Looking for the coolest and best music festivals in Greece in 2023 & 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Greece Festivals that are guaranteed to impress.
Rich in history, Greece is well-known for its ancient philosophers, architecture, theater, and the inventor of the Olympic Games. It is one of the sunniest places in the world, perfect for a rejuvenating getaway from the hustle and bustle of life’s responsibilities.
From rugged mountain landscapes to breathtaking coastlines of sparkling blue waters, Greece is a wondrous place full of beauty and opportunity, making it an exceptional location for music festivals! Here are 10 amazing events to add to your festival bucket list!
Also, be sure to read my guides on Famous Greece Landmarks, Airbnbs in Greece, and Facts about Greece for more trip-planning inspiration!
1) Rockwave Festival
When: July 1-9, 2023
Where: Malakasa, Greece
https://www.rockwavefestival.gr/en/
By far one of the most famous music festivals in Greece, the Rockwave Festival has been running since 1996. It hosts top artists and bands in the world’s music industry in one magnetic place for one of the liveliest music festivals in the world.
The Rockwave Festival is held in Terra Vibe Park, located less than two hours from Athens, which offers thriving greenery and appealing camping options. Attendees of the Rockwave Festival can savor the whole festival experience with exciting games, thirst-quenching bars, and shops with trendy memorabilia to scour.
2) Colourday Festival
When: June 16, 2023
Where: Athens, Greece
https://colourdayfestival.com/greece/
https://www.facebook.com/ColourDayFestival/photos/
Considered the largest music festival in Greece, Colourday Festival runs every summer in Athens. Eye-catching sprays and splashes of colored powder, great vibes, and spectacular music combine into one unforgettable music festival.
Welcoming all ages, the Colourday Festival is a time of vitality and fun. It draws people from all over the world to the OAKA Olympic Stadium set in Marousi, Athens. During the festival, attendees get to join the crowd in a mass throwing of colored powders to the beat of the music.
As the vibrant colors spread across the arena, celebrate by jumping and dancing to the music at the Colourday Festival. The festival hosts foreign and Greek artists in one massive celebration full of life, color, and fun!
3) Plisskën Festival
When: December
Where: Athens, Greece
https://www.plisskenfestival.gr/
https://www.facebook.com/plisskenfestival/
Proving its excellence as one of the leading music festivals in Greece, the Plisskën Festival features some of the world’s most iconic artists. The festival takes its dedication to exploring and celebrating music to the next level by incorporating up-and-coming, trending, and alternative artists for one legendary festival.
Plisskën Festival is environmentally conscious with an Ethos of being innovative, exciting, and meaningful in its contributions as a festival and celebration. The Plisskën Festival has tagged the “Commended” rating from the Greener Festival Awards global governing body for two consecutive years.
Experience an outstandingly broad range of music from talented artists at the Plisskën Festival!
4) Chania Rock Festival
When: July 29-30, 2023
Where: Chania, Greece
https://www.chaniarockfestival.gr/
https://www.facebook.com/ChaniaRockFestival/
Reputed for hosting top metal bands, Chania Rock Festival is one of the most significant rock and metal music festivals in Greece.
Since 2002, the Chania Rock Festival has presented the best of the best in metal on stage in Chania, Crete. From the Greek rock scene to the international rockstars, if you like to headbang and jam out to metal, then the Chania Rock Festival is the music festival in Greece you’ve been searching for to live it up with fellow metal fans.
5) Olympus Festival
When: July & August
Where: Pieria, Greece
https://festivalolympou.gr/en/
https://www.facebook.com/olympusfilmfestival/
A prominent cultural event in Greece, the Olympus Festival intertwines as a celebratory festival of theatre, music, and culture.
It all began in 1972 in Pieria when the Olympus Festival hosted its first festival experience. On its impressive and lengthy journey, the Olympus Festival has quickly become one of the most sought-out artistic events, the largest of its kind in northern Greece.
Attending the Olympus Festival, visitors can explore ancient and modern arts of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Performances by Greek and international artists are held for an exceptional experience granted by the dedication of the Olympus Festival to provide only the highest quality entertainment.
6) 2310 Music Festival
When: June & July
Where: Thessaloniki, Greece
https://www.facebook.com/2310musicfest/
The Biggest Hip Hop Music Festival In Greece
A two-day festival in Thessaloniki, the 2310 Music Festival features the most prominent rap, trap, and drill artists on one stage. The crowd surrounds the stage, jumping and singing to hits from their favorite artists.
