Fix in Art

fixinartFix in Art is an alternative art multi-space in the west side of the city, not far from the city centre.

It is located in an old building right next to the nightlife area of Fix. It houses concerts, dance lessons, theatre seminars, free movie screenings and a used bookstore all under one roof !

I first went there last spring after a friend suggested to go watch the classic movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and I was pleasantly surprised with this alternative art space.

The new dance season starts today so you can visit their facebook page for details on time schedule and prices. I have to tell you that this is not your regular dance class with latin and zumba. Here you can even learn how to dance Bollywood style !

I suggest you keep an eye on their page as various events come up throughout the year.

Φιξ In art
Performing Arts Venue and Other Nightlife
26th of October 15

Fix area

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Dendrospito / Treehouse

DendrospitoThe new hot entry of the season in the area of summer chill out bars was no doubt Dendrospito !

Located in one of the few parks in the heart of the city, Dendrospito (which means Treehouse) was the perfect chill out spot this summer for many people who had little or no vacation at all !

While the weather is still good I suggest you go there and enjoy the last weekend of September, and maybe the last summer nights, since I don’t know if this place will exist in a new form during the winter…

As you can see in the daytime photo I took especially for this purpose, the place itself is almost all open space, fun and colourful ! It has a nice relaxed atmosphere and music, you can drink as well eat, very friendly stuff, and excellent prices.  What more do you need ?

Dendrospito / Treehouse

Lounge, Bar, and Restaurant
YMCA park – opposite Alexander the Great statue

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Zefxidos street

ZefxidosZefxidos Street is the most urban, and hip part of the city.  You will find it filled with young people all year long – except when it is really cold…

It is a small pedestrian street located between Pavlou Mela and Iktinou streets. It is filled with small coffee-bars full of people from the morning till late at night.

It is a favourite city spot for many reasons.  First of all, it has an ideal location where it is cool to sit outside in the summer but also not so windy and cold in the winter. Secondly, it is a car free zone. Thirdly, you can find people of all ages and styles, although the majority is young students.  Last, and maybe most important, the bars play music only on the inside, so sitting outside is cool and quiet and you can actually hear your friends talking, in contrast to the popular nightlife area of Valaoritou where when sitting outside you just listen to music from all the bars as one loud noise.

So I suggest you drop by Zefxidos street anytime of the day, and enjoy the last summer days of September and October.  My favourite time to go there is for morning weekend coffee, or early weekday evening drinks.

Reworks International Music Festival

Reworks 2013

Reworks 2013

It is here for it’s 9th year, Reworks, the audio – visual Festival of Thessaloniki that presents the most modern artistic waves, from all over the world, to Greece.  Reworks is well known to present for the first time in front of the public, new musical and artistic trends through various works and showcases, and also exclusive works of native artists and specially designed projects.  Musical waves, concert and live performances, visual art presentations, workshops and a free street stage will be housed within 3 days.

Friday, September 20th

Reworks Free Stage (Pavlou Mela & Zefxidos str.)
17:00 – 18:00 Αndreas Athineos (ChicNess, Greece)
18:00 – 19.15 Steve Mill & Elias Tzikas (Muak, Greece)
19.15 – 20.30 Chri$ ( Greece)
20.30 – 21.45 Actor One (Noir Music/ NON, Greece)
21.45 – 23.00 9West (Dessous, Greece)

Opening Night Mylos Complex 

Reworks Warehouse 
23.30 – 01.00 Darktom & George Adi (NON,Greece)
01.00 – 03.00 Robert Dietz (Saved, Germany)
03.00 – 05.00 tINI (Desolat, Germany)
05.00 – 06.30 Liubo Ursiny & Vlady (Elevate, Bulgaria)

Suturday, September 21st

Reworks Atrium 
19:15 – 20:00 Reworks Opening set: Lefteris Kordiaos (Republic, Greece)
20:15 – 21:30 Tosca Live (k7!, Austria )
22:00 – 00:00 Paul Kalkbrenner Live (PK, Germany)

Reworks Warehouse
23:00 – 00:30 Alex Dimou (Klik, Greece)
00:30 – 02:00 Ellum PresentsDanny Daze (Ellum, USA)
02:00 – 04:30 Josh Wink (Ovum, USA)
04.30 – 06.30 Ellum PresentsMaceo Plex (Ellum, USA)
06:30 – 07:30 Viton (Playground, Greece)

