Get ready for an unforgettable summer of music and culture beneath the Acropolis! Explore 17 unmissable events at the iconic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in 2025.
Featured Image: © Athens Epidaurus Festival – Thomas Daskalakis
Attending a performance at a 2,000-year-old theater, located in the heart of Athens just beneath the Acropolis, is nothing short of magical.
Having experienced several shows at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – or simply the Herodion – I can say with certainty: it’s unforgettable.
The setting is unmatched. Above you, the illuminated Acropolis and the summer starry sky. In front of you, the impressive stone arches of the ancient theater. And all around, the lights of modern Athens in the distance.
You can feel the weight of history in every stone. Hundreds of generations before us have sat in these very seats to witness art come alive on this same stage.
To me, this is one of Athens’ absolute highlights – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you’re planning a trip in 2025, mark your calendar!
The season opens on June 1st with operas, concerts, and performances already lined up through July.
And there’s more to come – the program usually stretches into October, with more events to be announced soon.
Oh, and keep in mind, you don’t need to speak or understand Greek to enjoy any of them.
Nothing that fits your schedule? Subscribe below to stay updated on all the upcoming 2025 events at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Where to Stay and What to Do Near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in 2025
Staying close to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in 2025 is a great choice, as it’s located right in the heart of Athens.
All the major landmarks, such as the Acropolis Museum and Plaka, are within walking distance.
Moreover, the surrounding area, known as Koukaki, is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, full of locals, bars, and cafes!
Here are my top hotel picks, all within a 15-minute walk from the Herodeion:
Best Luxury Hotel: Coco-mat Athens BC.
Best Mid-priced Hotel: Hotel @Syngrou Fix.
Best Budget Hotel: Athens Backpackers.
- For more great places to stay, check out the ‘Top 10 Neighborhoods to Stay in Athens for Every Traveler‘!
- For unforgettable experiences, don’t miss the Best Day Trips from Athens and the Best Athens Tours.
1) 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 June 2025 [Opera] – Greek National Opera – Pier Giorgio Morandi – Andrei Șerban: Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot
The story takes place in imperial China: princess Turandot poses three riddles to her suitors, and whoever fails to answer correctly pays with his life.
Prince Calaf, captivated by Turandot’s beauty, decides to try his luck and solves the riddles.
However, the princess refuses to marry him.
Then, the prince offers Turandot a way out of her commitment by posing a riddle of his own: she must guess his name before dawn.
Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece returns in 2025 to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, presented by the Greek National Opera after seventeen years, in one of the most anticipated operatic events of the season.
The direction is signed by Andrei Șerban, one of the world’s leading theatre and opera directors.
The sets and the numerous, highly impressive costumes have been designed, in her first collaboration with the Greek National Opera, by the acclaimed international Greek set and costume designer Chloe Obolensky.
Pier Giorgio Morandi conducts, with internationally renowned artists performing the leading roles.
2) 21 June 2025 [Classical Music] – Greek National Radio Symphony Orchestra – Michalis Economou: Music of the World
On 21 June, as every year, Athens celebrates World Music Day with the established concert by the Greek National Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor and music director Michalis Economou, the Orchestra will take us on a journey through ten dreamy musical worlds.
During this musical journey, masterpieces of global musical literature will be performed.
These include Ravel’s Boléro, Smetana’s symphonic poem The Moldau, Elgar’s triumphant Pomp and Circumstance March, and many others.
3) 22 June 2025 [Alternative Rock] – Raining Pleasure
The most successful Greek English-language band of recent decades, Raining Pleasure, has carved out a unique path in the domestic music scene.
After a period of inactivity, frontman Vassilikos, X-Jeremy on guitars, and Jay on drums announced their reunion in 2024.
They return to remind us of the songs that established them as one of the top musical groups in Greek pop and alternative rock.
A must-see performance!
4) 23 June 2025 [Rock] – Stranglers
With a legendary career spanning nearly 50 years, the Stranglers have created their unique musical universe, distinguished by their instantly recognizable sound.
