Athens Epidaurus Festival 2026 — Odeon of Herodes Atticus Concerts — Athens, June 2026

There are few more storied places to hear music than the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Roman theatre carved into the south slope of the Acropolis nearly 1,800 years ago and still in use today. Each summer it forms the great open-air stage of the Athens Epidaurus Festival, Greece's flagship cultural celebration, hosting concerts and performances beneath the floodlit walls of the ancient citadel. The 2026 season carries added weight: the Odeon opens for a special farewell programme before it closes for a major restoration, making this a rare chance to experience one of antiquity's finest venues before the works begin.

## What to expect

The festival programme at the Odeon blends orchestral concerts, recitals and staged performances, drawing Greek and international artists to a setting where the stone tiers, the ruined stage wall and the Acropolis above do half the work of the atmosphere. Seating is on the historic marble and stone tiers of the amphitheatre, tiered steeply toward the stage; evenings are warm and the acoustics famously direct. This particular record covers the late-June run of concerts within the wider season.

Because of the venue's special status and limited capacity, demand for the 2026 farewell performances is high — book through the official Athens Epidaurus Festival site as soon as tickets are released. The Odeon sits on the Acropolis's southern slope, a short walk from Akropoli metro station.

Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), then take Metro Line 3 (blue) toward the centre, changing as needed for the Acropolis. Many festival concerts are held at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the ancient stone theatre on the southern slope of the Acropolis. The nearest station is Acropoli on Metro Line 2 (red), a short walk to the entrance, with Monastiraki also close by. From the airport allow around 45–60 minutes by metro. The approach is on foot up marble paths, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a cushion for the ancient stone tiers.