On the night of Greece’s August full moon, archaeological sites that normally close before darkness take on a different life. Ancient theatres, castles, museums and sanctuaries remain open into the evening, while music, theatre and guided visits unfold beneath the moon.
The main celebration in 2026 takes place on Friday 28 August. Across the complete five-day programme, 126 unique archaeological sites, historic places, monuments and museums will participate. The Ministry lists 111 of those places for 28 August; the remaining entries fall on 26, 27, 29 or 30 August. Sixty-one locations will host an organised event, while 65 will offer free evening access without a performance.
From Medea at the Amphiaraeion of Oropos to jazz on Sifnos, classical music at Rokka in Crete and moonlit access to Delphi, Mystras and Ancient Olympia, the programme offers one of the most atmospheric ways to encounter Greece’s cultural heritage.
This guide explains when the moon is truly full, how the partial lunar eclipse can be seen from Greece and where to find every event in the official 2026 programme.
In This Article
Plan your evening by date, region and type of experience.
Browse the Programme by Region
August Full Moon 2026: The Essential Information
Main Night
Friday
28 August
Participating Places
126
across Greece
Typical Hours
20:00–24:00
varies by venue
The Greek Ministry of Culture is coordinating the programme for the 27th consecutive year. Admission during the stated evening hours is free at the participating places. This does not mean that every museum or archaeological site in Greece will open, or that every participating venue offers a performance.
The official Greek programme lists 111 participating places on 28 August. The remaining entries are clearly dated in the regional guide below. Because the Ministry may revise the programme, visitors should confirm the latest announcement shortly before travelling.
A Full Moon and a Partial Lunar Eclipse
The moon reaches its full phase at approximately 07:18 Greek time on 28 August. During the same early morning, it passes through Earth’s shadow in a deep partial lunar eclipse.
From Athens, the faint penumbral phase begins at 04:23 and the clearly visible partial phase begins at 05:33. The best visible stage occurs close to 06:50, when the moon is extremely low in the west-southwest. It sets at approximately 06:54. The eclipse’s worldwide maximum occurs after moonset and cannot be seen from Athens.
The eclipse is a dawn event. It does not take place during the cultural programme that evening. By moonrise on Friday night, the eclipse will be over, although the moon will still look full.
To see the eclipse, choose an elevated place with a completely unobstructed western horizon. The moon will be very low and may become difficult to distinguish before it formally sets. The timings above are specific to Athens; moonset and local visibility vary across Greece. Detailed calculations are available from Timeanddate, while NASA’s eclipse diagram provides the global scientific data.
The August full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon in international media. The name comes from North American seasonal traditions and is not an ancient Greek name. In Greece, the moon’s contemporary cultural meaning is closely connected with the annual opening of monuments and archaeological sites.
Earlier in the month, the sky offers an entirely different spectacle. The Perseids meteor shower peaks on the night of 12–13 August under a New Moon, creating unusually dark conditions. By 28 August, the bright full moon replaces meteor watching with moonlit cultural visits.
Where to Experience the Full Moon in Athens and Attica
The Ministry’s Attica section contains nine entries: seven in mainland Attica, plus one on Hydra and one on Kythera. Neither the Acropolis archaeological site nor the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion appears on the official 2026 list.
Standout Athens Experiences
Epigraphic Museum: small-group guided visits followed by a silent-film screening accompanied by live piano.
Numismatic Museum: music in the garden of the Iliou Melathron at 21:00.
Amphiaraeion of Oropos: Medea, directed and performed by Konstantinos Chatzis, at 20:30.
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus: “Moonlit Melodies” with the AENAON string quartet and mezzo-soprano Ioanna Forti at 21:00.
Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Afaia, Chaidari: “Journey through the Night Sky” from 20:00.
The Byzantine church known as Omorfi Ekklisia in Galatsi hosts music based on poetry by Elytis, Ritsos, Seferis, Gatsos and Eleftheriou, performed with Sofia Papazoglou. The church opens from 18:00 to 22:00 and an archaeologist will be present.
The Museum of Modern Greek Culture, Kountouriotis Family Museum on Hydra and Kythera Castle offer free evening access without a listed performance.
The Acropolis Museum Is Open Late, but Admission Is Not Free
The Acropolis Museum has organised its own full-moon evening outside the Ministry’s free-admission list. On 28 August it will remain open continuously from 09:00 until midnight, with the normal general admission ticket required. The ticket desk and museum shops close at 23:30.
