Mykonos may be best known for its beach clubs, but the island’s event calendar runs deeper than DJ lineups. See our Mykonos travel tips for more details. From Orthodox Easter processions through the streets of Chora to international music festivals, here are the key events and festivals on Mykonos throughout the year.
Mykonos Events and Festivals: Spring
Greek Orthodox Easter (April or May, Dates Vary)
Easter is the most important celebration on Mykonos, often more significant than Christmas. On Good Friday, the Epitaphios procession (a flower-decorated bier representing Christ’s tomb) winds through the streets of Mykonos Town accompanied by the Philharmonic band. On Holy Saturday at midnight, the Resurrection is celebrated at the Church of Agia Kyriaki with candles and fireworks. See our best beaches in Mykonos for more details. The following Sunday features a traditional feast of roast lamb (a local specialty called patouda, lamb stuffed with rice and herbs). Hotels book up 2-3 months ahead for Easter weekend. Dates for 2026: April 12 (Orthodox Easter) and April 5 (Catholic Easter).
Mykonos International Music Festival (Early May)
A week-long classical music festival held in the first half of May, featuring Greek and international musicians performing chamber music, opera recitals, and piano concerts. Venues include the Mykonos Municipal Theatre and open-air spaces around town. See our where to stay in Mykonos for more details. Tickets cost EUR 15-30 per concert and can be booked through the festival website. The 2025 edition featured the Athenian String Quartet and soprano Maria Callas tributes.
Mykonos Events and Festivals: Summer
XLSIOR Festival (Late August)
XLSIOR is the biggest gay dance music festival in the Mediterranean, drawing roughly 30,000 attendees over 10 days in late August. The main events take place at the XLSIOR stage at the old port, with after-parties at Super Paradise Beach and Babylon club in town. International DJs from labels like Defected and Glitterbox headline. See our things to do in Mykonos for more details. Day passes cost EUR 40-70, full festival passes EUR 200-350. Book accommodation 4-6 months ahead because the island sells out. The 2025 dates were August 21-30. Check xlsiorfestival.com for the current year.
Mykonos Biennale (June-July, Biennial)
Founded in 2013, the Mykonos Biennale is a contemporary art festival held in odd-numbered years. Installations appear in unexpected locations across the island: old warehouses at the port, abandoned windmills, and the courtyard of the Agricultural Museum. See our best time to visit Mykonos for more details. The 2025 edition ran from June 20 to July 15 with the theme “Transparency and Reflection” featuring 45 artists from 18 countries. Most exhibitions are free. Check mykonosbiennale.com for the next edition.
Feast of Agios Ioannis (August 29)
The feast day of Saint John, held at the Church of Agios Ioannis in the area of the same name. This small whitewashed church is where the famous Shirley Valentine baptism scene was filmed. See our Mykonos weather by month for more details. The celebration includes a morning liturgy followed by a panigiri (traditional festival) with live bouzouki music, dancing, and grilled octopus and souvlaki sold by local vendors. Free to attend, food costs EUR 5-10 per plate. The church sits on a hill with sea views west of Ornos Beach.
Mykonos Events and Festivals: September
Mykonos International Film Festival (Mid-September)
A 4-day film festival screening shorts, documentaries, and features from Greek and international filmmakers. Screenings take place at the open-air Cine Manto in Mykonos Town (a garden cinema with seating for 200 under bougainvillaea trellises). Single tickets cost EUR 8, festival passes EUR 25. The 2025 edition ran September 12-15. Films are shown in original language with Greek subtitles. The cinema also operates nightly from June to September showing recent releases in English (EUR 8, screenings at 21:00 and 23:00).
The Grape Harvest Festival (Late September)
Held at the Vioma Organic Farm near Ano Mera, this small harvest festival celebrates the island’s wine-making tradition. Visitors can participate in grape stomping (barefoot in traditional wooden vats), sample local wines from the farm’s vineyard, and eat grilled meats and local cheeses. The event runs from roughly 11:00 to 18:00 on the last Sunday of September. Entry is free; food and wine cost EUR 10-20. The farm is a 15-minute drive from Mykonos Town or a EUR 20 taxi ride.