One of the leading bands emerging from the British rock ’n’ roll scene, they started their journey in 1974.
Since then, they’ve become one of the longest-running groups in modern music.
Their timeless hits have earned them gold and platinum records and frequent chart appearances in the UK.
The pinnacle of their success was “Golden Brown”, released in 1982, which remains their biggest commercial hit and one of the most significant songs in rock history.
5) 26 June 2025 [Soul, Folk, Rock] – Michael Kiwanuka
One of the biggest names in contemporary music, Michael Kiwanuka appears for the first time at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in 2025, adding to the lineup of must-see music events.
The British soul prodigy returns to Greece to present highlights from his rich and successful career.
Kiwanuka masterfully blends contemporary and classic melodies, creating an exciting musical result that traverses soul, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll.
A Mercury Prize winner, known for beloved tracks such as “Love & Hate”, “Black Man in a White World”, and the epic “Cold Little Heart”, famously used as the theme song of the hit series Big Little Lies starring Nicole Kidman, Kiwanuka is expected to offer an enchanting evening to his audience on June 26, 2025.
6) 28 June 2025 [Classical Music] – Athens State Orchestra – Lukas Karytinos – Emanuel Ax: Works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn
This year Athens has the great pleasure of welcoming the exceptional performer Emanuel Ax for the second time at Herodion.
This time, Ax collaborates with Greece’s leading symphonic ensemble, the Athens State Orchestra.
Together, they will perform Beethoven’s imposing and dramatic Piano Concerto No. 3, one of the repertoire’s most beloved works.
Under the direction of artistic director and renowned conductor Lukas Karytinos, the Orchestra will also present Felix Mendelssohn’s masterful incidental music for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The German composer’s unmatched ability to vividly depict the dreamy, magical, and surprising world of Shakespeare’s comedy is regarded as, and indeed is, unparalleled.
7) 29 June 2025 [Electronic] – Air
The electronic duo from France, Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, have captivated European and international audiences with their pioneering creations since the 1990s.
This summer, they will visit Athens for one night as part of their Moon Safari tour.
Air music group was formed in 1995 and released their album Moon Safari in 1998.
They have since released several other albums, such as 10 000 Hz Legend and Love 2, but Moon Safari remains their undisputed hit, with worldwide sales of 2 million copies.
Combining electronica, atmospheric pop, and melodic rock, the band has left its unique artistic mark, establishing a distinctive pop idiom and paving new musical paths with their famous melodies.
8) 1 July 2025 [Neoclassical] – Max Richter
Pioneer of contemporary orchestral neoclassical music, Max Richter returns to Herodion following his triumphant appearance in 2022.
Blending neoclassical, electronic, and pop, and using instruments ranging from synthesizers and computers to full symphony orchestras, Richter has crafted a truly unique sound.
Through this tapestry of musical innovation, he has attracted devoted fans across all music genres.
The program at Herodion, featuring a string quintet and a narrator, will combine pieces from The Blue Notebooks – his landmark album released in 2004 (praised by The Guardian as “one of the best classical music works of the 21st century”).
Moreover, it will include selections from his new album In a Landscape, creating a magnificent blend of electronic and acoustic sounds.
9) 4 July 2025 [Dance] – Sydney Dance Company: Impermanence
On 4 July 2025, Athens welcomes the Sydney Dance Company and the Zaïde Quartet to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus events with their performance Impermanence.
The choreography is by Rafael Bonachela and features original music by Bryce Dessner.
This deeply moving performance focuses on the ephemeral nature of things.
It explores the impermanence of what we consider given and eternal, whether tangible or intangible.
It has been presented on international stages in New York, London, and elsewhere, receiving enthusiastic reviews since its premiere in Sydney in 2021.
TimeOut praised it, saying, “Bonachela’s exquisite choreography blends contemporary ballet, yoga, and modern movement, executed with impressive athleticism and wild grace by the group”.
10) 6 July 2025 [Classical Music] – Munich Philharmonic – Andrés Orozco-Estrada – Hilary Hahn: Works by Brahms and Dvořák
In another high-level classical concert at Herodion, audience will have the pleasure of enjoying the Munich Philharmonic.
