Fun Things to Do in Athens This Weekend: May 16–17

fun things to do in Athens May weekend

Looking for fun things to do in Athens this weekend? The city is stepping fully into pre-summer mode, and this weekend feels like one long celebration stretching from sunset into the early hours.

With the full moon hanging over the city, Athens fills with open-air parties and cultural events that spill across squares, rooftops, beaches, and hidden neighbourhood corners.

From late-night DJ sets and block parties in the centre to immersive performances, laid-back cocktail gatherings, and the chance to taste some of the city’s best street food, there is something happening in almost every corner of Athens. Whether you want to dance until late, discover a new artistic experience, or simply follow the energy of the city wherever the night takes you, here are some of the coolest things to do in Athens this weekend.

Feidiou Street Party

One of the liveliest nights of this year’s TiACF24 unfolds on Feidiou Street, where local favourites Don’t Be a Dick, Mousiko Kafeneio, and Frau take over the narrow downtown strip for a multi-venue street party that captures the energy of Athens after dark. Set between neoclassical buildings in the city centre, the night moves through live electronic sets, space disco, cocktails, street food, and crowds spilling across the pavement long after sunset. Relaxed at first, then increasingly chaotic, it feels like the kind of spontaneous Athens night the city does so well.

When: 17 May | A: Feidiou 2, Mousiko Kafeneio, Athens 

Kiohne Pop Up at Attica City Link 

Running through July, the Kiohne pop-up at Attica City Link transforms part of the department store into a sculptural installation inspired by the brand’s Spring/Summer “EARTHWORKS” collection. Created in collaboration with En Route Architects, the space blends natural textures, curved forms, handcrafted details, and shifting visual elements to create an immersive retail experience that feels closer to a design exhibition than a traditional pop-up. From sculptural rocks and organic display rails to a striking moving-image wall installation, the project captures the minimalist, contemporary aesthetic that has made Kiohne one of the Greek brands to watch this summer.

When: April – July | A: Panepistimiou 9, Athens

Athens Cocktails Party

For one Sunday evening, the Japanese Park shifts into an open-air cocktail gathering where some of Athens’ best bartenders, DJ sets, and early summer atmosphere come together beneath the trees. Away from the city’s louder nightlife scene, the mood here feels more relaxed, with Chairman, CV Korda, and Marthe soundtracking the night through downtempo grooves, house rhythms, and warm electronic sets. Expect signature cocktails, a stylish crowd, street food, and the kind of easy-going energy that keeps people goingwell into the night.

When: 17 May | A: Japanese Park of Athens 

Vinyl Nights Saturdays at  +2H Restaurant 

Hidden on the top floor of Ergon Bakehouse Athens, +2H has become one of the best spots in central Athens for a casual dinner that still feels stylish and a little under the radar. Known for its excellent pizzas made with 72-hour rested sourdough, natural wine, cocktails, and relaxed atmosphere in the centre, of the city, this Saturday, Vinyl Nights returns with Loco taking over the soundtrack for an evening of vinyl sets, cocktails, and long dinners that slowly turn into late-night drinks above Mitropoleos Street.

When: 16 May | A: +2H RESTAURANT, Mitropoleos 27 & Patroou 9-11, Athens

International Street Photography Festival

For four days this May, Athens becomes a living frame as the first International Street Photography Festival brings together photographers, artists, and urban observers from around the world to capture the beauty of everyday city life. Hosted at TAF / The Art Foundation, the festival unfolds through exhibitions, screenings, workshops, talks, and photowalks that explore the streets as spaces of movement, coincidence, emotion, and human connection. Raw, cinematic, and deeply tied to the city itself, the festival offers a fresh perspective on contemporary visual storytelling before wrapping up with a closing party and competition announcements on Sunday night.

