VIC
Olympia & Yitonia Rooftop Party – Oxi Day
Join Olympia and Yitonia for an unforgettable day of music, culture, and celebration in honour of Oxi Day.
There will be activities, food, and entertainment throughout the day. Come together with the community to celebrate the spirit of resilience and freedom, featuring:
– Live Greek Band & DJs: Enjoy traditional and contemporary Greek music that will keep you dancing all day and night.
– Napkin Twirling Festival: Get involved in the lively Greek tradition of napkin twirling, adding to the festive atmosphere.
– Thematikos & Nissi Collective Pop-Up: Discover unique food, art, and cultural experiences with this special pop-up featuring themed Greek delicacies and creations.
Foodies can indulge in a specially curated food menu that blends modern twists with classic Greek flavours.
Tickets are $20 and walk-ins are welcome.
When: Sunday October 27, 1pm-10pm
Where: Olympia, Level 1, 12-18 Chester St, Oakleigh Victoria 3166
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1299221
12th Greek Student Film Festival
Returning for its 12th year, this festival showcases a selection of films from primary and secondary students of the Greek Language.
The selected works are short films within the genres of fiction, animation or documentary, which incorporate a given theme. This year’s theme is ‘Children Know Everything’ and participants were asked to interpret the following question:
How do children’s unique wisdom and innate understanding of the world offer fresh perspectives and profound insights often overlooked by adults?
Each short film must also include the signature item, which this year is a window. The free screening will be followed by an Awards Ceremony.
Sydney are also holding the event, but is sold out.
When: Sunday October 27, 11am
Where: Palace Cinema Como | The Como Centre Level 1, Toorak Rd & Chapel St, South Yarra 3141
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1296727
Una Faccia Una Razza Greek Italian Festival
Head along for a day of fun and celebration with food, stalls, music, dancing, kids’ activities and so much more.
When: Sunday October 27, 11am-5pm
Where: St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church, Gladstone St Moonee Ponds
For more information visit @unafacciaunarazzafest on Instagram
Songs from Smyrne
Experience a live concert by the “Estudiantina of Melbourne” as they continue the Songs from Smyrne series, highlighting music from the post-population exchange era. This concert will explore the legacy of Smyrneika, blending Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian influences. Hear traditional instruments such as the oud, bouzouki, and violin, and enjoy performances by Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (accordion/vocals), Vagelis Ginis (vocals), Camille El Feghali (qanun), and more. Co-presented by Con Kalamaras, The Hellenic Museum Melbourne, and The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne.
When: Saturday, 23 November, doors open at 6pm
Where: Bird’s Basement, 11 Singers Lane, Melbourne, 3000
Bookings: birdsbasement.com/show/1412/songs-from-smyrne
Mousik-i Festival 2024
The Mousik-ί Festival is back for its second instalment, celebrating the fusion of Greek melodies with contemporary rhythms and harmonies. Anatreptix, Cats and the Canary, Delyrium and H Division promise a sensational event.
Join them for an unforgettable night of Hip-Hop, rebetika, Greek folk and Greek swing.
Event is 18+, book now.
When: Saturday November 30, 7pm
Where: Northcote Social Club, 201 High Street, Northcote 3070
Bookings: tickets.northcotesocialclub.com/outlet/event/5a65f6d4-4c16-4cb2-84a7-4456b9333a1a
NSW
Italian Greek Festa!
As part of the Bellingen Taranta Festival 2024 Opening night.
The afternoon starts at the Memorial Hall with an Italian traditional ‘Aperitivo’ with a great variety of goodies and drinks accompanied with live music.
The night will kick off with the music of ARIA winner Kavisha Mazzella, singing heartfelt songs in honour of her Italian ancestors.
As for the where the Greek comes in.
From Greece passing through Melbourne and Sydney is a Greek traditional trio led by multi-instrumentalist Byron Triandafillydis, together with Sydney legend George Doukas on guitar and local Double bass player Emiliano Beltzer, will delight the audience with music from the Greek cantinas and festive traditional dance tunes. Be ready to learn a few steps and dance along.
The night will finish with a Greek Italian jam with musicians from Santa Taranta and local musos.
When: Friday November 1, 5.30pm-9.30pm
Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall, 32 Hyde St, Bellingen 2454
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/bellingen-taranta-festival-2024-opening-night-italian-greek-festa
Cardea Presents: Grecian Beats
Grecian Beats are back after their first sold out show.
A vibrant and energetic Greek band celebrating the rich traditions of Greek music and culture.
This group of musicians come together to create an unforgettable experience, blending classic Greek sounds with modern flair.
From lively bouzouki solos to soulful vocals, their music will transport you to the Mediterranean coast.
Join them for an evening of lively rhythms, passionate melodies, and authentic Greek spirit.
