After delighting us only a few months ago, the amazing Antipodes Festival is coming back to Melbourne. Celebrate Greek culture at this colossal festival on the historic Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct. There’s going to be entertainment from local and international performers, children’s activities, and of course, delicious food and drink. Antipodes Festival will take place on Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26.
Antipodes Festival
Celebrate Greek culture and Melbourne’s multiculturalism at this vibrant street party. The main act this year is one of Greece’s most significant singers, Alkistis Protopsaltis. This respected vocalist is part of an elite group of artists who are introducing contemporary Greek music to the international stage. She will come to Melbourne just days after performing live at Sydney’s Greek Fest in Darling Harbour.
“We are honoured that Alkistis is going to perform [at] this year’s 2023 Antipodes Festival,” said Leo Vlahakis, Cultural Programs Chair of the GCM. “She is an artist with more than 40 years in the music industry. She has successfully created a following with people from all walks of life. We are certain that she will stun the crowd and create an electric atmosphere.”
After listening to her perform, be sure to stick around the festival for more entertainment. There will be live performances across three stages, with over seventy hours of music and dance planned for the weekend. On top of music and dance performances, there will also be cooking demonstrations, Karagiozis shadow theatre, competitions and street performances.
While you’re there, definitely check out the festival’s 80 community and market stalls. There will be plenty of delicious food to try, including souvlaki and loukoumades, as well as Greek jewellery, candles, books and more. Local Greek businesses around the precinct will also have extended trading hours across the weekend.
Kids will have lots of fun too, with carnival rides, a Ferris wheel, arts and crafts stalls and more. The infamous “Zorba till you drop” event will take place on Saturday, and the winner will receive a return ticket to Greece.
As always, this festival is free to attend. It will run from 10am to 11pm on Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sunday.