What to do in Cyprus this weekend? 10 events from Nicosia to mountain villages

A free concert featuring music from Super Mario and Pokémon, the island's first dog festival, a Commandaria celebration, traditional Cypriot flavours, a performance by a world-famous tenor in Kourion, and entire streets given over to pedestrians instead of cars. The weekend of September 18–20 promises to be exceptionally intense.

We've selected ten events worth getting out of the house for or planning a trip to another part of the island. There are options for families, foodies, music lovers, dog lovers, and Cypriot tradition lovers. Many are completely free.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

1. The Video Game Symphony – Nicosia

This is one of our top picks for Friday night. The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra will play music from some of the most iconic video games in Eleftheria Square.

The program included songs related to, among others: Super Mario, Pokémon, Sonic the Hedgehog, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy VII, Skyrim, Fortnite and The Legend of Zelda.

The concert will take place in the very center of the capital, against the backdrop of illuminated Venetian walls.

Where: Eleftheria Square, Nicosia
When: Friday, September 18, 8:00 PM
Entry: free

2. Fork Food Market – Nicosia

If you get hungry before the concert, you can start the evening at the Municipal Gardens. It returns there on Friday. Fork Food Market, one of the most popular street food events in the capital.

There will be food stalls offering food from around the world, meat and vegetarian dishes, desserts, and drinks. The event will be accompanied by music played by DJs.

Where: Municipal Gardens, Nicosia
When: Friday, September 18, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

3. First DOG FEST Cyprus – Nicosia

For the first time, Cyprus will host a major festival dedicated to dogs and their owners. The Cyprus State Fair will host over 55 exhibitors and specialists related to animal care.

The program includes agility shows, meetings with trainers and veterinarians, health and nutrition advice, an adoption zone, competitions, and attractions for children.

Most importantly, you can bring your dog to the festival. However, pets must remain on a secure leash and under the supervision of their owner.

DOG FEST will also be open on Sunday.

Where: Pavilion 6, Cyprus State Fair, Nicosia
When: Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Ticket: 5 euro
Children up to 12 years old and dogs: free admission

4. Cypriot Heritage Festival – Lania

If you prefer the mountains, in Lania you will be able to see how traditional Cypriot products are prepared throughout the weekend.

The program includes demonstrations of bread baking and the preparation of trachanas and palouzes, presentations of old crafts, decorating gourds and workshops on preparing pitta tis satzis.

Visitors will also be able to tour an old olive oil press, sample local products, and watch performances by a choir and traditional dance groups.

The festival will also last on Sunday.

Where: Lania Community Park
When: Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20
Entry: free

5th Fruit and Meat Festival – Dymes

Another option leads high into the Pitsilia Mountains. Dymes is famous for its fruit and traditional meats, which are the subject of a two-day festival.

The stands will feature apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes, as well as Cypriot cold cuts, cheeses, zivania, palouzes, soutzoukkos and loukoumades.

On Saturday, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, you can watch the palouzes being prepared. In the evening, there will be performances featuring traditional music and dancing.

The festival will continue on Sunday.

Where: Dymes, Limassol region
When: Saturday from 12:00, Sunday from 10:00

6. Massimo Giordano in Kourion

This is the most elegant proposition of this weekend.

World-famous Italian tenor Massimo Giordano will perform at the ancient theatre of Kourion together with the Italian Roma Tre Orchestra.

The concert itself would be a big event, but the setting of the ancient theater after dark could make the evening truly special.

Where: Ancient Theatre of Kourion
When: Saturday, September 19, 8:00–9:30 PM
Tickets: from 70 euros

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

7. Commandaria Festival – Kalo Chorio

One of our strongest suggestions for those who want to experience the more traditional side of the island.

Kalo Chorio is celebrating Commandaria, the most characteristic sweet wine of Cyprus. You'll be able to sample Commandaria and zivania, and watch the preparation of palouzes, soutzoukkos, halloumi, resi, and other local products.

Visitors will also be able to participate in preparing palouzes themselves. The event will be accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

Where: the central square of Kalo Chorio, Limassol region
When: weekend of September 19–20
Entry: free

8. Statos–Agios Fotios Agricultural Festival – Paphos region

If you want to see what working in the Cypriot countryside was like before the advent of modern machines, this might be your best choice.

Among other things, it was planned a demonstration of ploughing with oxen, traditional barley threshing and a presentation of old methods of planting vines.

In addition, there are local wines and products: halloumi, anari, trachanas, palouzes, soutzoukkos, zivania, resi and tsamarella.

Where: Statos–Agios Fotios, Paphos region
When: Sunday, September 20

9. Laou Laou – Car-Free Day in Nicosia

On Sunday, part of the Agioi Omologites district will be handed over to pedestrians and cyclists.

From morning to evening, the streets, courtyards and public spaces will be filled with markets, street food, music, workshops, walks, bike rides and attractions for children.

At 4:30 p.m., a bicycle ride will begin, connecting the event with Yavaş Yavaş, which is being held on the other side of Nicosia.

Where: Agioi Omologites, Nicosia
When: Sunday, September 20, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Entry: free

10. Laou Laou – Limassol

A similar action was prepared in Limassol.

On Sunday, part of Gladstonos Street will be closed to cars and transformed into a space for pedestrians, cyclists and families.

The program includes games, activities for children, cycling activities, artistic events and information on how to move around the city safely and more ecologically.

Where: Gladstonos Street, Limassol
When: Sunday, September 20, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Entry: free

What if we had to choose only three?

If you only plan one outing each day, our weekend would look like this:

Friday: The Video Game Symphony in Eleftheria Square. The concert is free, and it's rare to hear music from major video games performed by a full symphony orchestra.

Saturday: DOG FEST in Nicosia for families and dog owners, or a trip to Lania if you prefer Cypriot traditions and mountain towns.

Sunday: a trip to Kalo Chorio for the Commandaria festival or to Statos–Agios Fotios if you want to see a traditional Cypriot village in a more spectacular version.

And if you just want to walk, eat and see the city without the constant traffic, your best bet on Sunday is Nicosia or Limassol during Laou Laou.

Event programs are subject to change, especially for outdoor events. Before traveling, please check the organizer's latest announcement.

Sources: Visit Cyprus; Cyprus Mail; KNEWS; Limassol Tourism; Check In Cyprus; information from the organizers.