Sun 1 March
11:40am Kalymnian Dance Group
- Dance Performance
1:30pm Alphington Grammar School Greek Band
- Music - Group Performance
Senior Greek Band from Alphington Grammar School
2:15pm Pancretan Association Pre-Senior Dance group
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Pancretan Associations pre-senior dance group consists of dancers which are 3rd and 4th generation. Our kids are keeping our traditions alive through culture, dance and traditions.
2:35pm 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.
3:15pm Chora Dance Academy
- Dance Performance
CHORA Dance Academy is a Greek Orthodox community dance school celebrating Hellenic culture, history, and tradition through Greek dance and music. We welcome dancers of all ages and backgrounds, fostering cultural connection, pride, and joy through performance and community.
3:45pm Akrites Tou Pontou x Pontoxeniteas NSW
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Founded in 2011, Akrites tou Pontou celebrates Greek-Pontian culture in Australia through traditional dance. We combine heritage preservation with artistic innovation, notably collaborating with Aboriginal, Georgian, and Maori groups. The group actively participates in commemorating the Pontian, Assyrian, and Armenian Genocides. We seek to share the vibrant Pontian culture widely and passionately.
4:05pm Procal Competition
- Competition
Fresh strawberries. Thick, beautiful Procal Greek Yoghurt. Absolutely no hands.
In this wildly entertaining challenge, contestants must fish out 10 strawberries from a bowl of Procal Greek Yoghurt… using only their face.
4:15pm Messinian Dance School of SA
- Dance Performance
Messinian Dance School of SA — est. 2007 under the Messinian Association of SA. We teach traditional dances from across Greece, with a specialty in modern routines fused with contemporary choreography, playback, and live music. Vibrant performances, inclusive classes, and a celebration of Greek heritage for all ages.
4:45pm Ipirotiki Compania
- Music - Group Performance
Ipirotiki Compania is an ensemble that plays traditional music from Epirus in an authentic manner. Hear the sounds of Epiro, Ipirotiki Compania are back at Antipodes Festival to bring a touch of North-westen Greece to our stage!
5:50pm Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne (Seniors & 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.
6:00pm Pegasus Dance Academy (Seniors)
- Dance Performance
Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.
Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.
In 2000 Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.
6:30pm Mavrothalassites - Pontiaki Estia
- Music - Group Performance
With deep respect for tradition, Mavrothalassites celebrate their Pontian heritage, honour ancestral stories, weaving tradition, emotion and cultural memory into performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
7:25pm GCM Dance Group - Sarakatsaniko
- 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.
8:00pm Apostolis Kasparidis
- Music - Solo Performance
Konstantina Touni
11:00am Melbourne Bellydance
- Dance Performance
Melbourne Bellydance is a professional troupe celebrating the shared rhythms, storytelling, and communal spirit of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dance. We are a regular fixture at Eleni’s Greek Tavern in Yarraville, performing fortnightly and engaging audiences with joyful, participatory performances that honour tradition, music, and cultural connection.
11:30am St John’s Folk Band - Paradosi
- Music - Group Performance
Paradosi, the traditional music ensemble of St John’s College, celebrates the rich heritage of Hellenic music through authentic instrumentation and vibrant student talent. With a passion for preserving cultural traditions, the group brings the sounds of Greece to life, showcasing rhythm, artistry, and community at this year’s Antipodes Festival.
12:05pm Florina Aristotelis Dance Group (Juniors)
- Dance Performance
Established in 1956, TCCOFA preserves and promotes Florinian culture in Melbourne. Through vibrant dance ensembles, live Halkina music, youth programs, culinary and textile workshops, the Centre engages all ages, showcasing authentic traditions from Northern Greece, fostering community, inclusivity, and intercultural connection while passing Florina’s rich heritage to younger generations.
12:35pm Pontian Association of Melbourne “Panagia Soumela” (Juniors)
- Dance Performance
Bringing together members of the Pontian Community to retain our customs through music and dance. Est. 1978
1:05pm Pegasus Dance Academy (Juniors)
- Dance Performance
Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.
Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.
In 2000 Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.
1:40pm Pancretan Association Dance Group (Juniors)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Our junior dance group consists of dancers aged 4-10. Some of these dancers have never been to greece but continue to uphold our greek traditions. They love coming together weekly, making friends and learning about there heritage.
