With a celebratory mood and rhythm, the musical nights of Athens Jazz take off with a series of exciting parallel events for all ages.
May 25 – 31, 2026
Technopolis City of Athens
Free Admission
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Athens Jazz returns to the Technopolis City of Athens from Monday, May 25 to Sunday, May 31, featuring a rich program of parallel events that frame a dynamic lineup of 20 bands from Greece and abroad. In a festive atmosphere charged with creative energy, Technopolis transforms for an entire week into a vibrant meeting point for music, art, and immersive experiences, hosting activities for every age group. Exhibitions, installations, performances, a film screening, the Meet Market, children's activities, and parties come together to form a multifaceted parallel program, giving this year’s edition a distinct character and creating a festival experience unlike any before.
A special place in the 25th edition's parallel events program belongs to the photography exhibition
"25 Years of Athens Jazz: Images of a Journey." Moving from the stage to the photographic frame, the exhibition—curated by Thodoris Markou and Vangelis Patsialos—offers a retrospective look at the festival's history. It captures some of the most unforgettable moments of this long-standing musical institution through the lenses of 10 photographers who have been historically linked to the festival's journey.
@Vangelis Patsialos
Concurrently, the comic book exhibition "Musicoma," held in collaboration with Comicdom CON Athens, presents pieces from the journey of the interactive comic of the same name by Maria-Olia Ntakogianni, creating a unique dialogue between imagery, narrative, and music. The exhibition includes guided tours led by the creator, while teenage visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a special workshop that connects the core principles of comic book creation with the history of jazz, following a dedicated tour through the world of the artwork.
The festival energy peaks with thrilling experiences presented by the Grand Sponsor of Technopolis, COSMOTE TELEKOM, at the ART/TECH AREA by COSMOTE TELEKOM. Continuing to explore the intersection of art and technology, COSMOTE TELEKOM presents live sketching with doodles by the Do Do and Do creative team, a unique multi-performance project by Dimitris Vassilakis, and an impressive interactive hologram installation in collaboration with the Athens Digital Arts Festival.
Two steady companions of Athens Jazz in recent years, the radio station
Kosmos 93.6 and the
Meet Market, will also be present at this anniversary edition. The now-established
Kosmos Jazz Party returns on Saturday, May 30, at the Gazarte Roof Stage with a unique mix of Latin and jazz rhythms, while the station's broadcast van will be stationed at Technopolis during two of the festival's most vibrant days—Monday, May 25 and Friday, May 29—broadcasting the festival’s musical lineup live. And of course,
The Meet Market #JazzEdition returns with a summer mood, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and a rich program of side activities, including DJ sets and children's entertainment, turning Technopolis into an open-air hub for creativity and social gathering.

The parallel program also features a special film screening for cinephile festival-goers, expanding this year’s Athens Jazz experience beyond the live music stage. Johan Grimonprez’s film, "Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat," screening on Saturday, May 30, blends political tension, jazz music, and historical intrigue against the backdrop of the 1960 Congo, illuminating the profound relationship between music, politics, and history.
Finally, the 25th Athens Jazz dedicates a special day—Sunday, May 31—to the festival’s youngest friends through Jazz for Kids. This program is packed with activities where music becomes a catalyst for expression, play, and participation. A treasure hunt, an arts and crafts workshop, music-movement and theater activities, face painting, and a specialized workshop for crafting wooden musical instruments all combine to create a festive experience full of rhythm, imagination, and creativity.
Detailed Program of Parallel Events for the 25th Athens Jazz:
Monday, May 25 – Sunday, May 31
Photography Exhibition: "25 Years of Athens Jazz: Images of a Journey"
Technopolis | Neoi Fournoi
Athens Jazz celebrates its 25th anniversary with a retrospective photography exhibition dedicated to the evolution of an institution that has championed music as a space for communication, connection, and shared experience. Ten photographers—regular patrons and companions of the festival throughout the years—present images born from the live presence of music: the silences between the notes, the glances, the movements, and those moments of absolute devotion to sound and improvisation. The exhibition captures the relationship between musicians and the audience, the intensity of musical creation, and the deep human expression that jazz evokes. Through diverse perspectives, it highlights the spirit of a festival that, for a quarter of a century, has remained a gathering place for people sharing the same love for music and the live listening experience.