In its first appearance at the Roman Odeon, the orchestra will collaborate with leading violin soloist Hilary Hahn, under the direction of charismatic conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada.
The Colombian maestro’s performances are characterized by energy, elegance, and vigor.
Hilary Hahn, a world-class performer, emerged in the late 1990s as a child prodigy, quickly gaining enthusiastic audiences worldwide.
The renowned Munich orchestra will perform Dvořák’s Symphony “From the New World,” a landmark work of the Romantic repertoire.
Meanwhile, the American violinist will showcase her virtuosity with Brahms’ demanding Violin Concerto.
11) 8 July 2025 [Cinematic Music] – Megaron Athens Concert Hall – Nicola Piovani: Great Movies, Great Music
Nicola Piovani is a composer who has profoundly influenced Italian cinema over the last 50 years.
A student and successor of Manos Hadjidakis’ aesthetics, and creator of over 130 soundtracks, he is coming to the stage of Herodion in collaboration with Megaron Athens Concert Hall.
The Oscar-winning composer (for Life is Beautiful) has been recognized as a true musical legend of international cinema.
Accompanied by the Athens State Orchestra, Piovani presents his music in three orchestral suites.
These suites are the fruit of his iconic collaborations with four great poets of Italian cinema: Federico Fellini, brothers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, and Roberto Benigni.
12) 10 July 2025 [Classical Music] – Chamber Orchestra of Europe – Constantinos Carydis – Francesco Piemontesi: Works by Koukos, Liszt, Purcell, Berlioz
Constantinos Carydis has earned a distinct position among European conductors today.
This year, on 10 July 2025, he steps onto the podium at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe for the world premiere of a work by his mentor, Periklis Koukos, highlighting one of the season’s key classical music events.
The program also includes Carydis’ collaboration with Francesco Piemontesi, one of the most sought-after pianists today, performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique will undoubtedly provide a spectacular climax to this exceptional concert.
13) 11 July 2025 [World Music] – Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Étoile de Dakar
A leading African artist, Youssou N’Dour has been an iconic figure in the music scene for decades.
The Senegalese artist, acclaimed internationally with significant collaborations, is among the primary representatives of African sound and a legendary figure of world music.
Winner of a Grammy Award and Best Song Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards for the unforgettable “7 Seconds” with Neneh Cherry, Youssou N’Dour has firmly established himself as the definitive expression of African culture.
In his concert at Herodion, he will be accompanied by the evergreen Le Super Étoile de Dakar.
This ensemble has been with him consistently since the early 1980s and remains one of the most authentic representatives of Senegal’s mbalax sound.
14) 15 July 2025 [Classical Music] – Mahler Chamber Orchestra – Yuja Wang: Works by Beethoven, Chopin, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky
The Mahler Chamber Orchestra, one of Europe’s most dynamic ensembles, returns to Herodion this year.
In this year’s concert, the great Chinese pianist Yuja Wang, who enchanted us with her performance in 2019, will perform both as soloist and maestra.
Mahler was the favorite composer of the legendary Italian conductor Claudio Abbado, who honored him by naming the orchestra he founded in 1997 after him.
This international nomadic collective comprises 45 exceptional musicians from 20 countries.
Without a fixed headquarters, the orchestra meets periodically in various European cities to prepare for its global tours.
15) 17 July 2025 [Jazz] – KISMET: Dave Holland / Chris Potter / Kevin Eubanks / Obed Calvaire
An iconic figure of jazz with a legendary career, British double bassist and composer Dave Holland comes to Athens.
Together with his close collaborator Chris Potter and their new quartet Kismet, they will offer a unique evening.
Charismatic and multitalented, Holland has formed some of the most influential jazz ensembles of our time, each time gathering around him innovative musicians who share the same restless spirit.
One of these is the remarkable American saxophonist Chris Potter, who regards Holland as his mentor.