Reworks Club
23.00 – 00.00 Dim.ad & Jaymod (Greece)
00.00 – 01.15 Tanchevski & Machki (Pollux, FYR)
01:15 – 02:30 Nikola Gala (Rekids, Greece
02:30 – 04:30 Function (Ostgut Ton, USA)
04:30 – 07:00 Nina Kraviz (Rekids, RUS)

Reworks Lab 
00:00 – 01:15 Murcof (Leaf, MEX)
01:30 – 02:30 Sun Glitters (Kahn, Luxembourg)
02:45 – 03:45 Phon.o (50 Weapons, GER)
04.00 – 05.00 Be Uncensored Djs (Greece)
05.00 – 06.00 We Sink (Symbol, Greece)

Reworks Air Stage
23:30 – 00:45 Cruz (DeepElectric, GR)
01.00 – 01:45 Dreamachinery (Republic, GR)
01:45 – 02:45 Lilis bros (Just Gazing, Greece)
02:45 – 04:30 Red Bull Music Academy Presents John Talabot (Permanent Vacation, Greece)
04:30 – 06:00 Stassy (Techno Taverna, Germany)
06:00 – end NON Presents Ison / Actor One (Kindisch, Greece)

Reworks Factory 
00.00 – 01.15 Plastic Flowers (Manic Pop, Greece)
01.30 – 02.45 Fantastikoi Hxoi (Inner Ear, Greece)
03.00 – 04.15 Mechanimal (Inner Ear, Greece)

Reworks Library 
00.0 – 04.00 Mixmaster Morris (Ninja Tune, UK)
04.00 – 05.30 Elias Playground (Playground recs, Greece)

Sunday, September 22nd

Reworks Presents the Resident Advisor Closing Stage 
16.00 – 18.00 Matt Unicomb (RA, UK)
18:30 –20.30 Jupiter Jazz (Ellum, USA)
20.30 – 22.00 Bicep (Feel My Bicep, IRE)
22.00 – end Eats Everything (Pets Recs, UK)

On day 1 Friday September 20th the festival will present workshops and a street stage presenting domestic acts openly to the public as an answer to the economic crisis which strikes Greece, while for the first time in the night it introduces Desolat.

On Saturday 21st of September Reworks returns to its place of birth, the MYLOS complex, with acts from all over the world promising to preserve your interest undiminished from the time that the doors open to the very first sun beam the morning after.

On last day Sunday 22nd of September Reworks will say goodbye with a special rooftop event at the MET Hotel hosting Resident Advisor with a special line up on board .

Reworks 2013 is your chance to immerse yourself into a collection of sounds and ideas, a meeting point of resonant voices, a window to tomorrow. From the electronic sound and disco aesthetics to funk, soul & jazz and from the performances of established artists to the first performances of new and developing creators, it will try to visualize the need for a cohesive motif of entertainment.

For more details you can visit the website and the facebook page.

Le Coq tail mix bar

coqtailSeptember is one of the best months in the city of Thessaloniki.  Besides the many events during the month, the weather is ideal to enjoy all the open spaces and terraces with a view.  For a cocktail drink or coffee with a view, a great suggestion is Le Coq tail mix bar.  Here you will enjoy the last summer days and first fall evenings with great cocktails and drinks, while making your plans for the new season.

Le Coq tail mix bar is a cafe bar in Ano Poli with a view you will not forget. It offers a great selection of cocktails which you can enjoy on the open terrace overlooking the city.

The place is also ideal for a quick coffee break while strolling around the narrow streets of Ano Poli.  Don’t delay ! Plan your visit there while the weather is good and you can enjoy they terrace views !

Le Coq tail
Cocktail Bar and Café
Ohi Avenue 2, Ágios Pávlos

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Fix in Art festival

fixinartfestival

The busy full of events month continues with the Fix in Art festival.

The concerts have started a few days ago but will go through the end of the September so have a look at the program below and plan your visit.