A museum archaeologist will lead a free 45-minute tour of the temporary exhibition Inspirations: Ancient Greek Art Living in Italy at 18:00. The exhibition brings together 38 works. Places are limited to 30 and advance online booking is required. The second-floor restaurant remains open until midnight, with reservations required. The Excavation Museum is open from 09:00 to 20:00, with last entry at 19:30.
Do not confuse the museum with the Acropolis archaeological site. The museum stays open late with paid admission; the archaeological site is not listed among the 126 free evening venues.
Complete August Full Moon Programme by Region
The entries below follow the official 2026 programme venue by venue. Each description retains the event title, performers, start time and evening-access arrangements supplied by the Ministry of Culture. Most entries take place on 28 August; a different date is shown prominently where applicable.
Venue links: Names open an official English visitor page where one could be verified. For smaller monuments without an official English page, the link opens an English Google Maps search. Ordinary hours displayed elsewhere may not reflect this special programme; use the full-moon hours below and check the Ministry’s latest update before travelling.
Eastern Macedonia And Thrace
28 August
Archaeological Site of Abdera
Musical event entitled “When Mikis Theodorakis Met Nikos Kazantzakis”, organised in collaboration with the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace as part of the Thracian Sea Festival – Coastline of the Xanthi Regional Unit 2026. Start time: 20:30. The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Xanthi
28 August
Pythio Castle, Municipality of Didymoteicho
Musical event entitled “Little Songs for Unforgettable Loves” – concert by the Soufli Mandolin Orchestra. Start time: 21:30. The fortress and its main tower will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Evros
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis
The Museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Ancient Theatre of Maroneia
Musical event entitled “From East to West: Greek Composers of Constantinople in Dialogue with Arias and Renaissance Songs Inspired by Greek Mythology”. Start time: 20:30.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Rhodope
28 August
Archaeological Site of Kali Vrysi
Musical event entitled “In the Moon’s Neighbourhood”, in collaboration with the Municipality of Prosotsani and the Kali Vrysi Cultural Association. Start time: 20:30/21:00. The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama
28 August
Acropolis of Kefalari
Musical event entitled “Sound and Light under the August Full Moon at the Acropolis of Kefalari”, in collaboration with the Kefalari Cultural and Educational Association. Start time: 20:30.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Arkadiko
Musical event entitled “Echoes Through the Ages: From Pythagoras to the Present, a Journey through the History of Greek Music”, in collaboration with Manolis Pargientakis and the Arkadiko Cultural Association “Saint Eugenios of Trebizond”. Start time: 20:00. The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Kavala
The Museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Kavala
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Philippi
The Museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30 to 24:00.
Central Macedonia
28 August
Ancient Stageira
The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Chalkidiki & Mount Athos
28 August
Afitos – Sanctuary of Ammon Zeus
Opera: Orpheus and Eurydice. Start time: 21:00. The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
29 August
Ancient Olynthos
Musical event featuring the band PAGAN. Start time: 21:00. The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Petralona Cave, Chalkidiki
Petralona Cave will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00
Organising service: Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology
28 August
Petralona Cave Museum, Chalkidiki
The Petralona Museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00
29 August
Archaeological Site of Dion
Musical event. Start time: 20:30/21:00. The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities Pieria
28 August
Roman Agora (Odeion)
Musical event featuring the Thessaloniki Youth Band and the Sinfonisches Jugendblasorchester Baden-Württemberg; organized by the non-profit organization "To Epitonion." The site will remain open from 20:00 to 22:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities Thessaloniki City
28 August
Galerian Complex
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00
28 August
Macedonian Tomb at Derveni (“Makridis” Tomb)
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Thessaloniki Region
28 August
Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, Chortiatis
Musical event entitled “August Full Moon at Chortiatis – UNBOUND”, featuring Iro Menegou, held in the courtyard of the Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration in Chortiatis, with a limited number of participants. Start time: 20:30. The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Pella
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Pella
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Pella
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Edessa
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Old Metropolitan Church of Edessa)
The church will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Polycentric Museum of Aigai – Palace of Aigai
Musical event by composer Giorgos Tziafetas and vocalist Evi Siamanta, featuring original compositions and well-known Greek art songs. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia
28 August
Ancient Theatre of Mieza
Musical event featuring the Trio Efichon, starting at 21:00, in collaboration with the Municipality of Heroic City of Naoussa.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Veria
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Byzantine Museum of Veria
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
29 August
Ancient Theatre of Mieza
Musical tribute to Spanish music, featuring mezzo-soprano Sandra Piperidou and guitarist Sarantis Agianoglou, in collaboration with the Municipality of Heroic City of Naoussa. Start time: 21:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Palatiano
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 23:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Kilkis
28 August
Archaeological Site of Evropos
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 23:00.
