Modern jazz, bebop, hard bop, jazz funk, jazz punk, electronics, traditional sounds, sound design, experimental noise, improvisational vocals, cinematic moods, ethio-jazz, plus daring dance performances—all come together in the 1st Urban Forest Jazz Festival. The festival features a star-studded lineup from Greece’s vibrant jazz scene that would make any international organizer envious.
The three-day event (September 12–14) takes place in the Ancient Forest of Dionysos, in front of the ruins of the old railway station, organized by the Jazz Solidarity Network (the country’s only official jazz body) in collaboration with the Region of Attica and the Municipality of Dionysos. And best of all? Admission is completely free.
Performers include MOb Trio, Sakis Tsinoukas, Vasiliki Konstantellou, Haris Lambrakis, Byron Ntolas, Fotis Siotas, Giannis Van Angelopoulos, Kostis Christodoulou, Paraskevas Kitsos, Kleon Antoniou, Petros Nikolidis, and Ki omos KINETE.
So why go? Here are five reasons you shouldn’t miss it:
1. Discover a Different Athens: the Forest of Dionysos
Let’s be honest: you probably haven’t been there. Dionysos, today a wealthy suburb, was once the site of ancient Ikarion, both a civic and religious center. According to myth, local hero Ikarios welcomed the god Dionysos here, who in return taught him vine cultivation and winemaking. The area is also the birthplace of Thespis, the first tragic poet, considered the father of Greek tragedy. The festival’s setting in this historic forest is worth the trip alone.
2. It’s Free—and Supports the Scene
Entry is free, but your presence supports the Athens jazz community. Part of the proceeds will go toward funding new productions and international tours for emerging artists from the Jazz Solidarity Network.
3. Young Bands That Play Beyond Their Years
Two rising ensembles open the first and last nights: the Jazz Sharp 9 Big Band of Alimos Music School and guitarist Dimitris Kassavetis’ Flowtet quintet. Both groups feature some of the brightest young talents in the Greek jazz scene and promise to surprise you.
4. Four Top Ensembles in a Celebration of Improvisation
From saxophone-driven trios to genre-bending projects, the lineup showcases four of Greece’s most exciting jazz collectives, all with improvisation at their core. Expect fresh sounds and boundary-pushing performances.
5. Jazz Meets Dance and Acrobatics
The group ki omos kineitai brings a unique collaboration of contemporary dance, circus, and performance art. Their daring physicality turns movement itself into improvisation, echoing the festival’s jazz ethos.
Credit: Ki omOs kineitai, facebook
Festival Program
Friday, Sept 12
- 20:00 – Jazz Sharp 9 (Alimos Music School Big Band, cond. Nikos Valtadoros)
- 21:00 – Sakis Tsinoukas Quartet
- 22:00 – MOb Trio
Saturday, Sept 13
- 20:00 – Kinépha (Vasiliki Konstantellou & Petros Nikolidis)
- 20:45 – Konstantellou x Lambrakis x Ntolas Improvisation Trio
- 22:00 – Repertoire_Master & Margarita_v.2025 (ki omos kineitai)
Sunday, Sept 14
- 20:00 – Flowtet (Dimitris Kassavetis Quintet)
- 21:00 – Streams Project
- 22:00 – Folks Nowadays Project
Practical Info: Getting There
The “Old Train Station” of Dionysos, the festival’s venue, is located at 5 Agiou Georgiou Street, Dionysos.
Parking: Private cars can be parked in the open area at the intersection of Leoforos Dionysou and Vakchon Street.
Public Transport: The area is served by bus line 536 (Zirineio – Dionysos), with 1 to 3 routes per hour. The last bus departs from Dionysos toward Zirineio at 23:30. Nearest OASA bus stops: 8th Ag. Georgiou, 9th Ag. Georgiou, 9th School, 10th School, 11th Latomeia, 12th Latomeia.
Alternative Access: You can also reach Kifisia by ISAP metro and continue by taxi. Estimated taxi fare: €10–15. Estimated ride duration: 15–25 minutes.
More info: www.jsn.gr
