Rhodes Events and Festivals

Rhodes’ event calendar blends medieval pageantry with Greek Orthodox traditions and modern cultural programming. The Old Town serves as a natural amphitheatre for many events, its stone walls and squares providing an atmospheric backdrop that no purpose-built venue could replicate. Here is what is on, month by month. For more on best time to visit, see our best time to visit.

Events and Festivals in Rhodes: Spring (March to May)

Greek Independence Day (March 25)

A national holiday marked by school parades and military flyovers in Rhodes Town. Shops and banks close. The main parade runs along the New Town waterfront near Mandraki Harbour starting around 11 AM. Restaurants remain open and serve traditional bakaliaros (salt cod with skordalia). For more on neighborhoods guide, see our neighborhoods guide.

Rhodes International Marathon (April)

A full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km race held on a Sunday in mid-April. The course runs along the coastal road from Rhodes Town to Kallithea and back, with views of the sea throughout. Registration costs EUR 40 for the full marathon, EUR 30 for the half. The race starts and finishes near the Rhodes Casino in the New Town. Road closures affect the east coast highway from 7 AM to 2 PM on race day. For more on travel tips, see our travel tips.

Greek Orthodox Easter (April/May, date varies)

The biggest religious event of the year. On Good Friday evening, Epitaphios processions (flower-covered biers) are carried through the streets of the Old Town and Lindos, lit by candles. On Holy Saturday at midnight, the Resurrection service climaxes with fireworks and the lighting of candles from the holy flame. Everyone exchanges “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen). The Sunday feast features roast lamb on a spit (souvla) in villages island-wide. Book hotels and ferries months in advance if travelling during this period. For what to expect weather-wise, check the Rhodes weather by month guide. For more on where to stay, see our where to stay.

Events and Festivals in Rhodes: Summer (June to August)

Medieval Rose Festival (late May to early June)

The signature cultural event on Rhodes, held over several days in late May or early June (dates announced each spring). The Old Town transforms into a 14th-century medieval city with costumed knights, musicians, fire-eaters, and artisan markets. Reenactments take place in the moat garden (Tafros), the Palace courtyard, and squares throughout the Medieval City. Entry to most daytime events is free. Evening performances at the Palace may require tickets (EUR 10-15). Workshops in medieval crafts, archery, and calligraphy are open to visitors. The full programme is published at medievalfestival.gr each April. For other activities in the Old Town during your stay, see the things to do guide.

Eco Festival Rhodes (June)

A weekend festival in mid-June in the moat garden (Tafros) near the Akandia Gate, focused on sustainability, organic products, and local crafts. Free entry. Stalls sell local honey, herbs, olive oil, ceramics, and handmade textiles. Live music in the evenings. Family-friendly with workshops for children.

Sound and Light Show (June to September)

Nightly show at the Palace of the Grand Master telling the history of Rhodes through projected lights, narration, and music. Shows start at 9 PM (9:30 PM in July/August). Duration: 45 minutes. Tickets: EUR 10 at the Palace entrance. Narration is in English and Greek on alternating nights, so check which language is scheduled. The show runs rain or shine; bring a light jacket as the courtyard can be breezy at night.

Rhodes Summer Festival (July to August)

A programme of concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions held at venues across the island, including the Palace courtyard, the moat theatre, and the Rhodes Municipal Theatre in the New Town. Acts range from Greek popular singers to classical orchestras and international jazz ensembles. Tickets: EUR 15-40 depending on the act. The programme is published in June by the Municipality of Rhodes (check rhodes.gr).

Assumption of Virgin Mary (August 15)

A national holiday and one of the biggest feast days in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Religious services take place at churches across the island. The Monastery of Panagia Tsambika (atop the hill above Tsambika Beach) draws pilgrims and visitors for the panoramic views. Local panigyria (festival feasts) with live music, dancing, and grilled food happen in villages including Archangelos, Afantou, and Embonas. Shops and banks are closed. Public transport runs a reduced Sunday schedule.

Events and Festivals in Rhodes: Autumn and Winter (September to December)

International Music Festival of Rhodes (September)

A week-long chamber music festival held in mid-September at the Palace of the Grand Master and other historic venues in the Old Town. Features Greek and international classical musicians. Tickets: EUR 15-25 per concert. The programme is published in August.

Ohi Day (October 28)

Commemorates Greece’s refusal to surrender to Axis forces in 1940. Military and student parades in Rhodes Town. Shops and banks close. Restaurants and archaeological sites remain open. A smaller event than Easter or August 15 but noticeable if you are on the island that day.

Christmas and New Year in Rhodes

While Rhodes is not a winter sun destination, the Old Town puts up Christmas lights and decorations from early December. A Christmas market operates in Hippocrates Square (Plateia Ippokratous) with local crafts and food stalls. Hotels in Rhodes Town remain open year-round; beach resorts are mostly closed. New Year’s Eve brings fireworks over Mandraki Harbour at midnight. Temperatures average 16°C (61°F) during the day. For what to pack and expect, see the Rhodes weather by month breakdown.