When: 14– 17 May | A: TAF / The Art Foundation, Normanou 5, Athens

Rivo at Bolivar Beach Club

The Athens Riviera slips fully into summer mode as French DJ and producer Rivo takes over Bolivar Beach Club for a late-night set by the sea. Known for blending melodic techno with afro house influences, Rivo has quickly become one of electronic music’s fastest rising names, especially following the viral success of his remix of You & Me by Disclosure. Set against the coastline of Alimos, the night promises hypnotic grooves, sunset cocktails, street food, and the kind of beachside energy that keeps the crowd dancing well past midnight.

When: 16 May | A: Bolivar Beach Bar, Posidonos Avenue, Alimos, Athens 

Eurovision Night by the Pool at 10 Urban Roof 

Perched above the city on the rooftop of Radisson Blu Park Hotel 10 Urban Roof hosts a Eurovision-themed poolside party that brings together skyline views, cocktails, finger food, and plenty of late-night pop energy. One of the more relaxed rooftop spots in central Athens, the space feels made for warm May evenings around the pool, while DJ Tommy soundtracks the night with feel-good sets and Eurovision favourites. Expect a lively crowd, cocktails flowing well past midnight, and the kind of easy rooftop atmosphere that signals summer in Athens is officially beginning.

When: 16 May | A: Leof. Alexandras, 10 Athens 

Makers Popup Market 

The Municipal Market of Kypseli fills with independent designers, small brands, music, and creative energy this May as the Makers Pop-Up Market returns for four days dedicated to contemporary handmade design. Set along Fokionos Negri, one of the neighbourhood’s liveliest streets, the market brings together local creators showcasing jewellery, ceramics, clothing, candles, bags, homewares, and one-off pieces that feel far more personal than anything mass produced. Creative, and very much shaped by Kypseli’s local community spirit, it is the kind of event where people arrive for a quick browse and usually end up staying far longer than planned.

When: 14-17 May | A: Fokionos Negri 41, Kypseli, Athens 

3 Day Food Festival at Café Bronco

The northern suburbs of Athens turn up the heat this weekend as Café Bronco in Nea Erythraia hosts a three-day food festival built around burgers, premium steaks, street food, fire cooking, music, and all-day gatherings that stretch late into the night. Led by executive chef Tassos Kalofolias with menus created by food creative Theo Pastourmatzis, the event moves from burgers on Friday to premium steak menus on Saturday before finishing with a full Sunday dedicated to street food. Expect smoky grills, cocktails, DJ sets, and a lively crowd filling one of the northern suburbs’ most popular all-day spots throughout the weekend.

When: 15-17 May | A: El. Venizelou 59, Nea Erithrea, Athens 

Metacosmoi Presents: Athens: AM Extended by Thanasis Karatzas 

Part of this year’s This is Athens City Festival 2024, ATHENS: AM Extended sees photographer Thanasis Karatzas transform his atmospheric nocturnal images of the city into an immersive exhibition of sound, movement, light, and augmented reality. Following acclaimed presentations in Paris and London, the project returns to Athens, where the city’s streets, shadows, and after-dark energy become the centre of the experience itself. Through hypnotic visuals, pulsing installations, and cinematic atmosphere, the exhibition captures Athens at its most raw, restless, and alive.

When: 5-20 May | A: Metacosmoi Space, Geraniou 44, Athens 

Kifissia Flower Show 2026

One of Athens’ longest-running spring traditions returns as the Kifissia Flower Show takes over the historic “Mayor Dimitrios Zomopoulos” Park for its 72nd edition. Running for more than a century, the event has become part of the identity of Kifissia itself, drawing visitors each year for its flower-filled pathways, open-air concerts, cultural events, garden displays, food stalls, and relaxed atmosphere beneath the trees. More than just a flower exhibition, the show feels like a celebration of spring in the northern suburbs, with this year’s edition also welcoming the Kingdom of Morocco as a special guest, adding an international touch to one of Athens’ most nostalgic seasonal events.

