Newsletter May 2025

Athens doesn’t just bloom in May—it bursts into life. At the heart of it all is This is Athens City Festival, a month-long celebration that takes over the city with more than 200 free events. Ancient sites host late-night performances, neighbourhood squares transform into dance floors, and every corner pulses with music, movement, and joy.

But the energy doesn’t end there. Open-air cinemas flicker back to life, sunsets find their perfect match in rooftop cocktails—and for those who like their city break low-cost and high-reward, we’ve rounded up 25 ways to enjoy Athens for free. This May, explore Athens like it’s all meant for you.

From cinematic cello echoing through the Roman Agora to age-old wedding songs from Thrace for all to enjoy, this May’s festival spills into every corner of the city. Follow the music up to the city’s highest whitewashed chapel—and dance it all out at the grand closing party downtown.
See what else is on

Athens' beloved open-air cinemas flicker to life in May, with rooftop screenings and garden settings that turn movie night into a summer ritual. Popcorn under the stars? Always a yes.
Your summer screen guide

Need more fun without spending more? From museums and neighbourhood strolls to free cultural gems, this is your guide to experiencing Athens on the breezy side.
Big fun, zero cost

• Soak in the city from above at a rooftop bar—cocktail in hand, Acropolis in view, and golden-hour vibes guaranteed;
• Shop beyond the cliché: from handcrafted ceramics to playful, minimalist homeware, discover thoughtful keepsakes by Athens’ top contemporary designers;
• Take the tram down to the Athens Riviera, with pit stops for juicy kebab in Neos Kosmos, cutting-edge art at EMST, and crate digging in Nea Smyrni.

This is Athens City Festival | Until June 1
This is Athens City Festival returns this May — bigger, bolder, and bursting into more neighbourhoods than ever before. From 1 May to 1 June, over 200 free events will take over parks, squares, rooftops and hidden corners across the capital, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore a different side of the city. Follow the link below for a curated selection of what not to miss.
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TiACF25: Live Music Concerts | Throughout May
Pick your sound: from sun-drenched jazz and soulful rebetika to modern classical, electro-acoustic gems and golden-hour gigs lighting up Athens this May.
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TiACF25: Street Parties | Throughout May
Join the dance as city squares and neighbourhood corners turn into open-air clubs with DJ sets, Balkan parades, vinyl gems and street celebrations.
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TiACF25: Greek Folklore Festivities | Throughout May
From Cretan feasts and Thracian rhythms to street serenades and folk dances, this May celebrates the sounds and rituals that shaped Greek identity.
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TiACF25: Sips & Bites | Throughout May
This May, savour Athens with wine pairings at landmark museums, garden cocktail sessions, and food markets that turn into buzzing block parties.
Read more

Discover all events here

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