Sat 28 Feb
1:00pm Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance (Sydney)
- Dance Performance
Travelling from Sydney, this dance school marks 30 years of Greek dance, presenting both traditional and modern Laïka styles. Led by Sophia, a dynamic figure in Sydney’s Greek dance scene, the group has recently delivered major projects including the Zeïbekiko Festival and Areti Ketime concerts in Sydney and Melbourne.
1:15pm Chemist Warehouse Competition
- Competition
Join us on the Main Stage for a fun and interactive competition proudly presented by Chemist Warehouse, with fantastic goodies up for grabs. Come along, get involved and see who walks away a winner.
1:30pm Zorba 'Til You Drop
- Competition
The crowd-favourite Zorba ’Til You Drop competition is back, inviting participants to test their stamina. The final dancer still moving will take home return flights to Greece.
2:00pm Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Music and Arts of the Archdiocese of Melbourne (joint with Kogarah School of Greek Dancing, Sydney)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Founded in 2021 under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Music and Arts recognises Orthodox Christian faith as the foundation and primary root of Greek cultural tradition. Operating across Balwyn, Malvern, and Forest Hill, the school runs weekly classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday school sessions.
Under the direction of Jordan Moshcovitis and Assistant Dance Teacher Panos Stamatopoulos, with spiritual guidance from His Grace Bishop Kyriakou and support from Father Nicholas Georgiou and Father George Adamakis, the school teaches dance as an expression of faith-based community life.
The Kogora School of Greek Dance, based in Kogarah, Sydney, with teacher Kosta Papoulidis and ioanna Diamadis, serves as the dance school for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Sydney and the broader Kogarah community.
Like its Melbourne counterpart, Kogora recognises traditional dance as inseparable from Orthodox faith and community practice. Both schools span children to adults, preserving folk traditions that are themselves rooted in Orthodox faith – performed at liturgical feasts, parish celebrations, and within the community contexts where dance serves as living tradition passed through generations.
2:30pm Flambouro Philanthropic Society of South Australia
- Dance Performance
The Flambouro Philanthropic Society of SA was established in 1957 from the first generation of immigrants to Australia. This society in Australia is the second village for all the immigrants and now their extended families and has been and will continue to be a proud society. Complete with a rich heritage of dance, food and community spirit, It is an extension of home and keeps alive traditions and friendships from our beloved village. The Dance group is a proud part of this society and perform a mix of traditional dances with some modern choreography. They practice Tuesday nights and always have fun while learning dances from their families history.
2:55pm GCM Greek School Dance Group
- Dance Performance
3:15pm Hellenic Dancers - Hobart
- Dance Performance
Hellenic Dancers – Hobart is a youth dance group of performers aged 14–25, sharing the joy and rhythm of traditional Greek dance. Known for their energy and strong group spirit, they represent the next generation keeping Greek culture alive in Tasmania.
3:50pm Canberra Hellenic Dancers
- Dance Performance
CHD is Canberra’s only dedicated Greek dance organisation, with around 200 students held at Hellenic Club in Canberra. We offer classes for ages 5 to 75, creating an inclusive space for anyone interested in Greek dance and culture. Our performances showcase traditional dances from all regions across Greece and Cyprus.
4:15pm Pontian Association of Melbourne “Panagia Soumela”
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Bringing together members of the Pontian Community to retain our customs through music and dance. Est. 1978.
4:50pm O Periklis
- Dance Performance with Live Music
O Periklis is a Melbourne-based Greek dance troupe dedicated to preserving and celebrating Hellenic traditions. Through vibrant performances and cultural storytelling, they bridge generations, honoring ancestral roots while fostering a deeper appreciation for Greece’s rich heritage in the Australian community.
6:00pm Dance with ALKI
- Dance Performance
6:20pm Florina Aristotelis Dance Group (Seniors & Intermediates)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Established in 1956, TCCOFA preserves and promotes Florinian culture in Melbourne. Through vibrant dance ensembles, live Halkina music, youth programs, and cultural events, the Centre engages all ages, showcasing authentic traditions from Northern Greece, fostering community, inclusivity, and intercultural connection, while passing Florina’s rich heritage to future generations.
6:50pm Greek Lyceum of SA School of Greek Dance and Culture
- Dance Performance
The Greek Lyceum of SA is an Adelaide based school of Greek dance and culture, established in 1993. We have approximately 65 students ranging in ages from 3 years old to adults. Our mission is to present and perpetuate the rich history and traditions of the songs, dances, music and costumes of Greece to the greater public.
