Looking for concerts, festivals and cultural events in Crete this week? Here is a selection of events taking place across the island from Friday 14 to Tuesday 18 August 2026.
- August 14, 2026
Theatre, music and traditional Cretan nights across the villages of Heraklion
A rich programme of cultural events continues across the villages of the Heraklion area, with theatre performances, serenades, youth parties and traditional Cretan and Greek music nights.
Among the highlights are the shadow theatre performance “Karagiozis’ Final Adventures” in Charasso, the traditional serenade through the streets of Smari, a Youth Party in Diavaide, Cretan nights in Mathia, Roussochoria and Steirona, and a Greek folk music night in Partira.
- August 15, 2026
Traditional celebrations and live Cretan music on the Feast of the Dormition
Villages across the Heraklion region celebrate August 15, one of the most important religious holidays in Greece, with traditional festivals, live music and local festivities.
Visitors can enjoy celebrations in Amariano, Demati, Karavados, Panagia and Polythea, featuring well-known Cretan musicians, traditional serenades and authentic village atmosphere.
- August 16, 2026
Cretan music, a village serenade and the Mathia Run
The celebrations continue with traditional Cretan music in Diavaide and Kato Kastelliana, while local musicians will bring a traditional serenade to the streets of Lyttos.
Sports enthusiasts can also take part in MATHIA-RUN 2026, starting at 5:30 p.m. In Krasi, an evening dedicated to nature, culture and sustainability will combine talks, monastic cuisine and a twinning ceremony.
- August 17, 2026
Theatre and shadow theatre in Heraklion
The cultural programme continues with three theatre performances. “Ta Kiofteria”, a dark comedy by Antonis Kalomoirakis, will be presented at the Manos Hatzidakis Garden Theatre at 9:00 p.m.
At the Mikis Theodorakis Open-Air Theatre at Bethlehem Gate, visitors can enjoy the shadow theatre show “Karagiozis the Astronaut”, also at 9:00 p.m.
The theatre performance “To Asparachi” will take place at the former primary school in Koxari, at 9:00 p.m.
- August 18, 2026
Music, magic and theatre bring the summer programme to life
The Manos Hatzidakis Garden Theatre hosts “M.T.M.: Mikis Theodorakis – Thanos Mikroutsikos”, featuring singer Rita Antonopoulou and pianist Neoklis Neofytidis.
At the Mikis Theodorakis Open-Air Theatre, magician Sankara presents his spectacular show “As If by Magic”.
Meanwhile, Manos Papadakis and his band will perform at the Church of Agia Triada in Agriana, while the shadow theatre performance “The 40 Patches of Karagiozis” will take place in Stamnioi.