Photo: Georgios Makkas

For locals, catching an Athens Epidaurus Festival show at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a summer must. For visitors, it can be an enchanting experience that should not be missed.

By Kiriakos Spirou

A Greek festival with a global appeal

The Herodeion calls.

Photo: Georgios Makkas

Red-hot summer nights at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Photo: Georgios Makkas

A quintessentially Athenian experience

Climb the same stone stairs Athenians did almost 2,000 years ago.

Photo: Georgios Makkas

Full-house in anticipation.

Photo: Georgios Makkas

Etiquette

Flat shoes and light clothing is the way to go.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Making out at Apostolou Pavlou is also very Athenian.

Photo: Georgios Makkas

How to get there

When and how to book

To much anticipation, the Festival’s programme is typically announced between February and April at AEF’s yearly press conference. Shows at the Herodeion start in early June and go on until late September. Ticket sales commence in late April, both online and at the festival’s main box office on 39 Panepistimiou Street. Make sure to book as early as possible, especially for the major shows as they sell out pretty fast. If you’re feeling lucky, or it’s a last minute decision, you can check with the box office of the Herodeion for any remaining tickets. They open at 8pm on event days, but expect to find a queue, so arrive early.

Book Ahead

Make a night out of it

Before the show

Acropolis rising.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Protogenous' nightly glow starting to show.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

After the show