Western Macedonia
28 August
Koursoum Mosque
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30 to 23:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Kastoria
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Aiani (Open-Air Courtyard)
Musical event in the museum courtyard featuring a local music ensemble. Start time: 20:30/21:00. The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Kozani
28 August
Archaeological Site of Petron, Amyntaio
Musical event featuring the ensemble "Florinotes", in collaboration with the Municipality of Amyntaio. Start time: 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Florina
28 August
Hellenistic City of Florina
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Epirus
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Thesprotia
28 August
Archaeological Site of Elea
Event organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Souli. Start time: 20:00. The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 23:00.
28 August
Castle of Arta
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Arta
29 August
Archaeological Museum of Arta
Musical event in the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum of Arta. Start time: 21:00. The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Roman Odeon of Nicopolis
Theatrical performance of Romeo and Juliet by the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Ioannina. Start time: 21:00. The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from approximately 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Preveza
28 August
Castle of Parga
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of the Nekromanteion
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Byzantine Museum of Ioannina – Its Kale Citadel
Musical event in the museum courtyard, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Ioannina. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Ioannina
28 August
Archaeological Site of Dodona
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of the Acropolis of Megalo Gardiki
Musical event featuring Christos Thivaios, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Zitsa. Start time: 21:00.
Thessaly
28 August
Theopetra Cave Documentation and Education Centre
Musical event entitled “August Notes in the Silver Light of the Full Moon”, organised by the Municipality of Meteora in the Centre’s outdoor area. Start time: 21:00. The Centre will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology
29 August
Ano Kerasia (Historic Site)
Musical event featuring the ensemble "Rhythmos" and the Choir of the Municipality of Rigas Feraios, at Tsatiri. Start time: 20:30.
Organising service: Service for Modern Monuments and Technical Works of Thessaly and Central Greece
28 August
Archaic Temple of Apollo at Ancient Metropolis
Musical event entitled "Melodies in the Moonlight", organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Limni Plastira. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Karditsa
29 August
Basilica of Saint Demetrios, Archaeological Site of Phthiotic Thebes – Nea Anchialos
Musical event organized in collaboration with the Women's Association of Nea Anchialos. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Magnesia
28 August
Byzantine Castle of Trikala
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Trikala
28 August
Castle of Velika
Musical event organized in collaboration with the Region of Thessaly and the Municipality of Agia. Start time: 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa
29 August
Diachronic Museum of Larissa
Musical event in the museum garden, organized in collaboration with the Friends of the Diachronic Museum of Larissa Association. Start time: 21:00. The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
North Aegean
26 August
Ancient Antissa (Ovriokastro)
Musical event featuring Maria Papageorgiou. Start time: 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Lesvos
28 August
Archaeological Site of the Kabeirion, Lemnos
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of the Sanctuary of Messon, Lesvos
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Emporios
Musical event organized as part of the Aegeanemos Festival, featuring Stavros Siolas and Eromili. Start time: 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Chios
28 August
Byzantine Museum of Chios
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
"Giustiniani Palace", Chios Castle
The monument (temporary exhibition) will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Ottoman Bath at Chios Castle (Hamam)
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Central Greece
28 August
Castle of Lamia
Musical event organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Lamia. The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Phthiotis and Evrytania
28 August
Byzantine Museum of Phthiotis (Ypati)
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Collection of Atalanti
Musical event featuring Anatoli Mariola, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Lokroi and the Region of Central Greece. Educational activities will also take place. The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Collection of Elateia
Guided tours. The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Castle of Mendenitsa
Musical event featuring Zoi Papadopoulou. The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
30 August
Acropolis of Proerna – New Monastery, Municipality of Domokos
Musical event featuring Manolis Mitsias, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Domokos and the Region of Central Greece. The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Chalkida "Arethousa"
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea
28 August
Karababa Fortress (Chalkida)
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Eretria
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Courtyard of the Archaeological Museum of Karystos
Musical event entitled "From Baroque to Jazz… a Musical Journey Illuminated by the Light of the August Full Moon", organized in collaboration with the Eudea Music School and the Municipality of Karystos. Start time: 21:00.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Karystos
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Skyros
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Delphi
The archaeological site (up to the terrace of the Temple of Apollo) will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Phocis
28 August
Castle of Amfissa
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
27 August
Archaeological Collection of Thespiae
Musical event in the courtyard of the Archaeological Collection of Thespiae, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Aliartos. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Thebes
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Chaeronea
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00. A musical event will also take place in the square opposite the museum, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Livadeia. Start time: 21:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Eleon
Musical event at the acropolis of the ancient city of Eleon, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Tanagra. Start time: 21:00.
