Melbourne will be at the heart of the 3rd Zeibekiko Festival Australia, as the celebration of dance, music and cultural memory brings a rich program of events to the city from 4–5 October 2025.
The festival, presented by Ventouris Productions, is dedicated to exploring the soulful tradition of the zeibekiko.
With guest artists from Greece, including celebrated singer Areti Ketime, violin maestro Dimitris Stefopoulos, folklorist Dr Christos Theologos, and dance specialist Stefanos Kyriazakos, the Melbourne program promises both artistry and cultural depth.
Dance seminars at St Eleftherios
On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October, the St Eleftherios Church Hall will host two full days of immersive dance seminars. Across seven sessions, Dr Theologos and Kyriazakos will guide participants through the regional traditions of Asia Minor and the islands.
Saturday’s workshops will cover dances from Coastal Asia Minor, traditional zeibekika such as Karsilamádes and Aptaliká, before moving to the Rhoditiko zeibekiko of Rhodes. Sunday will turn to the traditions of Chios, Constantinople and Cappadokia, offering dancers a panoramic view of Hellenic heritage.
Each session runs for 90 minutes, and attendees will receive cultural resources – maps, music links, and lesson recordings – ensuring that the experience extends beyond the festival weekend. BOOK HERE.
Areti Ketime concert in Ivanhoe
The highlight of Melbourne’s program will be the Areti Ketime concert on Sunday 5 October at the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar Performing Arts Centre. Ketime, known for her angelic voice and mastery of Asia Minor repertoire, will perform alongside Dimitris Stefopoulos, creating an intimate journey through song and memory.
Adding to the night’s brilliance, the Nestoras College, Omados & Friends Band will present a bouzouki and traditional instrument spectacular, ensuring a rich variety of sounds that capture both continuity and innovation in Greek music.
Audiences can choose from standard entry tickets or VIP packages, the latter offering a personal meet-and-greet opportunity with Ketime herself. The concert is expected to be one of the standout cultural events of the festival. BOOK HERE.
A festival of memory and community
For Melbourne’s Greek community, the Zeibekiko Festival is more than a series of performances — it is an act of cultural remembrance and continuity.
By weaving together dance, music, and storytelling, the festival honours zeibekiko as a vessel of identity and resilience, while inviting new generations to take part.
With the Melbourne program combining hands-on dance learning and a world-class concert experience, the city will once again affirm its place as a living hub of Hellenic culture in Australia.
For the full program of events and to book tickets, visit https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/zeibekiko. The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
Follow the Zeibekiko Festival Australia:
- Instagram: @zeibekiko_festival_australia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeibekikoFestivalAustralia/
- Website: www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au
