Release Athens x SNF Nostos 2026: A Decade of Music Meets Three Decades of Philanthropy
Athens, June 9, 2026 – Following the success of Release Athens x SNF Nostos in 2023, the Release Athens Festival and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) are once again joining forces for Release Athens x SNF Nostos 2026. This year’s collaboration holds special significance as the Release Athens Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, establishing itself as one of Greece’s most important summer music events, while the SNF commemorates 30 years of philanthropic endeavors.
The partnership aims to make culture more accessible to all, offering three nights of music at two iconic venues in Athens. Thanks to the SNF’s contribution, ticket prices are set at 40-50% lower than comparable events, ensuring a wider audience can partake in this grand celebration of music and culture.
David Byrne Kicks Off the Festivities at SNFCC Great Lawn
The collaboration will commence on Sunday, June 21, at the SNFCC Great Lawn with an eagerly anticipated performance by David Byrne. The legendary frontman of Talking Heads will present a show that Variety described as “essential” as part of his “Who Is the Sky” tour. His setlist will feature the greatest hits of his iconic band, alongside material from his extensive solo career, which has garnered him an Oscar, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and a coveted spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joining Byrne for their Greek debut will be two acclaimed acts. Nation of Language, the synth-pop trio from Brooklyn, has amassed a dedicated following with their intensely emotional sound, a blend of minimal wave and post-punk. Their album Strange Disciple was named album of the year by Rough Trade, and their previous release, Dance Called Memory, further solidified their reputation. Also performing are Deadletter from Yorkshire, known for their exhilarating live performances and fresh material from their new album, Existence Is Bliss. They are considered one of the most talked-about new names in the British music scene.
Jean-Michel Jarre Returns to Greece for a Spectacle of Sound and Light
On Monday, June 22, the SNFCC Great Lawn will host the return of Jean-Michel Jarre to Greece for a night that transcends the boundaries of a typical concert. With over 85 million album sales, record-breaking attendances worldwide, and a discography that forever changed the perception of electronic music, the French visionary consistently delivers a spectacle combining sound, laser shows, and captivating visual effects into a unique experience. The SNFCC Great Lawn will be transformed into the ideal setting for his audiovisual universe.
Accompanying Jarre will be Sébastien Tellier, one of the most distinctive representatives of French Touch. His career fluidly navigates between pop, folk, and electronica. His iconic track “La Ritournelle” brought him international recognition, and his recent appearance at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Paris brought him back into the global spotlight. This year, he presents his new album, Kiss The Beast, a collaboration with Nile Rodgers, SebastiAn, and Kid Cudi, marking a new chapter in his journey.
Gorillaz Make Their Greek Debut at Water Square – Sold Out!
The festival culminates on Thursday, June 25, at Water Square with the first-ever Greek performance by Gorillaz. Tickets for this highly anticipated event sold out in record time, confirming the enduring appeal of Damon Albarn’s project to the Greek audience. With eight albums to their credit, Grammy Awards, BRIT Awards, and over 7 million copies sold from their debut alone, Gorillaz have established themselves as one of the most innovative and widely discussed musical phenomena of recent decades. Their performance at Water Square promises an explosive audiovisual experience that will be unforgettable.
Joining Gorillaz will be two acts of significant importance in the world of guitar music. The Flaming Lips, one of the most daring, inventive, and idiosyncratic bands in American alternative rock, boast a four-decade career of sustained creative output. Also performing is Jehnny Beth, the multifaceted French musician who has left her mark both in music, from Savages to her solo discography, and in cinema, with roles in films such as the Palme d’Or-winning Anatomy of a Fall.
For more information, please visit www.releaseathens.gr and snfnostos.org.
Source: CNN.gr
