Music
29th ARDAS FESTIVAL 2025
Every summer since 1995, the banks of the Ardas River in Kastanies, Evros, transform into something truly special — a cultural haven where youth from across Greece and the Balkans come together in celebration of music, creativity, and community spirit. The Ardas Youth Gathering isn’t just a festival. It’s a tradition, a movement, and a heartfelt tribute to togetherness under the open sky.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Thracian landscape, the festival offers four full days filled with music, art, and shared experiences. Beyond its vibrant live music program, Ardas is a multifaceted cultural event featuring film screenings, exhibitions, theatrical performances, NGO showcases, athletic activities, a live radio station, eco-tours, volunteer initiatives, and celebrations of local heritage and tradition.
What truly sets Ardas apart is its people. Families, friends, artists, and free spirits of all ages gather at what’s been lovingly called “the river of culture.” Campers pitch tents and create a spontaneous village — a warm, welcoming community where music becomes the language and the river the heartbeat.
Ardas is more than just a festival — it’s a meeting point of cultures, a symbol of peaceful coexistence, and a celebration of diversity through art and dialogue. It’s where music becomes memory, and where each moment under the stars feels like something worth holding onto.
🎶Program:
Thursday, July 24
Ardas Live Stage: Oi Gkaintes tou Evrou
Panos Patellis // Lucky Tone // ODL
Friday, July 25
Ardas Live Stage: Natassa Bofiliou
Thrax Punks
Garlics // Tiganites Karavides
Saturday, July 26
Ardas Live Stage: Klavdia // Dani Gambino
The Killing Snacks // Cross Mit // Ellevar
Sunday, July 27
Ardas Live Stage: Lena Zevgara
Sicario // Themis Georgantas
Christos Santikai // Mahala Band
Hosts: Spyros Sismanidis & Panagiota Ntoumpa
🎨 Culture Beyond the Stage
The Ardas Youth Festival is much more than concerts. It’s a world of activity and engagement with:
Theatrical performances
Film screenings
Sports tournaments and activities
Volunteer projects
Ecotourism walks
Cultural heritage showcases
This is where culture is not just a concept — it becomes action, participation, and shared memory.
🏕 Camp by the Ardas River
For those seeking the ultimate festival experience, camping by the river is a must.
Set up your tent under the stars, just steps from the music. Here, neighbors become friends, nights turn into stories, and conversations last until sunrise. It’s the kind of community that only festivals like this can create.
additional information
🕒 Start Time: 15:00
🎟 Ticket Prices:
- Single-day (presale): €11
- Single-day (at the gate): €12
- Reduced day ticket: €6
- 3-day festival pass: €30
- Camping ticket: €30
👶 Free entry for:
Children up to 8 years old
People with disabilities & one accompanying person
🧾 Reduced tickets available for:
Children aged 9–12 (with ID)
Large families / unemployed persons (with valid ID or documentation)
This summer, let the river carry you. Let music connect you. Let the Ardas Youth Gathering remind you what it means to come together.
Don’t miss it — join the tradition.
Book your tickets today!
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