When: Friday November 1, 8pm to midnight
Where: Cardea Sydney, 300 Barangaroo Avenue #Shop 2, T3.01 Barangaroo, 2000
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cardea-presents-grecian-beats-tickets-933073095747
Greek Dance with Chris Iannides
Have you have wondered how Greek people can dance all night long? Learn some steps of traditional Greek dances with Chris Iannides and dance along live music from the visiting Greek music power trio and you will find out.
Bring comfortable shoes and a bottle of water, you are going to need it.
When: Saturday November 2, 1pm-2pm
Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall, 32 Hyde St, Bellingen 2454
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/greek-dance-with-chris-iannides?hxchl=mkt-loc&hxref=australi%2Furunga
St Therapon Dinner Dance & Official Welcome to Fr Dimitrios
Join the Parish of Saint Therapon for the annual dinner dance fundraiser as well as the official welcome for Father Dimitrios Karakiozis and his family, Presvyetra Orsia and their children Stavros, Harrison and Gabriel.
The menu includes starters and salads, lamb and chicken mains with potatoes and rice, as well as fruit, cake and galaktoboureko for dessert. Priced at $70 per adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Onsite parking available.
A raffle will also be available.
When: Saturday November 2, 6.30pm-11pm
Where: St Ioannis Parish Hall, 163 George St, Parramatta 2150
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1304823
St George The Minor Fathers, Kids and Mates BBQ
A celebration of St George The Minor with a delicious Greek BBQ at St George church Rose Bay.
When: Saturday November 2, 12pm-5pm
Where: St George Greek Orthodox Church Rose Bay, 90-92 Newcastle Street, Rose Bay 2029
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294788
SA
The Odyssey Greek Festival
One of South Australia’s biggest annual events hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) has begun.
There are events on for everyone, from lectures, cooking and painting classes, film and documentary screening, festivals and much more.
Included is a film screening of Zorbas: The Real Life Story of George Zorbas on October 29 and the next day a documentary screening of Kay Pavlou’s Two Homelands, where six senior Australian Greek Cypriots give emotional eyewitness accounts of their beloved island and their migration to Australia.
The 2024 Greek Film Festival is part of events and it all concludes with the Grattan Street Paniyiri on Saturday November 2, featuring a seven-piece band from interstate, Greek food and market stalls.
More info and program: gocsa.org.au/odyssey-program
QLD
The Essence of Greece
Prepare to embark on a nostalgic musical journey around Greece with the best golden melodies.
Christina and George Lignos guarantee your Greek musical initiation. With each note, they promise to create a sensual and alluring atmosphere that will fill you with good vibes.
Their performances will transport you back in time while providing a contemporary edge.
Allow yourself to be swept away by their tantalising tunes, put your dancing shoes on and prepare to be transported to a world of elegance and beauty.
Every night is special (spontaneously unexpected), so you’re in for a great experience.
When: Friday Nov 8, Nov 23, Dec 27, 7pm-10pm
Where: The Greek Club, 11 Besant St, South Brisbane 4101
Info/Bookings: info@thegreekclub.com.au or (07) 3844 1166
NT
Two Homelands Screening
The Two Homelands documentary heads to Darwin.
Depicting the tragedy of 1974, involving two peoples who once lived together in unity and harmony, the movie-doco reflects on the futility of war and the human cost 50 years after the bombs have stopped dropping.
In this film, Australian Greek Cypriots aged 70 – 102, give eyewitness accounts of Cyprus and the horror of 1974. They describe the great loss of the divide while also remaining hopeful that their beloved island will one day become reunited.
Kay Pavlou, the director and producer of Two Homelands will be making a special guest appearance on the night to present the screening of the film.
Gold coin donation on entry.
When: Sunday October 27, 7pm
Where: Museum & Art Gallery Auditorium, 19 Conacher Street, The Gardens NT 0820
AUS Wide
Culture Shock Stand Up Comedy Australia
Comedian Peter Kypri, known as ‘Cypriot Smurf’, is returning to Australia for a tour across the country.
His show ‘Culture Shock’ is a hilarious stand-up comedy show that promises to take you on a journey of laughter and self-discovery.
Kypri’s brings his unique perspective on life, which is bound to keep you entertained.
He shares his humorous take on everything from growing up in a different culture to navigating the ups and downs of adulthood, with clever anecdotes and side-splitting jokes that will have you in stitches.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! There’ll also be a special appearance from his infamous character, ‘Souvlakis’. This zany and unpredictable character will leave you in tears of laughter with his wacky, and somewhat stereotypical, antics.
He heads to Perth (Nov 22), Darwin (Nov 30), Brisbane (Dec 7), Wollongong (Dec 13) and Adelaide (Jan 29).
Info and bookings: cypriotsmurf.com/shows
