This is Athens City Festival: Kicking Off with a Grand Urban Picnic on 1 May at Plato’s Academy Park

This May, Athens comes alive with the spirit of celebration as the This is Athens-City Festival — organised by the City of Athens through Develop Athens, the city’s development agency — launches its vibrant programme with a festive May Day picnic at a historic downtown location: Plato’s Academy Park.

From 1 May to 1 June, the heart of the city and its neighbourhoods will be filled with music, colour, and experiences for everyone. With over 200 free events taking place across the city, designed for all ages and interests, both residents and visitors are invited to join this dynamic month-long festival.

The May Day event at Plato’s Academy Park will once again be a family-focused celebration. Featuring a full day of activities — including creative workshops, theatrical performances, and live music — the park will transform into a lively gathering space where people of all generations can connect with nature, springtime, and the city itself.

Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, remarked:

“Athens opens this year’s Festival with a joyful springtime invitation to our public spaces. We begin on 1 May at Plato’s Academy Park — a historic and living landmark — with a celebration that bridges generations, showcases our neighbourhoods, and strengthens our relationship with the city. I warmly invite Athenians and visitors alike to take part in this special Festival that will fill Athens with music, art, joy, and community spirit.”

CEO of Develop Athens, Ioannis Georgizas, added:

“The This is Athens City Festival is not just a tradition; it is a grand celebration that unites people, neighbourhoods, and ideas. Our goal is to bring culture to every corner of Athens, creating experiences that truly matter. The Athens Urban Picnic is just the beginning of a month filled with creativity, joy, and participation — and we can’t wait to experience it together.”

Outdoor Events, Music, Dance, and Storytelling

The Festival’s first week bursts with energy, offering a rich selection of events for all tastes, including:

• 2 May:
  The beloved twin sisters Skiadareses -Olga and Niki- perform live at Koumoundourou Square, sharing their original songs with their vibrant, youthful audience.
• 2 May:
  Dance collective EXIS, promoting inclusion of disabled and non-disabled dancers, presents an outdoor performance exploring Accessibility in the City, through a choreographed journey across Athens’ urban spaces.
• 2 May:
  As night falls, George Apergis and the Reverb Sessions take over Omonia Square, bringing top DJs and producers together for an unforgettable evening of sound in the city’s core.

• 3 May:
  Full Circle returns to the Zappeion Mansion, hosting the acclaimed DJ and producer duo Avangart Tabldot, creators of the iconic Looking for a Crib party.
• 3 May (morning):
  Storyteller Ilektra Nega, accompanied by musician Alexandros Kontogeorgakopoulos, will enchant families with folktales from around the world at the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments in Plaka.
• 3 May (morning):
  Archaeologist Michalis Giochalas will lead an exclusive tour of the impressive sculpture gallery at Athens’ First Cemetery, unveiling its artistic treasures.
• 4 May:
  In the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre will present traditional songs, costumes, and dances from Karoti, a village in Thrace, celebrating Greece’s rich wedding customs.
• 4 May:
  Commemorating 60 years since the July Events of 1965 - a major political crisis - the Festival, in collaboration with the Contemporary Social History Archives (ASKI), hosts a historical walking tour through central Athens, retracing the city’s journey towards democracy.
• 4 May (evening):
  &_beyond returns with Santaroza Beat '25, reviving the urban spirit of Dikaiosinis Square with a six-hour open-air party full of rhythm, energy, and authentic city vibes.
• 5 May:
  Meeting at the Agia Aikaterini church in Plaka, the Karaviotis Brothers — modern-day troubadours — will lead a nostalgic musical walk through the alleys of Plaka, reviving the love songs and cantadas of old Athens.
• 5 May:
  Alexandros Miaris and Andreas Polyzogopoulos, two prominent figures in Greek and international music, will perform a special concert at the Byzantine and Christian Museum, blending improvisation, electronic textures, and melodies into a magical soundscape.

All events are free of charge, though advance online booking may be required for certain activities. For full details and the complete Festival programme, visit the official This is Athens City Festival website: cityfestival.thisisathens.org