When: Ends May 17 | A: Kifissias Avenue & Dionysou Street, Kifissia

Jafari Party at Island Athens Riviera

Island Athens Riviera leans fully into early summer energy this May with their annual Jafari Parties serving beachside cocktails, sunset views, and late-night DJ sets along the Athenian coast. With Nick Jojo and Fotinos behind the soundtrack this Sunday, expect a mix of afro house, deep electronic sounds, and high-energy rhythms designed for dancing beneath the palms long after dark. Stylish, lively, and unmistakably Riviera, it is exactly the kind of Sunday party Athens does best once the weather warms up.

When: 17 May | A: Sounio Ave, Varkiza 

Konstantinos Rigos’ Golden Age at the Greek National Opera

Returning to the Stavros Niarchos Hall, Golden Age sees Konstantinos Rigos deliver a high-energy contemporary dance work that blends performance, music, and visual installation into something that feels closer to a live cultural happening than a traditional ballet. Set against a soundtrack of electronic music, operatic fragments, Greek songs, and rock influences created alongside longtime collaborator Ted Regklis, the production moves through moments of precision, chaos, intimacy, and release. With sixteen dancers, towering screens, dramatic lighting, and a monumental chandelier dominating the stage, Golden Age captures the experimental spirit that continues to shape Athens’ contemporary arts scene.

When: 13 – 23 May | A: Greek National Opera, SNFCC, 364 Syngrou Ave, Kallithea 

“Concert for All” at the Athens Concert Hall

Sunday afternoons at the Athens Concert Hall take on a more inclusive atmosphere this May with Blue Sunday, a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra of ERT designed to make classical music more accessible to wider audiences. Moving between French orchestral works and the vibrant rhythms of Latin America, the programme features music by Georges Bizet, Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, and Arturo Márquez. Alongside the music, the event places accessibility at its centre through Greek Sign Language interpretation, specialised support staff, and tactile tours, creating one of the season’s more thoughtful cultural experiences.

When: 17 May | A: Athens Concert Hall,  Vas. Sofias Avenue and Kokkali St, Athens 

Athens Tattoo Convention 2026

The Olympic Tae Kwon Do Stadium in Faliro transforms into a full-scale celebration of tattoo culture, street art, music, and alternative creativity as the Athens Tattoo Convention returns for its 18th edition. What began as a niche local gathering has grown into one of Europe’s best-known tattoo festivals, bringing together more than 400 artists from Greece and abroad for three days of live tattooing, graffiti, skate and bike shows, DJ sets, live music, fire performances, street food, and nonstop energy. More than a traditional convention, the event feels like an urban culture festival where people drift between tattoo booths, performances, and spontaneous encounters late into the night.

When: 15 – 17 May | A: Olympic Tae Kwon Do Stadium, Paleo Faliro

Comicdom

Comicdom CON Athens returns this May, bringing together artists, illustrators, publishers, animators, and comic lovers for one of the city’s most colourful pop culture weekends. Often described as the “ninth art,” comics sit at the centre of a festival that moves between exhibitions, workshops, screenings, cosplay, artist talks, collectible markets, and live drawing sessions, creating an atmosphere that feels equal parts creative gathering and nostalgic celebration. Whether you arrive as a dedicated comic fan or simply curious about Athens’ growing visual arts scene, Comicdom offers an energetic weekend shaped by illustration, storytelling, and contemporary pop culture.

When: 15 – 17 May | A: Various venues across Athens

For a wrap up of the best events taking place across Athens this May, check out our Guide here. 

Main Image by Kiohne

Fun Things to Do in Athens This Weekend: April 4-5

Athens fun things to do April

Looking for cool things to do in Athens this weekend? Look no further- our guide has options for everyone. 

This is one of those jam-packed weekends where everything seems to be happening at once. DJ gigs are taking over different corners of the city, late-night tango is back on the floor, and markets are filling with independent makers, small brands, vintage finds, creative pop-ups, and Easter goodies. 

There’s also a bakery party and a Michelin-led brunch, alongside a number of exhibitions running across Athens. Between it all, you can step just outside the centre for a reset before heading back in as the pace picks up again in the evening.