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Participating Photographers: Thomas Daskalakis, Thrasos Eirinis, Christos Kisajekian, Christos Kopsacheilis, Thodoris Markou, Michalis Mpothos, Kostas Mproumas, Ippokratis Navridis, Vangelis Patsialos, Stefania Tsoupaki
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Curated by: Thodoris Markou, Vangelis Patsialos
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Hours: 19:00 - 00:00
"Musicoma" Comic Book Exhibition
Technopolis | Neo Ydataerio - Ground Floor
Musicoma, the comic book by Maria-Olia Ntakogianni that fuses the reading experience with jazz history and original music, comes to Technopolis in collaboration with Comicdom CON Athens. The exhibition showcases pieces from the entire lifecycle of the project—from the initial drafts to the musical composition, timelines, and references, as well as photographic material from its musical theater adaptation by the Parnassos Literary Society. Scheduled guided tours by the creator will take place as part of the exhibition.
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Exhibition Hours: Monday – Sunday: 19:00 - 00:00
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Guided Tour Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 20:00 - 21:00 & Sunday: 19:00 - 20:00
The Meet Market #JazzEdition
Technopolis | Michanourgeio & Michanourgeio Courtyard
The most jazzy version of the Meet Market is hosted once again at Technopolis, featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing unique vintage items, handmade goods, and creations from local brands. But the surprises don't stop there. Infused with positive energy and good vibes, this year’s Meet Market #JazzEdition features live DJ sets, street food, and children's activities to further enrich the days of this celebratory event.
ART/TECH AREA by COSMOTE TELEKOM
Jazz Doodle Universe
Technopolis | Central Courtyard
What happens when the spontaneity of raw sketching meets the rhythm of jazz and interacts live with the audience? The creative team Do Do and Do presents the Jazz Doodle Universe—a live illustrative performance where artists create digital sketches in real-time. Projected live on a giant screen, they transform moments, audience expressions, and personalities into an unpredictable, interactive jazz universe where visitors become part of the artwork itself.
Jazz Improvisation & Artificial Intelligence
Technopolis | Dexamenes Katharismou (Purification Tanks)
With the help of high-end technology, internationally award-winning saxophonist and composer Dimitris Vassilakis, along with his team, present a distinct multi-performance exhibition to the public. Saxophone improvisations train an AI system, which responds and converses with him through music, poetry, and prose, generating multi-layered soundscapes. The experience is enriched by screenings, videos, multi-performances with visuals, theater, dance, and a panel discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in the creative process.
This event is co-produced with "Jazz Democracy Nonprofit."
Astral Music Projections
Technopolis | Dexamenes Katharismou (Purification Tanks)
The Athens Digital Arts Festival curates and presents the interactive holographic installation "Astral Music Projections" at Athens Jazz. Using the installation's controllers, the audience dynamically influences the composition, triggering millions of potential visual and audio variations to create a multicultural universe of music and human interaction. Created in collaboration with MDH Hologram and Strange Pill, the installation invites visitors on a participatory exploration of music as an ever-evolving experience.
Saturday, May 30
"Musicoma" Exhibition Guided Tour & Workshop for Teenagers
Technopolis | Neo Ydataerio - Ground Floor
As part of the "Musicoma" comic book exhibition, teenagers aged 15 and up have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of this unique display by the creator herself. This will be followed by an interactive workshop where they will be introduced to the fundamental principles of comic design and a touch of jazz history. Guided by music and creativity, they will craft their own unique stories.
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Hours: 17:00 - 19:00
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Ages: 15+
Film Screening: "Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat"
Technopolis | Aeriofylakio 1 - "Miltiadis Evert" Amphitheater
In a brilliant amalgamation of jazz atmosphere and political gamesmanship, Johan Grimonprez’s film screens at the 25th Athens Jazz, bringing a compelling cinematic edge to our festive evenings in a special screening in collaboration with Cinobo. The critically acclaimed film tells a story full of tension, music, and collusion in the heart of 1960 Congo. It serves as an indictment of colonial and corporate interests against the backdrop of the conspiracy against Patrice Lumumba, the country's independence leader and first democratically elected Prime Minister. It is not simply a film, but a profound history lesson.
