Athens Newsletter - March 2026
March brings a distinct shift to Athens as the city embraces the beginning of spring. For art and culture enthusiasts, this month offers some exceptional opportunities!
newsletter • 4 min. read
March brings a distinct shift to Athens as the city embraces the beginning of spring. The sunlight grows stronger, and the outdoor cafes fill up once again. It is often one of the most pleasant times to walk through the city, offering mild weather and a vibrant cultural calendar without the density of the peak summer crowds.
For art and culture enthusiasts, this month offers some exceptional opportunities. The Greek National Opera presents a production of the classic ballet Swan Lake at the SNFCC starting March 7. Around the same time, photography lovers can visit the first-ever exhibition in Greece dedicated to the photographic work of renowned filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos. If you are interested in natural history and ecology, the Mediterranea exhibition at the Eugenides Foundation aims to recount the history, the beauty, the peoples, the myths of the sea, as well as the conflicts and dangers which jeopardize it today.
The city’s energy spills into the streets with major public events throughout the month. On March 8, runners take over the center for the Athens Half Marathon, offering a chance to see the city from a different perspective. Towards the end of the month, on March 25, Athens celebrates Greek Independence Day with a grand military parade at Syntagma Square and a festive atmosphere across the city.
Finally, the Athens International Literature Festival kicks off on March 26 at Technopolis, bringing authors and readers together for a celebration of the written word.
With so much happening, it can be hard to decide exactly how to spend your time. Our local guides are always happy to share other events and personalized recommendations during our walks to help you make the most of your stay. To get your bearings, explore the city's layers on our Welcome to Athens! Old Town Guided Walking Tour, or dive into the modern scene with our Alternative Athens Tour: Street Art, Counterculture, and Protests.
Date | Event | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|
March 15 | SUPERNATURAL Festival Athens 2026 | 🎪 Festival | |
March 25 | Greek Independence Day Celebrations | 📅 National Day | |
March 26-29 | Athens International Literature Festival 2026 | 🎪 Festival | |
March 5 | Stavroz Live at Gazarte | 🎵 Concert | |
March 13 | Athens State Orchestra Concert | 🎵 Concert | |
January 23 - March 8 | Exhibition: Mediterranea - Visions of an Ancient and Complex Sea | 🖼️ Exhibition | |
March 7 - May 17 | Yorgos Lanthimos: Photographs | 🖼️ Exhibition | |
March 13-16 | Oenorama 2026 | 🖼️ Exhibition | |
March 20 - August 31 | Jeff Koons: 'Venus' Lespugue | 🖼️ Exhibition | |
March 8 | Athens Half Marathon | ⚽ Sport | |
March 7 - April 4 | Swan Lake at the Greek National Opera | 🎵 Opera |
