XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Friday, 11 July 2025 12:29

Summer At The Maria Callas Museum

This summer, the Maria Callas Museum of the City of Athens welcomes locals and  visitors with a series of creative and engaging events that bring together art,  imagination, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Every Sunday in July, Mitropoleos Square transforms into an open-air art corner with La Mia Maria: Create your own  carte postale!, a colourful drop-in activity for all ages. On the night of the July full  moon, the museum stays open late for Under the Moonlight—a special evening  experience featuring reduced admission, music from a live DJ set, and breathtaking  views of the Acropolis. Throughout July and August, visitors of all ages can also join interactive guided tours offered in Greek and English, and discover the life and legacy of  Maria Callas in new and inspiring ways. 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 

Every Sunday of July |
La Mia Maria: Create your own carte postale! 

Where will your own carte postale travel? 

Every Sunday of July, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, children and adults alike can create their own  commemorative carte postale featuring a portrait of Maria Callas using the stencil technique. 

In this fun activity, you will get to know the great opera diva through an artistic process full of  colors and imagination. When you leave, you’ll have a unique keepsake that will remind you of  this special encounter with your very own Maria Callas. 

Every Sunday, Mitropoleos Square comes alive with creativity and joy! Come with your friends  or family, enjoy a stroll through the city center, and make a stop for some art, imagination,  and… your very own carte postale! 

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
Duration of creating the carte postale: approximately 15 minutes 
Location: Mitropoleos Square – directly across from the entrance of the Maria Callas Museum Free participation – No reservation required, first-come, first-served basis 

La Mia Maria Stencils 1 Maria Callas Museum

GUIDED TOURS 

The Maria Callas Museum, recently honored with a special commendation at the EMYA 2025,  invites visitors to experience the world of opera and the life of one of its greatest divas through  the guided tours offered in English. This unique museum is entirely dedicated to celebrating  the remarkable work and personality of Maria Callas. 

Among its priceless exhibits are rare and personal items from the life and career of this  extraordinary artist, whose extraordinary vocal range, distinctive tone, stage presence, and  musical mastery forever transformed the opera landscape. 

A visit to the museum is an immersive experience that awakens all the senses. Visitors delve  into the opera world and Callas’s legacy through engaging, experiential learning, enhanced by  audiovisual presentations, multimedia technology, texts, soundscapes, and historical artifacts. 

Date: July 16 & 30, August 7 & 21 
Time: 12:00 PM 
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: 14€ – Reduced ticket categories also apply 
Reservation required via more.com. Book your ticket for the English guided tour here!

Discover the magic of Maria Callas through a unique family experience in the heart of Athens! 

A must-visit cultural destination, the Maria Callas Museum invites families on an inspiring  journey into the world of the legendary soprano. Through interactive exhibits and modern  audiovisual displays, children are introduced to the fascinating universe of opera in a way that  is fun, creative, and memorable. 

Our specially designed family tours keep both young and older visitors engaged, offering not  only knowledge but also moments of connection and shared discovery. 

Dates: July 16 & 30, August 7 & 21 
Time: 13:30 
Duration: 50 minutes 
Cost: €7 per child (ages 9–17), €14 per adult, €30 per family (two adults and at least one child  aged 9–17) 
Note: Family tours can also be arranged on alternative dates upon request. For more information, please contact us at visit@mariacallasmuseum.gr or +30 210 44 04 204 (Monday–Friday, 11:00–18:00).
When was the last time you had a conversation with young people and listened to their views on the environment, the city, and the world we live in?

This year’s performance is a brand-new theatrical creation based on stories written by ten teenagers. It marks the culmination of the 7th year of artistic exchange and co-creation under the City Zen Ship program, a collaboration between the French collective Je Pars à Zart (Montpellier) and the Greek arts company Among the Ants , with the support of Erasmus+.

The 2025 theme, “Ecology and the City,” explores how past - and present - political decisions continue to shape young people’s quality of life. How does the state of the environment, its absence, political choices, and daily life influence teenagers’ relationship with their neighborhood, public space, personal and collective responsibility, and their dreams for the future?

