Release Athens Festival 2026: Thievery Corporation & The Wailers & BALTHVS

Thievery Corporation headline one of the most atmospheric nights of Release Athens Festival 2026, returning to Water Plaza with the rich, globe-spanning sound that has defined their career for three decades. Formed in Washington in 1995 by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, the duo built an unmistakable musical language that moves effortlessly between downtempo, trip hop, dub, reggae, jazz, bossa nova, hip hop, and Middle Eastern influences. Their concerts unfold slowly and hypnotically, driven by groove, layered textures, and a deep sense of musical storytelling, drawing the audience into a shared, almost cinematic experience.

The night opens into a wider celebration of rhythm and heritage. The Wailers bring the timeless music of Bob Marley to the stage, performing many of the songs that shaped reggae’s global impact and continue to resonate across generations. Completing the line up, BALTHVS arrive in Athens for the first time, introducing their psychedelic blend of funk, Latin rhythms, surf rock, and disco. With roots in Colombia and a rapidly growing international following, the trio adds a fresh, exploratory energy to the evening.

Together, these three acts shape a summer night that balances nostalgia with discovery, intimacy with scale, and electronic experimentation with live musicianship. Set against the open air backdrop of Water Plaza, the event captures the essence of Release Athens as a meeting point for global sounds and shared festival moments.

A broader programme of concerts and special events unfolds throughout the summer as part of Release Athens 2026, offering a diverse snapshot of the international music scene.