They invited the emblematic guitarist Kevin Eubanks and drummer Obed Calvaire, known for his versatility and collaborations with Wynton Marsalis and the SFJAZZ Collective.
Together, they formed the quartet Kismet, which will make its European debut in summer 2025, with its first stop in Athens at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – marking one of the exciting new jazz events of the year.
16) 19 July 2025 [Classical Music] – Daniil Trifonov: Piano Recital
The great virtuoso pianist Daniil Trifonov returns to Herodion after the triumphant concert with the Athens State Orchestra in 2021 for a unique recital.
Combining impeccable technique with rare sensitivity and depth, Trifonov’s performances are a constant source of awe.
In 2018, he was awarded a Grammy, while his recordings for Deutsche Grammophon and his concerts regularly earn accolades and glowing reviews in the international press.
The legendary Martha Argerich said she has never heard anything like Trifonov’s playing.
Moreover, the British Times praised him, stating he is undoubtedly the greatest pianist of our era.
17) 26, 27, 29, 30 July 2025 [Opera] – Greek National Opera – Derrick Inouye – Katerina Evangelatos: Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto
One of Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpieces and among the most significant operas of the 19th century, Rigoletto was first presented in Venice in 1851.
Since then, it has remained one of the most popular operatic works of all time.
The bold directorial approach of Katerina Evangelatos brings to life the story and the cycle of violence described by Verdi, setting it in 1980s rural Italy.
Evangelatos highlights the contradictory and dark personality of Rigoletto within a society suffocating under the weight of religious fanaticism, conservatism, and prejudice.
It is a society that deeply undervalues women and is dominated by organized crime.
The Greek National Opera Orchestra will be conducted by Derrick Inouye.
Visiting Guidelines for Odeon of Herodes Atticus
In reality, Herodion is an open-air museum that must be protected.
Therefore, before your visit to any of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus events in 2025, you should seriously consider the theatre’s regulations.
Specifically, the following are prohibited:
- Entering the theatre after the performance has begun, except during an intermission, if provided.
- Admission of children under six (6) years of age – except for performances specifically aimed at them.
- Smoking and consumption of food and beverages inside the theatre.
- High heels!
- The use of mobile phones during performances.
- Taking photographs, with or without flash, audio recording, and video recording during performances.
- Tipping.
Additionally, always use the provided trash bins to discard any waste items (such as chewing gum, etc.). Damage caused by such items to the surfaces of the monument is irreversible.
Tickets, Updates & Athens Itineraries
You can purchase your tickets for the upcoming events at more.com.
However, if you didn’t find a performance that fits your schedule, don’t be disappointed.
Subscribe to our newsletter using the form below, and I’ll keep you updated on newly announced events for the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in 2025.
Lastly, if you’re planning your trip to Athens, my step-by-step itineraries featuring the city’s best spots will be a great help.
Theyare carefully designed to match the number of days you have available: Athens in 1 day, Athens in 2 days, Athens in 3 days, Athens in 4 days, or the hidden gems of Athens for longer stays.
Make Your Trip Easier
Airport Transfer
If you want to get to and from Athens Airport with peace of mind, I recommend pre-booking your taxi with Welcome Pickups. Their flat rate is a few euros more expensive than random taxis, but it is totally worth it. They use local, English-speaking drivers, who will wait for you even if your flight is delayed and introduce you to the city during your ride.
Accommodation
I always book my accommodation with a reliable service like Booking.com. They offer a price guarantee and 24/7 support in case of any problems with your hotel. Always make sure you read reviews from other guests before booking.
Activities
From day trips to Greek islands to Acropolis Guided Tours, GetYourGuide will help you find some unique ideas for your trip.
Car Rental
If you decide to rent a car while in Athens, check Rentalcars. It compares the most reliable companies and returns the best prices with free cancellation.
Free Athens Tours
If you have limited time or want a local guide to introduce you to the city, check GuruWalk. They offer free tours, and at the end, you give them the amount you think is fair.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you if you get sick or injured while abroad, or if you lose your luggage or your flight is delayed. On my trips, I use SafetyWing as it’s affordable and has a simple claims process.
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