Under the artistic direction and creative staging  of Constantinos Dalamagas, the group presents a performance that mirrors our times and adult choices, boldly and creatively raising questions with humor and disarming honesty. It is a nearly political performance, based on issues, thoughts and dreams that concern the youth themselves.

Creative Team
Artistic Direction & Direction: Constantinos Dalamagas
Assistant Director: Dimitra Elisavet Kaisidi
Script: The Greek team of 10 CityZenShip|6 young people

Teen Performers
Angelina Geviouk, Lazaros Kotaridis, Mariam Omar, Nikiforos Kavallieratos, Dominique Randa Ventouri Roussou, Ourania Panagiotopoulou, Patrick Mucho, Polina Philippenko, Rahma Omar, Fotini Simits
Produced by: Among the Ants 
City Zen Ship| 6 is funded by Erasmus+.

Friday, 11 July 2025 12:43

Athens Open Air Film Festival 2025

Celebrating 15 Years of Cinema Under the Stars

The beloved Athens Open Air Film Festival returns for its 15th edition, transforming iconic locations around the city into open-air cinemas — from archaeological sites and public parks to cultural landmarks. With digitally restored classicscult favorites, and themed film marathons, this summer-long celebration of cinema is entirely free of charge.

 
In collaboration with institutions such as the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the French Institute of Greece, the festival blends film with literature, history, and art.

Follow the hashtag #aoaff15 for updates.

Upcoming Screenings – July & August

Saturday, July 12 | Plato’s Academy Park, Monastiriou 137, Akadimia Platonos

🎞 80s Horror Marathon

  • 21:45 – The Fog (1980, 89’) – Dir. John Carpenter

  • 23:30 – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984, 91’) – Dir. Wes Craven

  • 01:15 – Sleepaway Camp (1983, 88’) – Dir. Robert Hiltzik
    All digitally restored prints


Monday, July 14 | Kotzia Square (Athinas Street entrance)

🎞 The Hairdresser’s Husband (1990, 82’)

21:30 | Dir. Patrice Leconte

In celebration of France’s National Day – in collaboration with the French Institute of Greece.


Thursday, July 17 | Anesis Open-Air Cinema, Kifisias Ave. 14

🎞 Any Number Can Win (1963, 118’)

21:00 | Dir. Henri Verneuil

With Jean Gabin & Alain Delon – digitally restored version.

In collaboration with the French Institute of Greece.


Tuesday, July 23 | Drakopoulou Park, Athens

🎞  A World of Gods and Monsters: Two James Whale Classics

  • 21:30 – Bride of Frankenstein (1935, 75’)

  • 22:45 – The Invisible Man (1933, 71’)


Friday, July 25 | Technopolis City of Athens, Pireos 100

🎞 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000, 119’)

21:30 | Dir. Ang Lee

Stunning martial arts epic in a digital restored version.


Tuesday, July 29 | Eleftherias Park, Vasilissis Sofias Ave.

🎞 Mamma Roma (1962, 106’)

21:30 | Dir. Pier Paolo Pasolini

Special screening curated by artist Marlene Dumas in collaboration with the Museum of Cycladic Art.


Thursday, August 21 | Anesis Open-Air Cinema, Kifisias Ave. 14

🎞 India Song (1975, 120’)

21:00 | Dir. Marguerite Duras

A haunting French classic – 50th anniversary screening with the French Institute of Greece.


Wednesday, August 27 | "El Paso" Stadium, Kallithea

🎞 For a Few Dollars More (1965, 132’)

21:30 | Dir. Sergio Leone

Spaghetti Western masterpiece starring Clint Eastwood – digitally restored for its 60th anniversary.

In collaboration with Athens Kallithea FC.


Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy the pre-screening atmosphere. All screenings start promptly and are subject to weather conditions. Bring your own blanket, snacks, and cinema-loving friends!

