
7. Rockwave Festival (19-21/06 & 10-13/07/2025)
Rockwave Festival is the biggest rock festival in Greece held every year at Terra Vibe Park in Malakasa, a small village 29km north of Athens and at the base of Mount Parnitha. It all started in 1996 when music artists like Iggy Pop and Foo Fighters sang for the first time in front of the Greek audience. The Festival was called “Gods of Rock” back then. Rock fans should make this a must-see event when visiting Athens.
8. Delphi Festival “To Lalon Idor” (date TBA)
Music performances by renowned Greek artists as well as newer on-stage performers will be held in Delphi and in select spots around the regional unit of Phocis, such as Amfissa, Itea, Galaxidi, Eratini, Lidoriki, and Krokilio.
9. Nafplion Festival (date TBA)
Now in its 33rd year, Nafplion Festival, awarded by the Union of Music Critics of Greece, is a classical music festival and a unique opportunity for a visit to the enchanting coastal town of Nafplio. A panorama of events in the most beautiful spots of the city: in Saint George’s square in front of the church of the same name, Bourgi, Saint Spyridon’s square, and the Parliament Square.
Tourism Events
21th Annual International Conference on Tourism (09-12/06/2025)
The Tourism, Leisure & Recreation Unit of Athens Institute of Education & Research organizes its 21th Annual International Conference on Tourism, in Athens, Greece sponsored by the Athens Journal of Tourism. The aim of the conference is to bring together academics and researchers from all areas of Tourism.
Sports Events
Vamvakou Mountain Run Sparta (date TBA)
Vamvakou Mountain Run, across the slopes of the Laconian Mount Parnon, in the village of Vamvakou, Laconia, Peloponnese highlights the natural wealth of the wider area and encourages participation in activities and events in nature.
Gastronomy
Wine Festival of Kefalonia (date TBA)
Local producers and winemakers of Kefalonia will introduce their products to visitors, while renowned cooks will create a variety of delicious dishes starring products of the Ionian island.
Wines @ Fortezza, Rethymno, Crete (date TBA)
A Cretan wine tasting under the stars, at Fortezza Fortress in Rethymno. Twenty-six wineries from all over Crete will be there and, from 19:30 to 23:00, visitors will be able to taste wine from native and international varieties.
Religious Feasts
Orthodox Pentecost and Whit Monday (08-09/06/2025)
Orthodox Pentecost is celebrated in Greece seven weeks and a day (50 days) following Easter. The feast traditionally lasts for three days. A public holiday is provided for Whit Monday, when banks, schools, public offices, and many private businesses are closed. Many Greeks take the three-day weekend as an opportunity to go on trips. Others participating in church-related celebrations.
Please note that event dates are subject to change. It’s advisable to verify specific dates and details closer to the time of the event.
