Starting on 1 July, the Heraklion Summer 2025 festival will take place, featuring more than 130 events.
So, you’re curious about what’s happening in Heraklion this summer? Well, the Festival Irakleio Kalokairi 2025 is shaping up to be a wild ride.
From open-air concerts to quirky art installations, there’s something for everyone. Honestly, it feels like the city just comes alive once the festival kicks off.
Local musicians are set to perform on stages tucked into unexpected corners. You’ll probably stumble on a jazz trio playing in a courtyard or a pop-up theater show by the harbor.
Foodies, don’t worry—there’s plenty for you, too. Street food stalls, wine tastings, and maybe even some secret supper clubs if you know where to look.
If you’re into visual arts, keep your eyes peeled for the mural walks and late-night gallery sessions. Some events are still hush-hush, but that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
Families can catch puppet shows, storytelling hours, and hands-on workshops scattered throughout the city. Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming (in a good way).
Check the festival’s official website for the latest schedule updates, as things do tend to change last minute. And don’t forget to bring a little curiosity—you never know what you’ll find.
Over 130 Events in One of the City’s Longest-Standing Cultural Traditions
The city of Heraklion is gearing up for over 130 cultural activities as part of the Heraklion Summer 2025 Festival. This event kicks off on July 1 and has become a staple in the city’s cultural calendar.
Events will unfold across several open-air venues. You’ll find the action at spots like the Nikos Kazantzakis and Manos Hadjidakis Garden Theatres, the Bethlehem Gate Open-Air Theatre, and the Bethlehem Summer Cinema.
Each of these places will host something different—think theatrical productions, concerts, and even film screenings. There’s a bit of everything, honestly.
Heraklion’s mayor has thrown the invitation wide open, hoping both locals and visitors will dive into this celebration of art and culture. Big concerts are on the bill, plus children’s shows, shadow theatre, dance, and plenty of performances by local groups.
This year, there’s the second Walls Festival too, running from August 30 to September 10. It’s organized by the municipality’s Culture Department and adds even more variety to the main lineup.
At the Bethlehem Summer Cinema, you’ll be able to catch 23 feature films. They’re bringing back classics like Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother and Pantelis Voulgaris’ Everything is a Road, and there’s a nod to David Lynch’s Lost Highway as well.
For teens, there’s a special section with six short films from the Positively Different Short Film Festival. Once the regular screenings wrap up, an Italian film festival will take over from September 15 to 21.
The festival doesn’t just stick to the city center. Cultural groups from all over Crete are getting involved, bringing in performances from the region’s artistic communities and associations.
Some highlights worth mentioning:
- Major concerts with both international and local artists
- Children’s theatre made just for younger audiences
- Dance performances from well-known and up-and-coming groups
- Shadow theatre, that classic Greek tradition
- Film screenings featuring a mix of international and Greek cinema
- Local cultural group presentations to keep things rooted in the community
If you’re thinking of going, tickets and advance bookings are up for grabs for many of the events. It’s a good idea to plan ahead, honestly.
The festival also nudges visitors to check out cultural heritage sites, like the iconic Bethlehem Gate.
Programme booklet (Greek/English)