2:15pm The Central Pontian Association of Melbourne and Victoria 'PONTIAKI ESTIA' (Juniors)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Our junior dancers aged 5 to 12 years of age in traditional pontian costumes perform dances from the region of Pontos all toblove music, traditonal live instruments
2:55pm St John's College Performing Group
- Dance Performance with Live Music
The St. John’s College Performing Group is dedicated to the lively celebration of Hellenism. We proudly share the essence of Greek culture through authentic folk music and dance. Our spirited performance showcases the school’s deep connection to its heritage, bringing the energy and joy of Greece to the stage.
3:30pm Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne (Juniors)
- 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.
3:50pm Pegasus Dance Academy (Intermediate)
- Dance Performance
Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.
Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.
In 2000 Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.
4:25pm Kaliopi Jazz/Blues Mediterranean Odyssea for Lefteris Christofis
- Music - Group Performance
The Lefteris Christofis Trio presents A Mediterranean Jazz Odyssey — a deeply expressive, contemporary jazz performance where Mediterranean lyricism meets modern improvisation and fusion energy.
5:15pm Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria – Dance Group
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Founded in 1932, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria preserves and promotes Cypriot heritage across generations. Through cultural events, performances, and educational programs, the organisation fosters community engagement, celebrates traditions, and raises awareness of Cypriot culture, history, and shared heritage, supporting connection and understanding among all Australians.
5:45pm Anastasios Theofanous
- Music - Solo Performance
Anastasios Theofanous is a singer, songwriter and guitarist known for his warm, resonant tenor voice and intricate fingerpicking. Originally from the Mediterranean shores of Cyprus, Anastasios has never lost touch with his roots. His eclectic sets blend influences from Cyprus, Greece, Europe and around the globe.
6:45pm Omados
- Music - Group Performance
Omados celebrates Greece’s regional folk traditions with authentic sounds of gaida, clarinet, lute, violin, and more. Performing nationwide, including alongside Areti Ketime, the band proves traditional music needs nothing extra — just community, rhythm, and joy. Authentic, lively, and deeply connected to Greece’s musical roots.
7:45pm Nisiotika - Traditional Greek Island Music
- Music - Group Performance
Traditional Greek music from the various islands of Greece. Playing melodies with both Tsabouna (island bagpipes) and violins, accompanied by percussion and strings. Panigiri vibes, bring your dancing shoes!
8:45pm Dio Patrides Band
- Music - Group Performance
Dio Patrides Band is a melbourne based greek band that plays for all types of event year round including festivals, dinner dances, parties, weddings, christenings. We play old and modern laiko music
11:00am Cooking Demo - Olive & Thyme
- Cooking Demonstration
Olive and Thyme Catering was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Ilias and Renee Patsiaouras, after self-catering their daughter’s christening and first birthday and spotting a gap in the market for beautifully presented, handmade food that tastes like home.
What began as a small menu quickly grew, with Olive and Thyme fully booked within a week of launching on social media. Today, the business is known for its superior-quality catering, using third-generation family recipes once served in Ilias’ family restaurant in Germany.
From their state-of-the-art commercial kitchen in Clayton South, Olive and Thyme Catering services events of up to 2,000 guests, from intimate private celebrations to large corporate functions and weddings. Trusted by leading global brands including Nike, BMW, Amazon, Penfolds and McDonald’s, Olive and Thyme delivers food that’s memorable, generous and made with heart.
12:00pm Cooking Demo - Kathy Tsaples
- Cooking Demonstration
Kathy Tsaples is a renowned Greek chef, cookbook author and proud owner of the Sweet Greek Shop in Prahran Market. In 2016 Kathy was awarded the winner of the HACCI Award for business excellence. Her vision to share her love for food and the Hellenic culture has always been at the centre of Kathy’s business, where sharing her passion allows her to invite everyone to experience Greek cuisine for themselves.
A wife, mother and cancer survivor; Kathy has a lot to be thankful for and doesn’t take anything for granted, especially life. In the 1950s and 60s Australia experienced a new wave of multiculturalism, which saw Kathy’s parents migrate from Greece to Richmond, where she grew up learning to cook traditional Greek cuisine from her mother. These recipes have been passed down from generations, meaning Kathy’s food is engrained with her culture and spirit. For Kathy, The Hellenic cuisine evokes memories she will cherish forever. My food is a celebration of life!
