Hello my lovely people!
I’m writing this post while Athens is dancing or better yet, headbanging το Metallica and the OAKA stadium is shaking. Yes, Metallica is giving a concert right now. Am I there? No. But, but! This concert actually gave me the idea to start writing about events happening in Athens every month. So, we obviously missed Metallica but let’s see what you can do in Athens in May 2026.
Actually, there is plenty of stuff! May is the first month of a series of events taking place until late October.
Practically summer is almost here, and people are getting out more. So, it’s logical that a lot of events take place every year during this period.
But let’s see what you can do.
What to do in Athens in May 2026
Iron Maiden Concert
Well, I’ve started with Metallica so I must continue with the next big concert.
Iron Maiden will perform once again, at the OAKA stadium on Saturday 23th of May.
I see that there are still tickets available online, but I don’t know for how long. So, if you really want to see them, you must hurry! The concert starts at 21:00.
Get your Iron Maiden tickets here
How to reach OAKA:
The easiest way to get there is by the Metro Green Line (Line 1). Get off at the Ειρήνη – Irini station.
Patti Smith at Lycabettus Theatre
Let’s continue with concerts! Lycabettus is welcoming the “Great Lady,” Patti Smith, on Friday, May 15th at 21:00.
It’s the first concert of the season for Lycabettus.
And do I even need to tell you how amazing it is to see a show up on that hill? Seriously, even if you aren’t around for Patti Smith, a concert at Lycabettus is a must-see. There will be plenty during the summer, and I will keep you posted!
If you want to admire Patti and also live the Lycabettus experience, check for tickets at this link.
How to get to Lycabettus Theatre:
This is a little bit tricky. Normally, I would advise you to take a taxi, but during concert days, vehicles often aren’t allowed to reach the theatre. It is normal to walk the distance. The closest metro is Ευαγγελισμός – Evaggelismos (Blue Line), followed by a walk or a taxi to the base of the hill.
Jazz Festival at Technopolis: A Highlight of Athens in May 2026
I’m not a huge jazz fan, but I have visited this festival numerous times because the atmosphere is simply great! This year is extra special as they are celebrating their 25th anniversary.
The Jazz festival takes place for a whole week! Yes, you read that right. From May 25th to May 31st and the best part? Entrance is free.
It’s a great opportunity not only to get lost in jazz melodies from artists not only from Greece but from all around the world but also to visit a trademark of the city. Technopolis is a place to be for a lot of events during the year.
Check out the full Athens Jazz Festival line up
How to get to Technopolis:
Easy peasy! There is a metro stop just outside: Κεραμεικός – Keramikos (Blue Line).
Euroleague Final Four
Let’s change the atmosphere and talk about sports!
Athens is proudly hosting the Euroleague Final Four on Friday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 24th..
To watch a European basketball game is a standalone great experience. To watch the Final Four in Athens, especially if Greek teams are participating, it’s a lifetime memory. It’s something you will never forget.
And yes, I’m talking about the atmosphere which has nothing to do with NBA games. Europeans are living basketball like football. It’s something you cannot fully grasp, until you live it. I’m always amused when I see videos of the reaction of NBA players when they are watching a Greek basketball game. Their face is like “What the f* is happening?”
I see that there are still some tickets left but I really don’t know for how long.
Find Euroleague Final Four tickets
How to get to OAKA:
Again, take the Metro Green Line (Line 1) to the Ειρήνη – Irini station.
Kifisia Flower Show (Anthokomiki)
Do you love flowers? ‘Cause I love them! I don’t know how to maintain them but that’s another story.
Every year this season Kifisia is hosting the big Anthokomiki (Flower Show). It is actually happening right now and lasts until Sunday, May 17th. The entrance fee is only 2 euros.
If you love flowers it’s a very pleasant walk to make. There are also a lot of happenings each day so you can see if something interests you.
And it’s also a great opportunity to visit a different area of Athens. Kifisia is very posh and it has a lot of cafes and restaurants and a great market. So you can combine all of them.
You can see the full [programme for the following days here]
How to reach the Flower Show:
Take the Metro Green Line (Line 1) to the last stop, Κηφισιά – Kifisia. Anthokomiki is literally across from the metro station. And the market area is within walking distance.
Closing on Athens in May 2026
Well, those were the main events for Athens in May 2026!
Did something catch your attention? Where would you like to be? I hope this guide helps you decide what to do.
I salute you and will see you soon with June’s events. But of course, we’re going to see each other in different kinds of blog posts before then!