Open House Athens 2026

Returning for its 13th edition, Open House Athens gives you a rare chance to step inside buildings you would normally walk straight past. For one weekend, more than 70 spaces open to the public, from neoclassical homes and modern offices to private residences and cultural institutions. It is one of the few events that genuinely changes how you experience the city, moving you beyond the surface and into the way Athens is actually lived in. You start to notice details you would usually miss- from the striking staircases and courtyards to how light moves through a space. 

When: 4–5 April | A: Various locations across Athens

Spring Gathering at Slow Athens 

Bakery parties are quickly becoming a global obsession, and this one brings the trend straight to the heart of Athens. Slow Athens, a popular brunch spot in Galatsi, is hosting a laid-back Spring Gathering this Sunday, April 5th, where coffee culture meets music and community. From 7pm onwards, enjoy an evening of “slow” living vibes with a special DJ set by Melow, blending warm beats with the cozy atmosphere of one of Athens’ most beloved bakeries that also serves a variety of pizza and wine. Whether you’re coming for the music, the drinks, the food, or the company, this is the perfect way to welcome spring in the city.

When: Sunday 5 April from 7pm | A: 18 Agios Spyridonos, Galatsi

Athénée Sunday Brunch X The Zillers Pastry Bar

Athénée has always been one of those places where creative and well-known locals gather for catch-ups in the city. This Sunday, it teams up with Michelin-led The Zillers Pastry Bar for a brunch that feels even more special than usual. Expect a menu where pastry is taken seriously and shaped by the same precision and creativity that has made Zillers one of the city’s standout kitchens. From handmade croissants and pastries to decadent tarts and more- this is a must for all dessert lovers.

When: Sunday 5 April from 9am | A: Voukourestiou 9, Athens

Borderline Festival 2026

For two nights, Athens leans into its more experimental side, as Borderline Festival brings together a strong mix of live acts and DJs, moving between electronic, ambient and more abstract sound. The setting plays a big role here, with visuals and production given just as much attention as the music itself, creating something immersive. Expect sets that build slowly and shift in unexpected directions, especially as the night moves on.

When: 4–5 April | A: Onassis Stegi, Syngrou Avenue, Athens

Athens Live Tango Weekend

A completely different rhythm takes over across the weekend, with live tango, workshops and late-night milongas running through the city. The programme moves from daytime classes into evenings that stretch well past midnight, bringing together international dancers alongside local performers. There is also a “tango meets rebetiko” element that gives it a more Athenian feel without losing the essence of traditional tango. Even if you are not dancing, it is worth going for the atmosphere alone, watching the floor fill and the energy build as the night unfolds. 

When: 4–5 April | A: Various locations across Athens

Styx Agency at Athens Conservatoire

Set inside the Athens Conservatoire, this is one of the most anticipated nights of the weekend. The lineup leans towards deeper, hypnotic sets, with a focus on sound and atmosphere rather than quick peaks. The space itself adds to it, giving the music room to unfold properly and drawing a crowd that is there for the full experience. Behind the decks is Filippos, Maarkk, Sioma, Man with the Speaker, and Mångata Projekt. It starts early and runs late, so if you are looking for a big night out- this is for you! 

When: Saturday 4 April | A: Vasileos Georgiou B 17, Athens

The Meet Market | Easter Edition at Technopolis

Set inside the industrial grounds of Technopolis, this Easter edition of The Meet Market feels more like a relaxed festival than a typical shopping event. Over 100 independent Greek brands take part, spanning fashion, jewellery, homeware and smaller pieces you are unlikely to find elsewhere. It is the kind of place where you go without a plan and end up moving between stalls, stopping for food, and catching a DJ set in between. With Easter approaching, there is also a seasonal layer to it, from handmade candles to small details that signal the shift into spring. 

When: 4–5 April | A: 100 Piraeus, Athens

Athens Local Market- Easter Edition

A smaller, more relaxed alternative, this market in Psyrri focuses on local makers and a more hands-on experience. Alongside stalls with handmade pieces and seasonal finds, there are workshops running throughout the weekend, from candle-making to vintage-style cake decorating, plus live tufting demonstrations. It feels more personal than the larger markets, with a chance to speak to the people behind what you are buying. You can dip in and out, or stay and take part in something, depending on your mood. A good option if you are after something slower-paced but still creative.

