There are festivals you attend for the lineup — and then there are festivals you experience with all your senses.
This year, Athens Jazz returns for its landmark 25th anniversary edition, and Technopolis City of Athens becomes a week-long celebration of music, creativity and human connection. From 25–31 May 2026, visitors can enjoy not only an exciting international live music program with 20 acts from Greece and abroad, but also the most extensive and immersive side events lineup in the festival’s history — completely free of charge.
More than a music festival, Athens Jazz 2026 invites audiences of all ages to discover exhibitions, interactive installations, workshops, film screenings, family activities, creative markets and late-night celebrations across one of Athens’ most iconic cultural venues.
Source: Athens Jazz
Source: Athens Jazz
25 Years of Athens Jazz: A Festival That Became a City Tradition
For a quarter of a century, Athens Jazz has been creating moments that live beyond the final encore. To celebrate this milestone edition, the festival expands its experience far beyond the stage and into every corner of Technopolis.
If you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast, a curious first-time visitor, an art lover, or looking for a memorable family day out, this anniversary edition offers something designed for you.
Travel Through Time with “25 Years of Athens Jazz: Images of a Journey”
One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations is the retrospective photography exhibition “25 Years of Athens Jazz: Images of a Journey.”
Hosted at the New Retorts building, the exhibition captures the energy, emotion and atmosphere that have defined Athens Jazz over the years. Through the lenses of eleven photographers closely connected to the festival, visitors will revisit special performances, spontaneous moments and the unique bond between artists and audiences.
Expect powerful visual storytelling that captures everything jazz represents: improvisation, expression and collective experience.
Exhibition Hours: Daily | 19:00–00:00
Source: Athens Jazz
Music & Illustration Collab at the Musicoma Comic Exhibition
Jazz takes on a completely different form through Musicoma, the interactive comic book project by Maria-Olia Dakoyianni created in collaboration with Comicdom CON Athens.
This exhibition reveals the entire creative process behind the project—from sketches and timelines to musical composition and live presentation materials—creating a fascinating dialogue between comics, sound and storytelling.
Visitors can also join guided tours led by the creator herself, while teenagers will have the chance to explore comic illustration through a dedicated workshop inspired by jazz culture and imagination.
Exhibition Hours: Daily | 19:00–00:00
Guided Tours: Selected dates throughout the festival
Source: Athens Jazz
ART/TECH AREA: Jazz and Innovation Collide
This year’s anniversary edition embraces experimentation through the ART/TECH AREA, exploring what happens when technology becomes part of artistic creation.
Jazz Doodle Universe
Live digital sketching transforms audience members into characters inside an evolving jazz-inspired visual world.
Jazz Improvisation and Artificial Intelligence
Internationally acclaimed saxophonist and composer Dimitris Vassilakis collaborates with AI to create layered performances that merge music, poetry, theatre and live visuals.
Astral Music Projections
Created in collaboration with Athens Digital Arts Festival, this interactive holographic installation allows visitors to shape sound and image in real time, turning participation into part of the artwork.
These experiences redefine the festival format and invite visitors to actively become part of the creative process.
Source: Athens Jazz
Meet Market #JazzEdition Returns with Summer Energy
No Athens Jazz celebration would feel complete without Meet Market #JazzEdition.
With more than 100 exhibitors, this beloved festival is hosted in Technopolis as a colorful meeting point for local creativity, featuring handmade creations, vintage finds, design brands, DJ sets, street food and activities for children.
It’s the perfect place to explore between concerts and discover the creative pulse of Athens.
Opening Hours:
Monday–Friday | 19:00–00:00
Saturday–Sunday | 12:00–00:00
Cinema, Politics and Jazz: Don’t Miss Soundtrack to a Coup d’État
For visitors who love discovering stories through film, there will be a special screening of Soundtrack to a Coup d’État by Johan Grimonprez.
Set against the political turbulence of 1960s Congo, the film combines jazz, suspense and historical investigation to reveal the connections between music, politics and global power.
A compelling addition that expands this year’s festival beyond performance into reflection and conversation.
Screening: Saturday 30 May | 19:00–21:30
Source: Athens Jazz
Saturday Night Belongs to the Jazz Party
When the concerts end, the celebration continues.
The beloved Jazz Party is scheduled on Saturday 30 May with an electrifying evening dedicated to Latin rhythms and jazz energy.
Leading the night is Rosanna Mailan and her 11-member orchestra, bringing Cuban spirit, vibrant live music and irresistible dance energy to the Gazarte Roof Stage.
If there’s one party you don’t want to miss during Athens Jazz 2026—this is it.
Source: Athens Jazz
Sunday Is for Families: Jazz for Kids
The final day of the festival belongs to its youngest visitors.
Jazz for Kids will make Technopolis a playground of imagination for children to discover music through movement, creation and play.
Families can enjoy a jazz-inspired treasure hunt, face painting, instrument-building workshops, art activities using recyclable materials, music and movement sessions, and interactive theatre performances.
From crafting instruments out of wood to becoming part of a playful jazz orchestra, children will experience creativity in ways that are joyful, hands-on and memorable.
Activities available: Sunday 31 May | 11:00–14:00
Source: Athens Jazz
Experience Athens Jazz As a Community
The 25th edition of Athens Jazz is also a celebration of the community that has grown around it for the past quarter century.
For seven days, Technopolis will be a living festival landscape: concerts and exhibitions, technology and improvisation, visitors as active participants in the experience.
Seven days. Endless creativity. One anniversary.
Join Athens Jazz from 25–31 May 2026 and experience the most ambitious side events program in the festival’s history.
Free Entry
Activities operate on a first come, first served basis. | Program schedule may be subject to change.
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