7:15pm The Central Pontian Association of Melbourne and Victoria 'PONTIAKI ESTIA' (Seniors)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Our senior performing group aged from 18 onwards perform an array dances from Pontos, Black Sea area to live traditional Pontic music.
8:05pm Greek Orthodox Community of SA Dance Academy
- Dance Performance with Live Music
The Greek Orthodox Community of SA Dance Academy was established in 1980, there approximately 100 students ranging from 5years to adulthood. It endeavours to maintain Greek culture for current & future generations of Greek/Australians through traditional dance.
8:25pm GCM Dance Group - Drama
- Dance Performance
Our very own Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group has been teaching authentic Greek dance and culture for over 20 years and enjoys the reputation of being one of the longest running and successful dance schools in Victoria. Pupils are trained in the traditional folk style dancing, which maintains the Greek culture for past, current and future generations of Australian Greeks. The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Dance Group has previously performed dances from Cappadochia, Dodecanese, Drama, Eptanissa, Euboea, Grevena, Messinia, Serres, Thrace & Xiromero just to name a few.
Ioulia Karapataki
- Headline Artist
Ioulia Karapataki
12:15pm O Periklis (Intermediates)
- Dance Performance
Periklis Dance Group celebrates Greek culture through authentic traditional dance. Based in Melbourne, the group brings together dancers of all ages to preserve regional styles, share community spirit, and perform at festivals, cultural events, and paniyiria. Their passion, teamwork, and dedication keep Hellenic traditions alive for future generations.
12:30pm Zorba 'Til You Drop
- Competition
The crowd-favourite Zorba ’Til You Drop competition is back, inviting participants to test their stamina. The final dancer still moving will take home return flights to Greece.
1:15pm Macedonian Halkina Brass Band Show
- Music - Brass Ensemble
HALKINA is a Macedonian-style brass ensemble, performing the powerful sounds of Northern Greece. Driven by trumpets, clarinet, saxophone, and traditional percussion, the group delivers high-energy village rhythms, festival melodies, and rich Macedonian textures that ignite audiences. Their performances celebrate community, heritage, and the unmistakable spirit of Balkan brass music.
2:15pm Mavrothalassites Youth Ensemble - Pontiaki Estia Melbourne
- Music - Youth Ensemble
Bringing Pontian heriatge to life, this vibrant youth ensemble of 3rd and 4th generation Pontic Greek Australians performs music of the Pontos region9 Asia Minor/ Black sea). The Mavrothalassites Youth ensemble celebrates culture, tradition and community, keeping the spirit of their ancestors alive through every note and rhythm.
3:15pm Kaliopi Stavropoulos
- Music - Group
After a groundbreaking three months in Greece collaborating with Blues Wire, Blues Cargo, Sakis Dovolis and more, Kaliopi returns home to Australia for a limited season before heading to Europe in April 2026 with Lava Blues, representing Greece at the European Blues Challenge in Katowice, Poland.
4:15pm Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Intermediates
- Dance Performance with Live Music
The Cretan Brotherhood is a vibrant cultural organisation in Melbourne dedicated to preserving and celebrating Cretan heritage through dance, music, education, and community events. It fosters intergenerational engagement and pride among youth and families.
4:50pm Kaliroy - K Studios School of Greek Singing & Performance
- Music - Group Performance
Kaliroy is a Greek-Australian vocalist and founder of K Studios – School of Greek Singing & performance, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Greek music, language, and cultural identity through song. An experienced vocalist and singing mentoring coach, With a deep passion for folk & traditional Greek music, Kaliroy has spent years guiding and developing young singers, helping them build confidence, stage presence, and a strong connection to their heritage. Through K Studios, students are given the opportunity to grow artistically and perform, representing the next generation of Greek music in Australia. Tonight’s performance proudly showcases her students alongside a group of talented and respected musicians who continue to support and shape the Greek music scene: Pantelis Krestas, a bouzouki music teacher, performing with his students Theo Karamaloudis and Thomas Kargas, together with Chris Nikolaidis on keyboards. Together, they bring experience, passion, and authenticity to the stage, uniting tradition with today’s energy and spirit. This performance is a celebration of culture, identity, and the future of Greek music — carried by young voices and shared with the community.
5:35pm Epidexia
- Music - Group Performance
Epidexia unites generations through Pontic music. Joseph (uncle), Dimitri (father), and 15-year-old Petros (son) share their heritage with lyra, daouli, and laouto — uniquely blending tradition and innovation. A family ensemble keeping Pontic melodies alive with authenticity, skill, and heartfelt connection across generations.
6:30pm Δημοτική & Λαϊκή Παρέα
- Music - Group Performance
A few young musicians who will take the crowd through some of our most loved dymotika and laika tragoudia. A great music session for families and friends to get up and dance whilst enjoying the Antipodes festival.
