What’s On in May: Your Guide to Greek Events Across Australia

Queensland (QLD)

Mikis Theodorakis Memorial Lecture
The annual Alex Kondos Memorial Lecture, titled “The Universality of Mikis Theodorakis as a Holistic Cultural and Artistic Phenomenon,” celebrates the centenary of the iconic composer’s birth. Delivered by George Lignos, the event features live performances by combined choirs and special guests.

When: Wed May 14, 7:30pm
Where: Grand Ballroom, The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

Paniyiri Greek Festival
Queensland’s largest Greek festival returns with traditional dance, music, cooking demos, and stalls offering souvlaki, Greek wine, and honey puffs. Enjoy family-friendly activities and a raffle with a grand prize of two return tickets to Greece.

When: Sat May 17, 12pm–10pm; Sun May 18, 10am–7pm
Where: Musgrave Park, 91 Cordelia St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Tickets: tickets.paniyiri.com

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South Australia (SA)

Festival Hellenika
Adelaide’s multi-disciplinary arts festival celebrates Hellenic culture through May. Upcoming events include:

• Meraki Music Workshops: Sing, play, and dance to Greek songs (until July).
• Via Greco-Romana: A guided tour of North Terrace’s Greek and Roman architectural influences, led by George Skordas.
• The Penelopiad: A retelling of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective.
• Mosaic Workshop: Create a personal mosaic artwork while learning about Hellenic art history.
• DANCE. Done Differently: A presentation on early 20th-century modern dance and the Greek Ideal by Joanna Tsalikis.

Full Program: festivalhellenika.org.au

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Victoria (VIC)

Girls in Crisis
A bold comedy play exploring the complexities of female identity through a montage of iconic theatrical works, from ancient Greek comedy to modern Greek playwriting. Girls in Crisis portrays women navigating judgment, madness, love, resilience, and rebellion in a society in turmoil.

Cast: Ioanna Gagani, Athina Giannou, Efrosyni Theodosiou, Syrmo Kapoutsi, Stella Katsarou, Eleni Baveli, Maria Bakalidou, Pam Pollali, Niki Skouri, Kostas Stefanidis
When: Sat May 10, 7pm; Sun May 11, 5pm; Sat May 17, 7pm; Sun May 18, 5pm
Where: Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, VIC 3108
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/landing/1388010

Cats and the Canary: Greek Film Classics
Cats and the Canary debut at Brunswick Ballroom with a vibrant setlist of Greek Film Classics, Greek Swing, and Greek Disco, performed by a seven-piece band with surprise guests. Known for sold-out shows and festival performances, this is a night of nostalgic Greek vibes.

When: Sun May 18, 6pm
Where: Brunswick Ballroom, 314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, VIC 3056
Tickets: bit.ly/CatsandtheCanary

Hydra in Winter Book Launch
Celebrate the bestseller Hydra in Winter, named a Notable Book of 2025 by The Weekend Australian Review. Author Shelley shares her journey chasing her husband’s ancestor, a Greek convict, on a winter trip to Hydra. Enjoy a free conversation about slow travel and Greek heritage.

When: Sat May 24, 2pm–3:30pm
Where: Hellenic Museum, 280 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/landing/1391169

Goddesses Unleashed
A modern retelling of Greek myths, Goddesses Unleashed reimagines Hera, Helen of Troy, and Medusa as they grapple with power, identity, and autonomy in a patriarchal world. This play offers a fresh, empowering take on these iconic figures.

When: May 26–30, 8:30pm
Where: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com

Raising Bilingual Children in Melbourne
Pharos Alliance hosts its third annual seminar on raising bilingual children, led by language education expert Professor Joseph Lo Bianco. Learn practical strategies to foster Greek language use at home and support bilingual development.

When: Sun June 8, 1:30pm–5:30pm
Where: The Greek Centre, Melbourne
More Info: mgtav.asn.au/seminar—language-in-the-home.html
Contact: pharos.vic@gmail.com

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Note: Event details are subject to change; check booking links for updates.