From running the Sweet Greek shop, teaching Greek-cooking masterclasses and appearing as a guest chef on television programs alongside Justine Schofield, today Kathy shares her culinary journey and favourite recipes with her followers on Instagram @sweetgreekshop
12:45pm Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Music and Arts of the Archdiocese of Melbourne (Children)
- Dance Performance
The Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Music and Arts, founded in 2021 under the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Melbourne, operates across Balwyn, Malvern, and Forest Hill. The children’s group (ages 8-12) rehearses Tuesdays at 6:30pm at Presentation of Our Lady to the Temple hall, Balwyn under Jordan Moshcovitis’s instruction.
12:55pm Cooking Demo - Taverna
- Cooking Demonstration
Angie Giannakoudakis
Angie Giannakoudakis is a respected Melbourne restaurateur and hospitality leader with decades of experience championing Greek food, wine, and culture. Known for her warmth and deep industry knowledge, she has played a key role in shaping modern Greek dining through thoughtful, community-driven restaurants.
Chef de Cuisine, Maria Delengas
Maria has worked at some of Australia’s most celebrated venues such as árkhe, Movida Aqui, Nido, Bloom and most recently Pirate Life South Melbourne.
Driven by a passion for open-flame cooking, it’s at these venues that Maria established her cooking style, heavily inspired by her Greek upbringing. Maria brings over 18 years of professional experience to Taverna with a deep enthusiasm for delivering an honest and authentic dining experience.
2:30pm Cooking Demo - Niko's Garden
- Cooking Demonstration
Nicholas Gnafakis is a Melbourne-born chef with proud Greek heritage. After more than a decade working in top-end restaurants, his passion for Greek food led him back to his Pappou’s garden.
What began as curiosity soon became a deep connection. The herbs his grandfather had brought to Australia from Skafi, Crete in the 1960s were more fragrant and vibrant than anything he had used professionally. With his Pappou’s guidance, Nicholas began propagating these plants at home.
Today, he grows and shares rare Greek herbs, mountain teas and heirloom vegetables, many native to Crete. Travel, research and time spent learning from villagers and family further strengthened his knowledge and purpose.
During the 2020 lockdowns, Nicholas returned fully to the garden, embracing a slower, more grounded way of living. From this reconnection, Niko’s Garden was born — dedicated to preserving and sharing these important Greek plants for future generations.
3:00pm Bessemer Competition
- Competition
3:30pm Valia Gianinska
- Music - Solo Performance
The last 18 years performing around Australia in 4 languages (Greek , Bulgarian , Russian ,Serbian ) at different events , festivals , councils , Art Centres . Highlight is my performance with the Sydney based Martenitsa choir at Sydney Opera House as a supporting group at the concert of the famous Serbian musician Goran Bregovic in 2008 !
4:00pm Florina Aristotelis Dance Group (Veterans)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
The Florina Aristotelis Veteran Dancers are normally a non-performing group, but make this special exception for the Antipodes Festival. Celebrating northern Greece’s rich heritage, they preserve and share unique songs and dances, rehearsing weekly to enhance fitness, agility, and coordination while enjoying social connection, music, rhythm, and the joy of movement.
4:25pm Greek Orthodox Community of SA
- Dance Performance with Live Music
The Gocsa Dance Academy has nearly 100 students, ranging from age 5years to over 30years. It’s aim is to maintain Greek Culture through traditional dance for current & future generations of Greek Australians
5:00pm Nestoras College Music Students Tribute to Achillea
- Music - Group Performance
Nestoras College Orchestra has been performing for 15 years. It primarily comprises of Bouzouki, Baglama and Guitar players but also singers. All performers are students of the school.
5:35pm The Central Pontian Association of Melbourne and Victoria 'PONTIAKI ESTIA' (Intermediates)
- Dance Performance with Live Music
Intermediate dance group dancers aged 13-17 years of age. Covering an array of dances from the region of Pontos. Dancers perform to live traditional music and perform in authentic pontic costumes
6:15pm Trio Petra
- Music - Group Performance
Trio specialising in traditional folk music from all of regional Greece.
7:45pm Estudiantina of Melbourne
- Music - Group Performance
Estudiantina of Melbourne champions traditional Greek Smyrneika and Rebetiko music, blending Greek, Turkish, Jewish and Armenian influences. Using instruments like oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, baglama and accordion, they revive rich, soulful folk genres. Based in Melbourne’s vibrant Greek-Australian community, they connect cultures and generations through performance.
8:45 Nico Entertainment
- DJ Set