7:15pm St. Gerry's Competition
- Competition
Think you can eat loukoumades quickly? Try doing it blindfolded. Fed to you by a “friend.”
In our Loukoumades Eating Competition, proudly sponsored by St Gerrys, contestants compete to devour as many as they can — without seeing a thing.
Sticky fingers. Missed mouths. Big laughs.
This one always brings the house down. Don’t miss it.
8:00pm Opa Opa
- Music - Group Performance
Opa Opa was born at Monash University when six musicians accidentally formed a band instead of doing their assignments. We mix modern and traditional Greek bangers; happy, loud and dangerously dance‑inducing. With two Greeks and a multicultural crew, we bring Melbourne the ultimate OPA‑powered party.
8:45pm Cypriot Style Entertainment
- Music - Group Performance
Cypriot Style Entertainment is a Melbourne-based music group specialising in live Cypriot and Greek performances. With over 20 years of experience, we deliver authentic, high-energy music that showcases culture, tradition, and community. Our musicians perform at festivals, weddings, and major cultural events across Australia.
9:45pm Nico Entertainment
- DJ Set
11:00am Cooking Demo - Nicolette Stathopoulos
- Cooking Demonstration
Proud Greek Australian MasterChef Australia contestant Nicolette Stathopoulos from the Peleponese region of Greece is a Melbourne local who now spends her time between both Melbourne and Sydney.
Her cooking stems from spending hours upon hours in the kitchen with her Grandmother, Elipida. For as long as she can remember, her grandmother would always be cooking for her as soon as she got home from school.
10 years on from MasterChef Nicolette has worked as a pastry chef, and now spends her time creating content and developing recipes for brands.
The Greek islands have become a hub for Nicolette to spend the European summers in, discovering and documenting new islands each year. Every island has its special restaurants, recipes and hidden gems & beaches to discover. They have so much to offer, and their rich Greek culture and history is something Nicolette is drawn to exploring on each island as they all offer different experiences from one island to the other.
11:45am Oakleigh Grammar Middle and Senior Dancing Group
- Dance Performance
The Oakleigh Grammar Middle and Senior School Dancing Group brings together Greek and non-Greek students who enthusiastically learn and perform traditional dances from different regions of Greece, celebrating culture with joy and teamwork.
12:05pm Cooking Demo - Stalactites
- Cooking Demonstration
Stalactites opened on Lonsdale Street in 1978, when the Konstandakopoulos family, laid the tiles, marinated the meat and worked the ovens themselves.
Built for the Greek community that had settled around Melbourne’s CBD in the postwar decades, the restaurant quickly became a gathering place for anyone who needed a meal at any hour, feeding shift workers, students, taxi drivers and families across nearly five decades of continuous service.
Almost five decades later, on the same corner with the same recipes, the restaurant is led by Nicole Konstandakopoulos and remains grounded in philoxenia welcoming everyone to the table, day and night. The menu draws on family recipes passed down from grandmothers in Southern Greece and Asia Minor, built around seasonal ingredients, classic techniques and patience.
Stalactites is the sister restaurant to Hella Good, a modern Greek food brand with locations in Melbourne CBD and Chadstone.
12:50pm DanceIt Fitness
- Dance Performance
DanceIt Fitness is a high-energy group fitness concept that blends easy-to-follow dance routines with high and low cardio and strength-based movements. Designed for people of all fitness levels, the program focuses on having fun while improving overall health. Participants don’t need prior dance experience — just a willingness to move and enjoy the rhythm. We encourage you to join Afrodhite on stage and follow her steps as she showcases her fitness program. Weekly classes can be found in Altona Meadows, Brunswick and Keilor Downs!
1:10pm Cooking Demo - Hellenic Wines x Taverna
- Cocktail Demonstration
Join Vicky from Hellenic Wines & Spirits and Angie from Taverna Restaurant for a refreshing summer cocktail demonstration.
1:55pm Vanilla Competition
- Competition
If you’ve ever been to a yiayia’s house during kourambiedes season, you know the scene: icing sugar everywhere and absolutely no chance of staying clean.
Now imagine that as a competition.
Our Kourambiedes Eating Competition, proudly sponsored by Vanilla, challenges brave contestants to eat as many icing-sugar-dusted kourambiedes as they can in just two minutes.
They’ll be dressed in black. The icing sugar will have other ideas.
Come watch the sugar fly.