28 August
Ancient Theatre of Orchomenos
Musical event at the Ancient Theatre of Orchomenos. Start time: 20:00.
Ionian Islands
28 August
Museum of Asian Art of Corfu
Temporary exhibition: Women’s Narratives in Japanese Art. Opening hours: 20:00–24:00 Thematic guided tours: 20:00 and 21:00.
Organising service: Museum of Asian Art of Corfu
28 August
Old Fortress of Corfu
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu
28 August
Archaeological Collection of Sami
Musical event in the courtyard of the Collection featuring the Youth Mandolin Orchestra of Kefalonia. Start time: 20:30. The Collection will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 23:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Cephalonia and Ithaca
27 August
Castle of Agios Georgios
Musical event entitled “Odysseus and Passion”, featuring Xenia Galanova (soprano) and Ellen Kaufmann (piano). Start time: 21:00. The castle will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 23:30.
28 August
Museum of Zakynthos
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos
Western Greece
28 August
Chlemoutsi Castle
The archaeological site and the museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Elis
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Pirgos
The Museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00, featuring guided tours by archaeologists from the Ephorate.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.The Museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00, featuring guided tours by archaeologists from the Ephorate.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Elis
Musical event entitled "Journey in the Light of the Full Moon", featuring Christos Tsatsampas (piano) and Christina Syrri (vocals), organized in collaboration with the Region of Western Greece and the Municipality of Ilida. Start time: 21:30. The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
29 August
Chlemoutsi Castle
Musical event featuring the "Orpheus" Philharmonic Orchestra of Lechaina, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Andravida–Kyllini. Start time: 21:30.
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Patras
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia
26 August
Archaeological Site of Plevrona
Musical event featuring Rita Antonopoulou performing works by Thanos Mikroutsikos and Mikis Theodorakis, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi. Start time: approximately 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetolia-Acarnania and Lefkada
28 August
Vonitsa Castle
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Nafpaktos Castle
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 & 30 August
Castle of Agia Mavra
28 August: the castle will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00. 30 August: a dance-and-music performance featuring works by Ionian composers will be presented in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Diarkis Anazitisi and the Kantadoroi of Agia Mavra. The site will operate during the event from 19:30 to 22:00.
Attica
28 August
Omorfi Ekklisia (Church of Agios Georgios), Galatsi
Musical event titled “With the Voices of the Poets and Sofia Papazoglou”, featuring poetry by Elytis, Ritsos, Seferis, Gatsos and Eleftheriou set to music, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Galatsi. Start time: 21:00. The church will remain open from 18:00 to 22:00, with an archaeologist from the Ephorate of Antiquities of East Attica present.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of East Attica
28 August
Archaeological Site of the Amphiaraeion, Kalamos, Oropos
Theatrical performance of “Medea”, directed and performed by Konstantinos Chatzis. Start time: 20:30.
28 August
Museum of Modern Greek Culture
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Museum of Modern Greek Culture
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus (Open-Air Courtyard)
Musical event “Moonlit Melodies” with the AENAON String Quartet and mezzo-soprano Ioanna Forti of the Athens State Orchestra. Start time: 21:00. The open-air exhibition area will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:30 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands
28 August
Archaeological Site of Kythera Castle
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Kountouriotis Family Museum
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Afaia, Chaidari
Event titled “Journey through the Night Sky” at the Sanctuary of Aphrodite in the Afaia settlement of Chaidari. Start time: 20:00. The site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica
28 August
Epigraphic Museum
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30 to 24:00. Guided visits for small groups will take place at 19:30 and 20:30, followed by a silent-film screening accompanied by live piano.