When: 4–5 April | A: Karaiskaki 28, Athens

I’m Not in Athens- The Bootlegs

Built around vinyl, sampling and reworking familiar tracks, this Sunday session moves through hip hop, R&B and pop in a way that keeps everyone in the room on their feet all night. It takes place at Bar Ideal, one of the hottest spots in Exarcheia that people have quickly taken to. The focus here is on how the music is built. Old records are pulled apart and reshaped live, so even tracks you know well land differently. It draws a mostly local crowd, with people dropping in and staying longer than planned as the night settles in.

When: Sunday 5 April from 8pm | A: Bar Ideal, Exarcheia, Athens

Printed Athens Art Weekend

Kypseli Municipal Market hosts a weekend dedicated to graphic art and independent publishing, bringing together over 50 local designers, illustrators and printmakers. The focus is on limited-edition work, from posters and prints to smaller collectible pieces, with a strong emphasis on process. Live printing and workshops run throughout, giving it a more open, working feel rather than a typical market set-up. The Kypseli setting adds to it, with the neighbourhood’s energy carrying through the space and making it feel connected to the local scene. 

When: 4–5 April 2026 | A: 42 Fokionos Negri, Athens

What You Wear Is What You Are

At the Benaki Museum, fashion steps far beyond the runway and into the realm of identity with the exhibition “What You Wear Is What You Are.” Bringing together a dynamic mix of Greek and international artists and designers, the show unfolds as a thought-provoking dialogue between style, self-expression, and culture. Through contemporary works and striking visual narratives, clothing becomes more than aesthetic- it transforms into a statement of who we are, how we belong, and how we choose to be seen, offering a fresh, conceptual take on fashion within one of Athens’ most iconic cultural spaces.

When: 4 & 5 April A: 138 Pireos & Andronikou St., Athens

The Typists- PLYFA Space

A masterpiece of American theatre arrives in Athens for the first time, as “Typists” by Murray Schisgal takes the stage at PLYFA this weekend. Set in a modest 1960s office, the play follows two typists whose everyday routines slowly unfold into a tender, bittersweet reflection on time, longing, and the quiet passage of life. Though typewriters have long been replaced and the world has moved on, the characters’ fears, desires, and unspoken dreams feel strikingly familiar reminding us that while technology evolves, human nature remains unchanged. 

When: 4–5 April at 9pm | A: Korytsas 39, Votanikos, Athens

Inner Power Yoga & Hiking

If you need a break from the city, this half-day experience at Schinias National Park offers an easy reset. This relaxing escape combines a gentle 7km walk through pine forest and sea-lined trails with a guided outdoor yoga session designed to build core strength, balance, and inner confidence. Set between sand dunes, forest, and open horizon, the experience flows naturally from mindful hiking into breath-led movement, creating a quiet yet powerful reset that feels both grounding and energising, no matter your level. 

When: 4–5 April from 10am | A: Schinias National Park

Thrifticon

Taking over the Old Depot in Gazi, Thrifticon brings together more than 200 sellers for a weekend dedicated to vintage and second-hand finds. Expect everything from 60s pieces through to early 2000s, alongside sneakers, accessories and smaller independent brands. It is busy and slightly chaotic, but that is part of it, as this is a place where you need time to look properly and be prepared to dig. There is also an outdoor set-up with food and drinks, so you can break it up and stay longer without it feeling overwhelming.

When: 4–5 April from 12pm | A: Old Depot OSY, Pireos & Ermou, Gazi

Main image by I’m Not in Athens 

Fun Things to Do in Athens This Weekend: March 14–15

Yorgos Lanthimos photo exhibition Athens

Looking for something fun to do in Athens this weekend?

From candlelit classical concerts and a photography exhibition by Yorgos Lanthimos to natural wine tastings and a creative pop-up market, there is plenty happening around the city. Here are a few events worth adding to your plans.

