As Greek summer comes to a close and Athenians return to their pre-vacation routines, the city of Athens comes alive with events and festivals, keeping locals and tourists busy as they welcome in Autumn!
Taste of Athens
19-22 September, Zappeion Megaron
Following its successful debut last year, Taste of Athens returns in September and once again promises a festive atmosphere that will bring together fourteen of Athens’ top restaurants, as well as Michelin star chefs. Be sure to check out the restaurant pop-ups that will dish up special tasting menus including some of their signature dishes at attractive prices (3, 6, 9 and 12 euros). The main stage will also host World-Class Chefs from Greece and abroad who will share recipes and masterclasses on-stage.
Each day of the festival will feature two separate four-hour sessions: 12:00 - 16:00 and 18:30 - 22:30. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Taste Athens website.
Athens Beer Festival
4-15 September, Kotzia Square
Downtown Athens becomes a beer-lover’s paradise in September, with a 12-day festival dedicated to ale, lager, stout and more of the Good Stuff. Back for its 19th year, the Athens Beer Festival showcases the best beers from Greece, Europe and around the world. With a specially-designed beer garden, international cuisine, and live music, this will be yet another memorable Athens Beer Festival. More information is available here.
Athens International Film Festival (AIFF)
18-29 September, Athens
The AIFF will be hosting premieres at locations across Athens, featuring the most talked about films from around the globe. From the Opening night through to Closing, catch the premiere of Adults in the Room (Costa-Gavras’ film based on Yanis Varoufakis’ book about the 2015 Greek bailout), South Korean black comedy thriller Parasite, the hottest indie-flicks and more. The official programme will be available here from 11 September.
Athens Burger Fest
13-15, 20-22 September, Gkazi
Over two big weekends, the Athens Burger Fest returns with a vengeance. For its fourth year, the old OSY railway station transforms to host the mega event, packed with burgers, beer, live performances and...more burgers! Some of the country's most prestigious restaurants and burger houses will serve up their own spin on the classic burger, so stay tuned for more updates and surprises here.
Art Athina
14-16 September, Zappeion Hall
As the Greek capital’s art scene continues to flourish, this contemporary art event brings together the capital’s most prominent galleries, artists and curators with some notable International contributors. For the first time, Art Athina will take place at Zappeion Hall, a neoclassical work of art in its own right. Art Athina promises to be a multi-faceted art extravaganza, where visitors will be able to channel their inner artist at free workshops, take in the wonders of the contemporary Greek art scene and also attend an open-air screening of video works by Greek and global artists at Zappeion’s famous Aigli cinema.
Djangofest Athens
14-15 September, Gkazi
10 years in, this celebration of Gypsy Jazz music keeps growing from strength to strength. Celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt, the vibrant event features musical acts, dancers and cultural groups from Greece, France, and Canada, culminating in a cultural experience that embodies the sound and ethos of Swing Manouche Gypsy Jazz. Not sure what any of this means? All the more reason to step into the world of Gypsy Jazz for a night of dancing under the warm September night-sky. Entry to Djangofest is free.
4th Athens Coffee Festival
28-30 September, Gkazi
Whether you’re a barista, a self-confessed coffee-snob or just looking for a fun day out, the Athens Coffee Festival is fast-becoming a favourite on the Athens festival scene. At a time when the coffee market is at the height of its growth, the Athens Coffee Festival is now a reference point for professionals, but also for the general public, interested in learning about all the innovations and market developments, from flagship espresso houses and distinguished Greek and international specialty coffee roasters.