Full program and details: Athens Open Air Film Festival Official Website

The Athens Epidaurus Festival presents an extraordinary evening of classical music under the stars at one of the world’s most breathtaking venues — the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. On July 15, the celebrated Mahler Chamber Orchestra, known for its dynamic, conductor-free performances, takes the stage with internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang, who also leads the ensemble as musical director for the evening.

yuja wang with the mco at the fondation louis vuitton 2017 2 2

Together, they’ll perform a powerful program featuring beloved works by BeethovenChopinStravinsky, and Tchaikovsky, blending romantic lyricism with avant-garde intensity. Wang, praised for her technical brilliance, charisma, and emotional range, is considered one of the most exciting classical artists of our time. Her presence, combined with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra’s exceptional musicality, promises a performance of rare artistic synergy.

This special night is part of the Classical Music Cycle of the festival and is a highlight of the summer season — perfect for music lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking to experience the magic of live music in an unforgettable ancient setting.

 Julia Wesely 5 2
After its successful debut in 2024, Jazzèt – Hellenic International Jazz Festival returns dynamically for a second consecutive year, on July 20, 21, and 22, 2025, at the iconic Petra Theater.

The festival, which aims to become the new reference point for jazz in Athens, continues its journey by emphasizing the unification of musical cultures, bringing together sounds, rhythms, and people from Greece, the broader region, and the world.

With this year’s motto "Jazz Beyond Frontiers", the Jazzèt Festival makes its position clear: jazz is global, free, borderless — and it unites. Musicians and ensembles from across the globe come together for a three-day celebration of multicultural expression and magic at the heart of summer.

Jazzèt Festival 2025 Program

SUNDAY 20/07/25

  • 21:00 BAG OF NAILS (GREECE)
    Panos Katsikogiannis (vocals, guitar) // Thanos Zacheilas (keyboards, vocals) // Ilias Katis (drums, percussion)

  • 22:00 ESPEN BERG TRIO (NORWAY)
    Espen Berg (piano & composition) // Bárður Reinert Poulsen (double bass) // Simon Albertsen (drums)


MONDAY 21/07/25

  • 20:30 NORTH SIDE TRIO – NEW JAZZ ARTISTS (GREECE)
    Tommy Lynch (saxophone) // Alexandros Tziovas (double bass) // Dimitris Kondos (drums)

  • 21:00 ENOSIS QUARTET (SWEDEN, FINLAND, GREECE)
    Orfeas Wardig Tsoukalas (saxophone) // Thodoris Kotsifas (guitar) // Oli Rantala (double bass) // Johan Birgenius (drums)

  • 22:00 HUMAN TOUCH (GREECE)
    David Lynch (tenor & soprano sax, vocals, flute, piccolo, recorder, cajon) // Giotis Kiourtsoglou (fretless & fretted electric bass) // Stavros Lantsias (piano, keys, drums, percussion)


TUESDAY 22/07/25

  • 21:00 LEFTERIS CHRISTOFIS TRIO (GREECE)
    Lefteris Christofis (electric, acoustic, synthesizer guitars) // Lakis Tzimkas (electric bass) // Kostas Anastasiadis (drums)

  • 22:00 DWIKI DHARMAWAN’S ATHENIAN ENSEMBLE (INDONESIA, UK, GREECE)
    Dwiki Dharmawan (piano) // Gilad Atzmon (saxophones, clarinet) // Ita Purnamasari (vocals) // Dede Yanto (multi-ethnic instruments) // Vyron Dolas (electric guitar) // Kimon Karoutzos (double bass) // Nikos Sidirokastritis (drums)

With Greek & English Surtitles
 

The Athens Epidaurus Festival presents the world premiere of The Oath of Europe, a deeply evocative new play by internationally acclaimed playwright and director Wajdi Mouawad, starring the legendary Juliette Binoche. This unique production brings together a multicultural cast of six actors from different continents in a polyphonic performance that navigates themes of inherited trauma, war, silence, and identity.