Kosmos Jazz Party
Gazarte Roof Stage
Marking five years of their shared journey, Athens Jazz and radio station Kosmos 93.6 bring us the most electrifying Kosmos Jazz Party to date. Get ready for a night of non-stop dancing and music, moving not just to jazz, but to vibrant Latin rhythms! The star of the night is none other than Rosanna Mailan, who brings her Cuban fire alongside the 11-piece Rosanna Mailan Orchestra for an unprecedented, high-energy musical evening. Additionally, Kosmos 93.6 radio producers will take over the decks to keep the energy high with a night full of rhythm, dance, and authentic Latin flair.
*Tune in to Kosmos 93.6 on Monday, May 25, to catch the live broadcast of the Athens Jazz opening night dedicated to Greek artists, and on Friday, May 29, for one of the festival's most powerful lineups.
@kamarotos
Sunday, May 31
Jazz for Kids
Technopolis | Central Chimney, Skywalk Courtyard, INNOVATHENS, Playground, Neo Ydataerio, Upper Courtyard
The 25th Athens Jazz dedicates a full day to children through a specially designed program that promises a Sunday full of color, music, and fun. Arts and crafts workshops, performances, music-movement and theater workshops, face painting, and a treasure hunt promise an exceptional experience filled with notes and creativity—proving that jazz knows no age limit.
Chasing Jazz | Open-Flow Treasure Hunt
Technopolis | Kit Distribution Point: The Shop
Brought to life by the Industrial Gas Museum team, this unique treasure hunt combines the history of the old gas factory and its production line with the secrets of jazz. Parents and children can explore and discover one of the best-preserved industrial museums in Europe through an exciting and thoroughly entertaining adventure.
Face Painting
Technopolis | Central Chimney
The Moutzoures team comes to Athens Jazz to fill smiling faces with colorful, jazz-inspired face painting. For children and... kids at heart!
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Hours: 11:00 - 13:00
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Ages: 2+

The Band is... Jazz! | Arts & Crafts Workshop
Technopolis | INNOVATHENS - Ground Floor
How many shapes are hidden inside a saxophone? How many circles make a drum? Our young friends will cut, assemble, decorate, and create their very own jazz instruments using recyclable materials in a fun arts and crafts workshop by the Industrial Gas Museum. Once finished, they can wear their creations and form the most imaginative jazz band together!
Woodwork Notes | Crafts Workshop
Technopolis | Playground
Children are invited to become mini jazz luthiers (instrument makers), crafting string and percussion instruments by combining wood with various everyday materials found at home! Real woodworking tools, such as hand saws and sandpaper, will be used during construction under guidance.
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Hours: 11:00 - 13:00
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Ages: 5+
Shall We Dance? | Music-Movement & Theater Workshop
Technopolis | Skywalk Courtyard
Children will play and experiment with rhythm, creating an improvisational musical piece where sound and movement blend freely. Guided by the music, they will move through the space with "dancing feet," exploring different styles of walking and physical expression. Through theatrical play and improvisation, each child will transform into a unique "jazz animal," expressing themselves creatively and engaging in rhythmic dialogues. A delightful program designed by the Industrial Gas Museum team.
The Totem of Sounds | Interactive Theater Performance
Technopolis | Upper Courtyard (between INNOVATHENS and Aeriofylakio 1 - "Miltiadis Evert" Amphitheater)
Two multi-instrumentalist music educators and a magical totem (!) will guide children on a quest to discover the first sound ever created in the world, using the accordion, bagpipes, bouzouki, various percussion, and other improvised instruments. An interactive performance by the 2 Laloun team, filled with music and sounds that will enchant both young and old.
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Hours: 13:00 - 14:00
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Ages: 2-6 years old
The 25 candles of Athens Jazz are blown out this year alongside the most impressive parallel events in its history. Throughout the week, visitors have the chance to actively participate in a series of happenings designed not just to entertain, but to build lasting memories. Seven days of music, seven days of endless energy and fun!
*A strict first-come, first-served basis will apply for participation in all activities.
The parallel events program is subject to change. Discover more at athensjazz.gr