Mark your calendars! There is a ton of stuff happening around Greece this month. Here are some of the most exciting upcoming events.
Olympic Yacht Show
October 1 – 5 | Athens
The Olympic Yacht Show aspires to become a massive communication platform for large category yachts. Currently, this is the only event that caters to middle and large category yachts as well as the premium ones. The show takes place in the most central marina of Attica and attracts a lot of interest both in Greece and abroad.
Mykonos Biennale
October 1 – 5 | Mykonos
The Mykonos Biennale is an exciting and experimental event that brings artists from all over the world together to learn and create. Taking inspiration from the island’s beauty and unique energy, participants get to enjoy performances, exhibitions, and installations. This year there will also be an outdoor film festival.
Autumn Jazz Festival
October 1-3, 7-10 | Athens
The Autumn Jazz Festival in Athens hosts tons of artists from the Greek jazz scene such as Takis Paterelis and George Kontrafouris. There will also be artists with more funk, soul, hip hop, and reggae influences such as Idra Kayne, MC Yinka, and Jerome Kaluta. These great performers will be on stage at the iconic Tzeni Karezi theatre for two consecutive weekends.
Spetses (mini) Marathon
October 8 – 10 | Spetses
The Spetses mini Marathon is an international sporting event held annually over a three-day period on the Argo-Saronic island of Spetses. The events include three different foot races of 5, 10, and 25 km, and three open-water swimming races of 1.5 km, 3 km, and 5 km, as well as various events for children. This year marks their ten-year anniversary so there are surely going to be some fun surprises in store.
Thessaloniki Design Week
October 13 – 17 | Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Design Week is a platform for networking and promoting innovative ideas and projects in Greece and abroad. There will be a program of activities and events throughout the week where members of the public can come to interact with the creators and their art.
International Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe
October 20 – 23 | Athens
The European Cultural Tourism Network’s 2021 conference will discuss the latest trends in the field of culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism, including innovation, digitalization, creativity, and cultural tourism product development. Last year’s event was in Croatia while the 2019 event was held in Spain.
Thessaloniki Street Food Festival
October 21 – 24 | Thessaloniki
The Thessaloniki Street Food Festival is back again for its fourth year. From Thursday (Oct. 21) until Sunday (Oct. 24) the entire courtyard of the TIF Helexpo will be transformed into a buffet with delicious cuisine from all over the world. Whatever you’re craving, you will be able to find it here!
Chania Film Festival
October 21 – 31 | Crete
The Chania Film Festival (CFF) is an annual, international event that is held on the island of Crete every year. It is designed and organized by the AMKE ‘Cultural Society of Crete’ which aspires to host the best films in the field of cinema, from all around the world. This festival has certainly become a meeting place for fiction films, documentary and animation films, as well as directors, producers, and actors.
KOSMIMA 2021
October 23 – 25 | Thessaloniki
The KOSMIMA International Exhibition of Jewelry, Watches, Gemstones, Machinery, and Equipment is returning for its 35th year! Manufacturers, designers, importers, dealers, and wholesalers of jewelry, watches, and precious stones (as well as companies with silverware, packaging, and machinery), will all gather together at the longest-running industry show in Northern Greece.
Prodexpo – Real Estate Conference
October 25 – 26 | Athens
Prodexpo is an important event in Greece that focuses on property development as well as bringing real estate decision-makers together to connect. This will be the 22nd year of the conference, which will offer a full program of inspiring keynote speeches, timely discussions, and networking events.
Ochi Day
October 28 | All of Greece
Ochi Day (or Oxi Day) is a public holiday that celebrates Greece’s refusal to yield to the Axis powers in 1940, at the beginning of World War II. Every October 28th is characterized by military parades and folk dances. Most Greek Orthodox churches hold special services and people decorate their public buildings and private residences with Greek flags. Many shops will be closed, but restaurants and bars will be open as usual. If you’re in Greece on this day you will be able to see how the locals celebrate their history.
While visiting Greece to relax on the beach is never a bad idea, there are also lots of exciting (and unique!) things you can do during your trip. After browsing this list and deciding where to go, head to the Ferryscanner website to find and book your ferry tickets.