2:20pm Cooking Demo - George Calombaris
- Cocktail Demonstration
George Calombaris is one of the world’s most decorated chefs; recognised and respected around the world by his peers and the general public for his culinary genius and his absolute passion for food. George has over 800K+ Followers on his social media platforms, with a very engaged audience.
Most recently this passionate Chef developed his own range of cookware for Blu, a range that is 100% Toxin Free. He also recently became an Ambassador for the Wild Olive, helping to promote their range of Olive Oils.
George built a massive following in his role as one of the three OG Judges of MasterChef Australia for 12 years, helping take it from domestic success story to global blockbuster. He continues to share his love of cooking and food around the world with guest appearances at Masterclasses and Food Festivals, and has been working alongside his good friends Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, presenting Masterclasses and dinners for Conosh in India.
George has also directed his creativity to an online app and platform called ‘Culinary Wonderland’, which he has softly launched alongside co-founder Chef Shannon Bennett in 2024.
George also has a significant following in countries as diverse as India, South Africa, Greece, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom and Indonesia; instantly recognised through his appearances on TV shows including MasterChef Australia, MasterChef Poland, MasterChef Greece and Saturday Kitchen in the UK, among many others.
George’s career has seen him at the forefront of some of Australia’s finest, award-winning restaurants; leading and mentoring many of Australia’s next generation of extraordinary young chefs and hospitality workers.
His skills have been acknowledged through many personal accolades including Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Chef of the Year… but he loves nothing more than being on the tools, in a kitchen surrounded by dedicated, passionate and talented young artisans.
As well as mentoring young talent, George has always given his time generously to important causes including mental health and bowel cancer prevention.
George Calombaris is a man with a story to tell. From winning a scholarship as an apprentice, to competing in prestigious international events including the Bocuse d’Or culinary grand prix in France, working for and then owning some of Australia’s finest restaurants, becoming a published author of multiple successful books and then all the way through to his time as a celebrated chef on some of television’s most successful shows.
And still to this day George remains absolutely committed to his craft. Through the trials and tribulations that have come his way, his creativity, knowledge, and ability to show love through his food will never be lost.
George is a risk taker and a leader; a trend maker, always on the lookout for something that makes his work stand out from the rest in every aspect.
Today George focuses his time creating new hospitality opportunities in Sydney, as Culinary Director overseeing new projects for clients from restaurants to pubs and hotels.
3:15pm Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Music and Arts of the Archdiocese of Melbourne (Teens)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
The Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Music and Arts, founded in 2021 under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Melbourne, operates across Balwyn, Malvern, and Forest Hill. Under the direction of Jordan Moshcovitis and Assistant Dance Teacher Panos Stamatopoulos, with spiritual guidance from His Grace Bishop Kyriakou and support from Father Nicholas Georgiou and Father George Adamakis, the school recognises Orthodox Christian faith as the foundation and primary root of Greek cultural tradition. The teens group (ages 14-18) rehearses Wednesdays at 7pm at St Catherine Malvern under the instruction of Panos Stamatopoulos. These dancers represent youth at a formative stage where traditional dance becomes conscious cultural inheritance rather than simple participation. They embody the school’s mission of transmitting folk traditions rooted in Orthodox faith across generations, demonstrating how young people carry forward practices performed at liturgical feasts and parish celebrations.
3:45pm Smoking Figs
- Music - Group Performance
The Smoking Figs are a Melbourne rock band with deep Hellenic roots, performing original music and rock classics in both English and Greek. Their strong community commitment includes fundraisers for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, performances for the Vietnam Veterans Association, and concerts for towns affected by natural disasters.
4:45pm Gales Back
- Music - Group Performance
We’re a Greek rock band that brings a fresh take on Greek music — proving it’s not just traditional. Blending rock and alternative influences, we create a dynamic sound that’s both authentic and modern. We’ve been performing at this festival for many years, sharing our passion for live music and entertaining crowds with a mix of energy, emotion, and unexpected twists in genre.
6:00pm NUGAS Dance Group
- Dance Performance
NUGAS Victoria (National Union of Greek-Australian Students) for the first time have put together a dance group to provide avid learners an opportunity to learn new dancers and experience performing at the biggest festival of the year, in turn, better connecting with their Greek culture.
6:30pm Antonis Pitsokos, Anastasis Karamintzas & Harrison Giavris
- Music - Group Performance
New Greek band playing modern Greek music in a new age style Dancing
7:15pm Halkinades
- Music - Group Performance
Bringing a fresh edge to traditional Greek Balkan Brass music, blending raw village sounds with contemporary panigiri energy.
8:30pm Demotika
- Music - Group Performance
9:30pm Nikos Pontikakis, Giannis Spinthakis & Charalampos Vagionakis
- Music - Group Performance