Candlelight Concert Experience

Few events feel quite as atmospheric as the Candlelight concert series, which returns this weekend with a performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Held inside the historic Old Parliament House and illuminated by hundreds of candles, the concert offers an intimate setting for one of classical music’s most beloved works. Performed by a string quartet, the music moves through the dramatic contrasts of each season, making for a memorable night in one of Athens’ most elegant venues.

A: Old Parliament House, Stadiou 13, Athens

Insights Greece - Fun Things to Do in Athens This Weekend: March 14–15

Yorgos Lanthimos Photo Exhibition at Onassis Stegi

Oscar-nominated Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos presents a different side of his creative work in a photography exhibition currently on view at Onassis Stegi. Known internationally for films such as The Favourite and Poor Things, Lanthimos explores visual storytelling through carefully composed photographs that feel cinematic yet quietly intimate. The exhibition is also a great excuse to spend time at one of Athens’ most dynamic contemporary cultural spaces.

A: Onassis Stegi, 7 Aeschinou Street, Athens

Chicago Blues Night at Jazzèt Music Hall

For a lively Saturday night out, head to Jazzèt Music Hall where Chicago guitarist, singer and songwriter Michael Dotson brings the sound of Chicago blues to Athens. Raised on the city’s South Side and known for his powerful guitar style, Dotson has performed with the legendary band Magic Slim & the Teardrops and continues to tour internationally. Expect gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocals and a packed room of blues fans.

A: Karaiskaki 99, Chaidari

Ceramic Workshop in Chalandri

A ceramic workshop in Chalandri offers a relaxed creative escape from the city. Organised as part of Women’s Month, the session invites participants to experiment with clay while learning the basics of pottery in a welcoming studio setting. Guided by experienced instructors, you will shape and decorate your own ceramic piece, making it a calming and hands-on way to spend an afternoon.

A: 42 Aristotelous, Chalandri

Insights Greece - Fun Things to Do in Athens This Weekend: March 14–15

Watch a Film at the Kino Athens Festival

Cinema lovers can catch a screening of The Last Days of Disco as part of the Kino Athens Festival at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. Directed by Whit Stillman and starring Kate Beckinsale and Chloë Sevigny, the film follows a group of young graduates navigating friendships, romance and life after college in New York’s fading disco scene. Smart, witty and slightly nostalgic, it remains a cult favourite.

A: Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, 206 Pireos St, Tavros, Athens

Visit the Kallidromiou Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning, Kallidromiou Street in Exarcheia transforms into one of Athens’ most beloved open-air farmers’ markets. Farmers arrive early with stalls filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables, fragrant herbs, olives, cheeses and local honey while locals wander the street filling their baskets and chatting with producers. Afterwards, stop at a nearby café for coffee or a small glass of tsipouro and soak up the neighbourhood’s easy weekend energy.

A: Kallidromiou St, Exarcheia

Insights Greece - Fun Things to Do in Athens This Weekend: March 14–15

A Creative Pop-Up Market in Petralona

A colourful pop-up market is taking place this weekend at Knack & Snack in Petralona, bringing together independent Greek brands, workshops and good food. Visitors can browse jewellery and lifestyle labels such as Hoyo Jewels, Peach ‘n’ Salt and The Lazy Gardener while enjoying Neapolitan-style pizza and drinks. Workshops include an Easter clay session on March 14 and a tote bag painting workshop on March 15.

A: Persefonis 7, Petralona

Try Natural Wines at Supernatural Athens

Natural wine lovers should head to the Kypseli Municipal Market on Sunday for Supernatural Athens, a festival dedicated to natural wines and wild fermentation. More than 20 producers from across Greece will present natural wines, beers and other fermented products alongside sourdough bread, kombucha and small bites. It is a relaxed way to discover Greece’s growing natural wine scene while meeting the producers behind it.

A: Fokionos Negri 42, Kypseli

Looking for more inspiration? Discover our guide to the Best Events in Athens This March.

Main image by Yorgos Lanthimos courtesy of Stegi | Onassis Foundation