Thursday 12th, 2013

VANILLA rock band

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Friday 13th, 2013

 

COVERS BANDS DAY ( new talents )

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Saturday 14th,  2013

NAD FESTIVAL 3 ( Hip Hop )

Free Entrance

Open doors: 19:00

 

Thursday 19th,  2013

NO MONEY NO FUNNY rock band

Entrance: 5€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 21:00

 

Friday 20th, 2013

ENALLAX BAND + The Lemmings

Entrance: 5€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd, 2013

R1 RADIO

SPEED UP FESTIVAL – Get to know the greek metal & rock bands

Entrance: 5€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 19:30

 

Wednesday 25th,  2013

LEMONADE ON STAGE + Straw Tone

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Thursday 26th, 2013

FREE SOUL + Seven 2 Nine – Rock ‘n’ Roll bands

Free Entrance

Open doors: 21:00

 

Friday 27th, 2013

THE SKELTERS + Stray dogs rock bands

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 21:00

 

Saturday 28th, 2013

GREAT GIG – Pink Floyd tribute band

Entrance: 8€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 21:00
Φιξ In art
Performing Arts Venue and Other Nightlife
26th of October 15Fix area

 

Ladadika

LadadikaThis is an old style neighbourhood in the centre of Thessaloniki.  Located between the port and the Valaoritou nightlife area, this colourful place is filled with nice restaurants and bars.

The name Ladadika comes from the old market of trading oil that this place was originally known for.   As you walk through the narrow streets and alleys, you will feel like you take a walk in the past!

This is a neighbourhood which is alive 24 hours per day. In the morning you will see the business people walking around, as it is an area next to the port with many banks and business offices around.  My office is also located here so if you are in the neighbourhood send me a message to meet !

LadadikaFrom lunchtime onwards people start filling the places to eat, drink and dance till the next morning.  You will find many famous places to eat here like Zythos, Paparouna, Panelinion, Bakaliarakia tou Aristou, Full tou Meze, Tapas Bar and many more.  Detailed posts on these and more will follow in time…

Have in mind that after 14.00 the restaurants start getting busy, so if you are there on a weekend avoid going around 15.00 as it is the busiest time.  Local musicians appear out of nowhere – don’t be surprised when you see them next to you!

This area is an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, coffee or drink, and is one of the first places to go for a real taste of Thessaloniki.

Omilos

Omilos

Omilos

This is an all day coffee bar restaurant at one of the best locations in town.  It offers spectacular view in a relaxing atmosphere.

It is one of my favourite places all year long so anything I write is really too little for it.  I’ll let the picture speak for itself and move on to some practical info.

At the moment it has some access problems because of the works taking place at the beachfront.  Hopefully they will be over soon and Omilos will be accessible again by foot and bike.

The best time to go is … anytime, but it’s more crowded during the weekends.

Omilos
Bar, Café, and Restaurant
M. Alexandrou 12,

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Fragile Bar

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Fragile Bar

This is the first and so far the best, rooftop bar in the Valaoritou nightlife area !

If the weather is good and you stroll around the narrow streets trying to select a bar and all the different music from the speakers comes to your ears as one loud noise, then lift your head up to find the rooftop bar.

It is located in a terrace overlooking the industrial and office building spaces around.  Relaxed drinks and atmosphere, music depends on the dj.  Go early if you want to find a place to sit.

Also good for an afternoon coffee away from the city buzz.

Keep in mind that you have to go up 3 floors with no elevator.

Fragile
Bar
Valaoritou 27

at the rooftop !

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Valaoritou Nightlife Area

Up until a few years ago, this was an area you would never walk at night. It is a business area during the day with many local business, and office spaces. Over the last years, it has developed as the new art and creative district of Thessaloniki, and also a major nightlife spot.

The change is so big now, that if you have not been in Thessaloniki during the last 5 years and you suddenly go to this area at night, you will be shocked !

Also, if you are a new visitor and don’t have exact directions, it might be difficult to find since you will have to walk a bit in deserted – at night – streets until you get to this – full of life – area.

The general style and crowd is for students and young people.  The choices are so many, beer places, alternative bars, mainstream bars.  If the weather is nice and you sit in one of the tables outside, you will feel like you are in a greek island ! The bars and streets get super busy during the weekends and around midnight, so if you want to find a place to sit, go before 22.00.

You will find detailed posts about some of my favourite places here in the future, but I have to tell you something important now. Whatever you do, don’t leave the area without a stop at Pizza Poselli.  This is by far the best pizza in town and can only be compared to genuine italian pizza.  Tartuffo is my personal favourite.  No need to say more.