The 2310 Music Festival began in 2021 at the Port of Thessaloniki. Its launch was incredibly successful, with the increasingly prominent hip-hop culture developed in the area catering to this triumph. The Greek Hip Hop industry has continued to amass a large following as it has continued to develop in this beautiful country, and the 2310 Music Festival celebrates this awakening with the top artists and hits in the scene!
7) Release Athens Festival
When: June & July
Where: Athens, Greece
https://www.releaseathens.gr/en/
https://www.facebook.com/releaseathens/
Release Athens Festival is a summer concert series hosted in Athens, featuring the most prominent names in the music industry. The genre doesn’t matter, as Release Athens Festival hosts artist performances of dance, pop, rock, hip-hop, metal, indie, and more for a unique and unforgettable celebration of all things music.
As one of the biggest music festivals in Greece, you don’t want to miss out on attending the Release Athens Festival. The festival attracts thousands and thousands of festival-goers from across the globe each year to attend this boisterous celebration.
8) Shapes Festival Zakynthos
When: August 22-27, 2023
Where: Zakynthos, Greece
https://shapes-festival.com/zakynthos/
https://www.facebook.com/shapesfestival/
“It’s all about sun, beaches, music & vibes! Shapes Festival is pushing the boundaries of quality music and original party vibes. Aside from the music you can enjoy being surrounded by paradise – think crystal clear water and white silky smooth sand which looks like something out of a movie.”
Shapes Festival Zakynthos is a multi-genre music festival and a soul-touching gathering of like-minded individuals in the breathtaking island location of Zakynthos.
For five days, attendees can relish in the immaculate vibes of Shapes Festival Zakynthos on an island paradise surrounded by the mystifying Ionian Sea. Sugar-white sand and dazzling blue waters are at your feet during Shapes Festival Zakynthos resonating through the beat of the music in this one-of-a-kind celebration.
The Shapes Festival Zakynthos focuses on electronic, jazz, house, techno, and other associated music genres. Between the programmed lineups at the festival, attendees can continue the festivities at the boisterous beach, boat, and night-time parties hosted on Zakynthos for a memorable festival experience!
9) Supa Dupa Fly Santorini
When: May 2024
Where: Santorini, Greece
https://supadupaflyfestivals.com/
https://www.facebook.com/supadupaflysantorini/
Hosting lively night outs in London, Supa Dupa Fly has extended its reach to Sanotirini!
Supa Dupa Fly Santorini brings the fun with memorable throwbacks of the 90s and 00s hits of hip hop, RnB, and other coinciding genres. Between throwing it back and bopping to the beat of your favorite throwbacks at Supa Dupa Fly Santorini, there are many more exciting and rejuvenating activities for attendees to explore.
Dance to the beat of the music on the rooftop next to talented DJs. Meet and socialize with fellow travelers at the beach party. Experience hip-hop yoga for the first time. Get your tan on at a raving pool party or go to a rave in a cave. The fun is endless at Supa Dupa Fly Santorini!
10) Take Off Festival
When: June & July
Where: Crete, Greece
https://www.takeoffofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TakeOffFestivalOfficial/
A six-night and seven-day getaway on the Greek Island of Crete, the Take Off Festival is one of the most unique, out-of-this-world music festivals in Greece!
The Take Off Festival focuses on presenting the hottest artists and DJs in its lineup and caters to the experience for festival goers. Every event hosted at the Take Off Festival is specifically catered to and crafted to better personify the different sounds in a way that perfectly celebrates each genre, beat, and resonation exuded.
While at the Take Off Festival, attendees can experience legendary boat parties on the Mediterranean or take the party to the beach or pool. Paint raves are another thrilling activity offered for a colorful and exciting social activity for the ultimate getaway and celebration of music and fun!
Looking for more Music Festivals in Europe?
If you’re traveling around Europe during the summer, I’d recommend checking out some of these articles to inspire some other festival adventures around the world!
As well, I’ve written a few articles that can give you some great ideas for what to wear, bring, and camping survival for music festivals! They’ve helped thousands of people so far, and I know you’ll get some amazing products from them!
Thanks for reading my guide to the best Music Festivals in Greece!
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