Ioulia Karapataki announced as headliner for Antipodes and Greek Festival Sydney. The Greek Community of Melbourne and the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales have announced that acclaimed Greek singer Ioulia Karapataki will headline their respective flagship cultural events in 2026.
Renowned for her vibrant festival performances and distinctive, velvety voice, Karapataki will bring her dynamic stage presence to Australia’s two largest Greek outdoor celebrations in Melbourne and Sydney.
She will perform at the Antipodes Festival in Melbourne on Saturday, 28 February, before appearing at the Greek Festival of Sydney at Darling Harbour on Sunday, 1 March.
Karapataki’s expansive repertoire blends contemporary Greek sounds with strong folk influences, earning her a reputation as one of Greece’s most engaging live performers. Her popularity surged further over the past year following the explosive success of “Το Γλέντι” (To Glenti), a track that dominated Greek summer airwaves and social media platforms.
Director of the Antipodes Festival, Jorge Menidis, said Karapataki was a natural choice for the festival’s 2026 program.
“Ioulia Karapataki is an artist we have long sought to present. Her energy is infectious, and her connection with audiences is immediate,” he said. “She is a perfect fit for our 75-plus-hour festival program, and we are thrilled to bring her unique spirit to Melbourne as part of Antipodes.”
Festival Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Pamela Proestos, echoed the enthusiasm.
“Karapataki’s music carries a contagious energy that resonates instantly with audiences,” she said. “We are delighted to welcome her to Sydney, where her performance will be a highlight of this year’s festival at Darling Harbour.”
With her growing international profile, compelling live performances and unmistakable stage charisma, Ioulia Karapataki’s Australian appearances are set to be standout moments at both festivals, offering audiences a high-energy celebration of contemporary Greek music and culture.
