VIC
TWO HOMELANDS
Both a commemoration of war and a celebration of community. Fifty years after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, six senior Australian Greek Cypriots give emotional eyewitness accounts of their beloved island and their migration to Australia. A universal tale, reflecting on the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
The screening of Two Homelands will be preceded by short film Ghost Town and followed by a Q&A with the director Kay Pavlou.
GHOST TOWN
One road has been repaired illegally to allow access to a macabre tourist destination – the ghost town of Famagusta. No-one has returned home since 1974.
The screening on Saturday Feb 15 will also include an introduction by Kat Theophanous MP.
When: Saturday February 15, 4.30pm-6pm & Sunday Feb 16, 3.30pm-5pm
Where: Thornbury Picture House, 802 High St, Thornbury 3071
Bookings: thornburypicturehouse.com.au/film/st00002826/
COSTA CARASTAVRAKIS: Desperately Seeking Souvlaki
A Greek man’s odyssey to finding his identity.
Having performed around the world, gathering acclaim in countries including South Africa, Greece, Cyprus, Dubai and the USA, Costa Carastavrakis will make his Australian debut at The Greek Centre.
An author, comedian, motivational speaker and restaurant owner, Costa Carastavrakis has no shortage of stories to share about his colourful life.
Expect hilarious, joyful stories about Costa’s experience of being Greek and gay in South Africa, and his journey from hiding to embracing himself.
When: Saturday February 15, 7pm-8pm
Where: The Greek Centre | Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1326049
GREEKING OUT
Professor Ari leads a class designed to help you re-learn everything you think you know about Greek myths.
“We’ll talk about “the Minotaur myth”. That’s right: that monstrous creature, half-man, half-bull, hidden away in a dark labyrinth under the Palace of Knossos.
Did you do your homework and watch “Kaos”on Netflix? I sure hope so because there is SO much to discuss! The minotaur storyline? TOO MANY creative licenses!! But, I digress…
Do your homework, come to class and leave ready to win any Trivia Night… (Greek-myth themed Trivia night, I guess… specifically addressing the Minotaur myth… because that’s all we can cover in just 60 min.)”
When: Wednesday February 26 to Saturday March 1, 7pm
Where: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, off Little Collins St, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: thebutterflyclub.com/show/greeking-out
NSW
SYDNEY GREEK FESTIVAL
The 2025 Greek Festival of Sydney is fast approaching with everything being prepared to deliver another year celebrating Hellenic culture, starting with its standard massive two-day event at Darling Harbour.
The Greek Fest will once more be hosted in the heart of Sydney with it taking place on 22 and 23 February, featuring numerous stalls, dance performances and musical displays that all put a spotlight on Hellenism.
Among the entertainment organised will be the visiting artists from Greece, Rena Morfi and Nikos Zoidakis, who will be raring to delight the thousands of attendees.
The Darling Harbour event represents the opening of a packed-out schedule of initiatives spread across three months, as organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February
Where: Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
YPAPANTI DANCE
A traditional paniyiri celebrating ‘The Feast of YPAPANTIS TOU XRISTOU’.
Experience with live music, singing, dancing and food as you would in Greece.
Featuring entertainment from Peter Tsenkas, Olga Kremisis, Jim Tsolakis, Dionysia Dragonas, Christopher Lampropoulos, Peter Mangafas, Eric Fotiadis, Ari Paraskakis, Tasos Tsagkaris and Alexander Mountakis.
When: Saturday February 8, 6.15pm-1am
Where: Greek Community Club, 206 – 210 Lakemba Street, Lakemba 2195
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1336551
GREEK RHYME TIME
Join this monthly program for songs, rhymes and story reading in Greek language. All children from 0-5 years and their parents or carers are welcome.
When: Friday February 14, 11.30am
Where: Lionel Bowen Library, 669-673 Anzac Parade Maroubra 2035
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com/e/greek-rhyme-time–tickets-1096802769609?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
ZOIDAKIS AT GREEK FEST
Greek Fest Darling Harbour is set to come alive with the traditional sounds of Crete as acclaimed musician Nikos Zoidakis takes the stage on Saturday, February 22.
Known for his mastery of the Lyra and soul-stirring performances, Zoidakis will bring a touch of authentic Greek tradition to Sydney’s iconic festival.
Zoidakis’s dynamic stage presence and deep connection to Cretan musical heritage have gained him recognition worldwide.
His performance at Greek Fest is expected to be a standout moment, offering festivalgoers an immersive experience filled with passion, rhythm, and tradition.
Festival Chair Nia Karteris expressed excitement about the event, stating, “Greek Fest Darling Harbour is a celebration of Greece’s rich culture, and having an artist of Nikos Zoidakis’s calibre perform will be a major highlight. His music resonates deeply with audiences, transporting them to the heart of Crete.”
When: Saturday, February 22
Where: Greek Fest Darling Harbour, Sydney
Info: greekfestival@goc.com.au
SA
PROSPECT GREEK FESTIVAL
The City of Prospect is set to host its very first Greek Festival.
Taking place at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Anthony, attendees can access the festival via the Gloucester Street car park.
This free-entry event promises a vibrant cultural experience for all ages, featuring traditional Greek food, beer, spirits, live Greek music, and performances from cultural dance groups.
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic flavours, immerse themselves in Greek traditions, and connect with the community.
Exciting prizes are up for grabs, including the chance to win two tickets to Greece. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets by scanning the QR code displayed at the event.
When: Saturday February 15, 4pm
Where: St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church, 65/67 Milner St, Prospect 5082
Info: www.instagram.com/prospectgreekfestival
AUS WIDE
NIKOS ZOIDAKIS & XRYSPA CONCERT
The iconic Nikos Zoidakis, a true master of Cretan music, is bringing his incredible talent and passion to Australia again.
Known for his mesmerising Lyra performances and powerful voice, Zoidakis is a global ambassador of Cretan tradition, captivating audiences around the world.
Xryspa, singer from Greece has released five studio albums and will bring the laiko element to the concert.
Darwin: Fri Feb 14 at Kalymnian Brotherhood Hall. Bookings: 0468 935 456
Brisbane: Sat Feb 15 at Olympic Taverna. Bookings: 0414 999 286
Adelaide: Fri Feb 21 at Hindley St Music Hall. Bookings: 0412 399 169 or glamourentertainment.com.au/nikos-zoidakis
General admission: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/nikos-zoidakis-xryspa/176077
Melbourne: Sat Feb 22, 9pm, Kinisi at Trak. Bookings: 0438 328 016
It’s also been said Nikos will perform in Sydney, no information on dates at this stage.
TAS
EΣTIA | TAVERNA NIGHT
As a part of the Estia Greek Festival Program for 2025 Hobart will enjoy it annual Taverna Night at the Hellenic House. Featuring live Greek music by Melodia Band from Melbourne and dance performances by the Hellenic Dancers.
Tickets are $85 per person head including Greek banquet style food. Hellenic House is wheelchair accessible. Capacity is limited.
When: Saturday 15 February at 7pm
Where: Hellenic House, 69 Federal St, North Hobart
Info: Emanuel – 0419 534 972
