At a glance
September
From the first Friday of the month, for 17 days. In 2026: 4–20 September.
6 minutes
On foot from Ioulianou 50 to the edge of Pedion tou Areos, 430 metres.
18:00
Opens every afternoon, until 22:30 or 23:00. On Sundays in the morning too.
Free
Entry and events. You only pay for the books you buy.
When it takes place
In recent years the Festival has opened on the first Friday of September and closed on the third Sunday. The official opening takes place one evening in the first week; in 2026 it was on Monday 7 September at 20:00.
| Year | Festival | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 52nd | Friday 6 – Sunday 22 September |
| 2025 | 53rd | Friday 5 – Sunday 21 September |
| 2026 | 54th | Friday 4 – Sunday 20 September |
| 2027 | Next | Friday 3 September – Sunday 19 September (estimate) |
Not announced yet: SEKB usually announces the dates in late summer. Until then, the dates here are an estimate based on previous years. As soon as the announcement is out, the article is updated.
Opening hours (2026)
| Day | Times |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 18:00 – 22:30 |
| Friday and Saturday | 18:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday | 10:30 – 15:00 and 18:00 – 22:30 |
How to get there from Ioulianou 50
Pedion tou Areos is our neighbourhood park. You don't need the metro:
- Ioulianou 50 → Patission: walk east along Ioulianou and cross Patission.
- Patission → Mavrommateon: continue to Mavrommateon, the west side of the park, and go in.
- In total about 430 metres, 6 minutes, to the edge of the park; inside the park you need a few more minutes.
📚 From Ioulianou 50 to Pedion tou Areos
About 430 metres on foot. Tap the park to open the route in Google Maps.
What you will find
The publishers' stalls are set up along the park paths, under the trees, and fill with people every evening. You will find new releases and older titles from the publishers, all in one place. Most are in Greek; some stalls have photo books, art books and picture books for children that need no language.
In 2026 the theme was «Sustainable Development. The book as architect of tomorrow». The programme had:
- Book presentations and talks with authors, every evening.
- A three-day event for young writers and an event by the Hellenic Comics Academy.
- Children's workshops, a play for children and Karagiozis.
- Concerts, among them by the Greek Music Workshop of the City of Athens.
The 53rd Festival, 5–21 September 2025. The chairs for the events are set up in front of the equestrian statue.
The publishers set up in two rows along the park paths.
The best time: the stall lights come on and the air cools down.
Each publisher has its own numbered stall, with the new releases at the front.
The Festival has more than fifty years of history. The round lanterns were its trademark.
Pedion tou Areos has cafés and squares for a rest between the stalls.
One of the largest parks in Athens, next to Victoria.
Karagiozis is on the children's programme every year.
The hero of Greek shadow theatre, with the long arm.
Park photos: Angels Apartments archive · Karagiozis: Aeleftherios, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Tips for your visit
When to go: the biggest crowds come on Friday and Saturday evenings. For a quiet stroll among the stalls, choose a weekday at 18:00 or Sunday morning. Bring a bag for the books.
Pedion tou Areos has more to combine with your stroll: playgrounds, cafés and fountains. More in the guide to Pedion tou Areos. In September the evenings are still warm, so the Festival makes a nice outing after dinner.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Book Festival?
It has not been announced yet. Based on recent years, it is expected from Friday 3 September to Sunday 19 September.
Do I pay to get in?
No. Entry and events are free.
How far is it from Ioulianou 50?
About 430 metres, a 6-minute walk to the edge of the park. It is the neighbourhood park.
What time does it open?
Weekdays from 18:00 to 22:30, Friday and Saturday until 23:00. On Sundays also in the morning, 10:30–15:00. (2026 hours.)
Are there books in English?
A few. The Festival is mainly for Greek books. For a souvenir, look for photo books, art books and illustrated children's books.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Every year there are children's workshops, shows and Karagiozis, and the park has playgrounds.
— Kathy
