Events in The Ionian 2026: Festivals, Food & Seasonal Celebrations in The Ionian

Fresh landscapes, cultural colour and the start of the season.

Corfu Carnival – Corfu (February to Early March 2026)

Corfu is one of Greece’s most distinctive islands, a place shaped by Venetian rule, neoclassical architecture and a long musical tradition. In late winter and early spring, the island’s elegant capital becomes the stage for Corfu Carnival, one of the most celebrated cultural events in the Ionian Islands.

Parades wind through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, brass bands fill arcaded streets and masked revellers gather in Spianada Square. The festivities culminate in the famous botides tradition, when clay pots are thrown from balconies to mark renewal and good fortune. For travellers seeking culture, history and atmosphere, this is one of the best times to visit Corfu.

Corfu Food & Wine Festival – Corfu (April / May 2026)

Spring is one of the most rewarding seasons to visit Corfu, when the countryside is lush and local kitchens return to fresh, seasonal cooking. The Corfu Food & Wine Festival celebrates the island’s rich culinary heritage, influenced by Venetian, French and British rule.

Visitors can expect tastings of local wines, olive oils and traditional dishes such as pastitsada and sofrito, alongside chef demonstrations and pop-up dining events. It’s an ideal addition to a spring villa holiday in Corfu.

Village feasts, outdoor celebrations and long Ionian evenings.

Traditional Feast Days in Lefkada – Lefkada (June to August 2026)

Lefkada’s summer calendar is filled with traditional Greek feast days, known locally as panigyria. These celebrations are among the most authentic cultural experiences in the Ionian Islands, combining religious ceremonies with music, dancing and communal meals.

Highlights include the Feast of the Holy Trinity (1 June) and the Feast of Lentils in Eglouvi (6 August), which honours Lefkada’s famous lentil variety. These events offer a rare opportunity for visitors to experience village life at its most welcoming.

Robola Wine Festival & Varkarolas – Kefalonia (August 2026)

Kefalonia is known for its dramatic scenery and distinctive local produce, particularly Robola wine, grown on the slopes of Mount Ainos. The Robola Wine Festival celebrates this iconic variety with tastings, music and village celebrations.

Later in August, the island hosts the Varkarolas Festival, one of the most atmospheric events in the Ionian Islands. Boats glide across the water at dusk as traditional songs echo across the bay — a deeply moving experience that captures Kefalonia’s maritime heritage.

Feast of Panagia Lagouvarda – Markopoulo, Kefalonia (14–15 August 2026)

This unique religious festival blends faith, folklore and local tradition. Each year, small snakes appear in the village church, a phenomenon believed to bring good fortune. The feast is accompanied by music, food stalls and dancing, making it one of the most intriguing cultural events in Kefalonia.

Zakynthos Village Festivals – Zakynthos (June to August 2026)

Away from the coastline, Zakynthos reveals a quieter, more traditional side. Throughout summer, inland villages host feast days celebrating local saints, with live music, dancing and shared meals in the village square.

These informal gatherings provide an authentic counterpoint to Zakynthos’ beaches and are a highlight for travellers seeking local culture.

Warm seas, cultural depth and a calmer pace of travel.

Mediterranean Cultures Festival – v (September 2026)

Held in early September, this festival celebrates music and dance from across the Mediterranean, reflecting Corfu’s historic role as a cultural crossroads. Performances take place across Corfu Town, offering visitors a sophisticated cultural experience during one of the best months to visit the island.

International Art Festival – Lefkada (Late September 2026)

As the summer crowds thin, Lefkada hosts its International Art Festival, welcoming performers from across Europe. Concerts, dance and theatrical performances are staged across the island, making September an excellent time for a cultural villa holiday in Lefkada.

Kastos, Meganissi, Paxos & Antipaxos

On the smaller Ionian islands, events are more intimate but no less meaningful. Paxos and Antipaxos celebrate local feast days and seasonal gatherings centred around food and music, while Meganissi and Kastos offer rare glimpses of island life that remains largely untouched by tourism.

These understated celebrations are often the most memorable: spontaneous evenings by the harbour, shared meals and a genuine sense of welcome.

From wine harvests and village feasts to music-filled evenings by the sea, these events add depth and meaning to a villa stay in the Ionian Islands.

Whether you’re travelling in spring, high summer or early autumn, planning your trip around these Ionian Island events in 2026 offers a richer, more connected experience of Greece.