Organising service: Epigraphic Museum
28 August
Numismatic Museum
Musical event in the garden of the Iliou Melathron with singer Elena Nasiou and Giorgos Moisiadis. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Numismatic Museum
Peloponnese
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Argolis
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Argos
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Byzantine Museum of Argolis
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Palamidi Fortress
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Castle of Kalamata
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia
28 August
Castle of Kyparissia
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site – Palace of Nestor
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinthia
28 August
Archaeological Site of Ancient Sikyon
The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Ancient Nemea
Musical event entitled "Woman", presented by the Mixed Polyphonic Choir and the Children's and Youth Choir of the Municipality of Nemea. Start time: 20:30/21:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site and Museum of Isthmia
The archaeological site and museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:30/20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
House of the Mosaics, Sparta
The site will remain open to the public, and guided tours by archaeologists of the Ephorate will take place at 20:30, 21:15, and 22:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia
28 August
Archaeological Site of Mystras
Musical event organized in collaboration with the Region of Peloponnese. The archaeological site will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
South Aegean
28 August
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The museum will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00. Admission will be through the museum entrance.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese
28 August
Recep Pasha Mosque, Dorieos Square, Rhodes
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 19:00 to 22:30.
28 August
Roman House (Casa Romana), Kos
The monument will remain open to the public with free admission from 20:00 to 24:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas, Sifnos
Jazz concert organized in collaboration with the Bring Your Chair Cozy Festival, featuring Andreas Polyzogopoulos. Start time: 21:00. The archaeological site will be open to the public with free admission and guided tours by the Ephorate's staff from 19:00 to 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades
28 August
Archaeological Site of Yria, Naxos
Musical event featuring the Forum Orchestra and composer Kalogeras, including works by composers from the United States, Italy, Canada, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, and Greece, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Naxos. Start time: 21:00. The archaeological site will be open from 18:00.
29 August
Archaeological Museum of Serifos
Theatrical performance of the play "I Have a Voice", written and directed by Pavlos Addimando. Start time: 21:00. The museum will be open from 19:00 to 21:00, with guided tours provided by the Ephorate's staff.
Crete
28 August
Archaeological Site of Gortyna
Musical evening featuring local artists. Start time: approximately 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion
28 August
Archaeological Site of Tylissos
Jazz concert dedicated to musician Konstantinos Kouvidis. Start time: approximately 20:30/21:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Malia
Musical event featuring Manolis Mitsias and Giota Negka, accompanied by musicians and the Choir of Malia. Start time: approximately 20:30/21:00.
28 August
Archaeological Site of Rokka
Classical music concert titled “Redemptive Symphonies / Refractions of Romanticism”, featuring distinguished Greek and international musicians. Start time: approximately 20:30/21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania
30 August
Kara Musa Pasha Mosque – Courtyard
Musical event entitled "Like a Summer Cinema under the Moonlight", featuring Eleni Dramitinou. Start time: 21:00.
Organising service: Ephorate of Antiquities of Rethymno
30 August
Kara Musa Pasha Mosque – Interior
Photography exhibition entitled "Photographic Echoes", organized in collaboration with the Historical and Folklore Society of Rethymno, from 30 August to 2 September 2026. Opening hours: 18:00–20:00.
Before You Go
- Check the date carefully. Not every event takes place on 28 August.
- Confirm the latest programme. Weather, fire risk or operational needs may cause changes.
- Arrive early. Free admission does not guarantee a place at a limited-capacity performance.
- Wear stable shoes. Castle paths and archaeological ground can be uneven and dimly lit.
- Bring water. Late-August evenings can remain hot, particularly at exposed sites.
- Use light carefully. A small torch can help on the way out, but bright phone lights disturb performances and night vision.
- Ask before using a tripod. Photography equipment may be restricted even when ordinary photography is allowed.
- Supervise children closely. Walls, steps and changes in ground level are harder to see after dark.
At venues listed simply as open, the experience is the monument itself: the opportunity to walk through a museum at night, look across a castle wall or approach an ancient temple under the moon. These quieter entries can be every bit as memorable as the larger concerts.
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Sources
Programme information was checked against the Ministry of Culture’s official Greek and English files. Details may be revised. Confirm the latest arrangements with the relevant venue before making a special journey.