2 Europas pledge PR AEF2025 photo by Karol Jarek 17 2 2

Inspired by ancient mythology and rooted in the aesthetics of Greek tragedy, The Oath of Europe unfolds as a fragmented memory — a mosaic of voices, testimonies, and ghosts from the past. It tells the story of a woman forced to confront a buried childhood memory of atrocity, in a work that resonates with today’s fractured world.

Staged for the first time at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, this international co-production with Théâtre National de la Colline (Paris) is part of the Festival’s Contemporary Ancients cycle and is supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. A bold and lyrical exploration of myth and modern history — and one of the summer’s most anticipated theatrical events.

6 Europas pledge PR AEF2025 photo by Karol Jarek 33 2 2

The Acropolis Museum will celebrate this year’s August Full Moon on Saturday 9 August 2025 with extended continuous opening hours from 9 a.m. until 12 midnight (last admission to the ticket counters and to the Museum Shops will be at 11:30 p.m). For visitor entrance to the Museum exhibition galleries the general admission fee will apply

Other than the Museum’s permanent collection, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition Allspice | Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Culturespresented by the Acropolis Museum and NEON in the Museum’s Temporary Exhibition Gallery. This exhibition initiates a deep and meaningful dialogue between contemporary works and ancient artefacts. It presents the multifaceted work of internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Michael Rakowitz interacting with ancient artefacts from the Middle East and southeastern Mediterranean. Entrance to this exhibition is free.

Like every Saturday, the Museum restaurant on the second floor will be open until 12 midnight. For those wishing to visit the Museum restaurant on the second floor, a free admission ticket must be collected from the Ticket Desk and a reservation is required by telephone or email (+30 210 9000915, restaurant@theacropolismuseum.gr).

Finally, on Saturday 9 August 2025, the Excavation Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, 02 July 2025 22:30

Olympia Night Run – Kids Run

Get ready for a magical evening run designed especially for children aged 12 and under! The Olympia Night Run – Kids Run offers a unique opportunity for our youngest runners to experience the thrill of a safe, fun, and exciting race under the enchanting glow of the August full moon.

The race will begin and end at the historic Ancient Olympia Town Hall, where children will embark on a carefully planned 800-meter route. This course is designed with safety and enjoyment in mind, ensuring every child can run with confidence and joy, surrounded by the lively atmosphere and cheers of family and friends.

This is a wonderful chance to introduce young ones to the joy of running, promote healthy habits, and create unforgettable memories in the beautiful setting of Ancient Olympia.

So, lace up those running shoes, bring your brightest smile, and join in for an unforgettable night run beneath the sparkling stars and the light of the full moon!

Monday, 14 July 2025 12:28

Athens Nomad Fest 2025

A week-long celebration of the location-independent lifestyle: inspiring talks, expert panels, workshops, networking, and cultural experiences in the heart of Athens.

Meet global remote workers, entrepreneurs, online freelancers, and creatives exploring the future of work and life—from AI and tax optimization to health, co-living, and community.

Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or simply curious about the remote work movement, join us to connect, learn, and celebrate together.


Planning to join the festival? Use the code "xpatathens" at checkout and enjoy 10% off your ticket purchase!
For more information, please CLICK HERE!

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 16:02

Serifos Sunset Race 2025

Join the 11th Serifos Sunset Race, featuring 5 km & 10 km running races, swimming races (750m, 1.5 km, 3 km), kids’ races, and many surprises!

Saturday 13/9: Running races starting at Vagia Beach and passing Vagia, Ganema, and Koutalas beaches, against a stunning Cycladic sunset.
Sunday 14/9: Swimming races at Livadi Bay — choose from 750m, 1.5 km, or 3 km.

The event is plastic-free and supports the SeaChange Greek Islands program by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation. Join beach clean-ups, educational activities, and help protect the marine environment.

Participant benefits:
  • Technical T-shirt for runners & swimming cap for swimmers
  • Discounted ferry tickets and hotel rates
  • Separate classifications for running and swimming — participate in both sports!
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