Technopolis

The Christmas Factory returns to Technopolis for the holiday season, with fun activities, food, games, carousel rides, an ice-skating rink and the new Magic School. The Christmas Factory will open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from Friday, December 1, till Sunday, January 7. Admission costs 5.50 euros per person, but there are discounts for larger groups.

Smart clothes that become longer or shorter depending on the weather, electronic pet collars that allow better communication between humans and animals, robotic panels that illustrate the thoughts of students, energy produced from water and mattresses that give you a massage as you sleep are but some of the visions that Greek elementary school pupils have for the country in 2050.

Organized by French Ambassador in Athens Christophe Chantepy and held on Friday and Saturday at Technopolis, the second Greek-French Innovation Network Forum, or the Mazinnov initiative (a combination of the Greek word for together, "mazi," and innovation), was abuzz with optimism about the possibility of fresh synergies between two rapidly evolving ecosystems.

The Meet Market will be returning to the Technopolis cultural complex on November 11 and 12 - the perfect opportunity to start getting into the festive spirit and picking up some early Christmas gifts.

New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis visits the eHealth Forum at the Technopolis complex in Gazi, central Athens, Friday. The exhibition, supported by the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and dedicated to the digital revolution in healthcare, brings together industry leaders, scientists, innovators and patients, and ends Sunday. [Alexandros Vlachos/ANA-MPA]

Former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis launched the Greek edition of his latest book, "Adults in the Room," at Technopolis in Athens on Monday. Greek-French film director Costa-Gavras, who is known for making films with overt political themes, announced his intention to bring Varoufakis's book to the big screen via a letter that was read out during the press conference. 

The last week of September at the Technopolis cultural center is dedicated to specialty and high-quality coffee, where enthusiasts can not only taste, but also learn all about this internationally popular beverage from bean to cup. Taking part in the festival this year are over 150 different coffee shops and espresso bars from more than 25 cities across Greece and Cyprus.

The Roger Waters concert announced last week in Bulgaria was confirmed yesterday. Organizers from Sofia Music Enterprise said that the second visit in Bulgaria of the famous musician will be on May 4 next year in Arena Armeec in Sofia.

Inspired by the life and work of the legendary Romani-French guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt, Djangofest Athens, now in its eighth year, celebrates all things gypsy jazz, with music concerts, film screenings, dance activities, events for children and more. The event at Technopolis is admission-free and starts at 7 p.m.

What is the next generation of musicians up to here in Greece? Find out at the Athens School Festival, a two-day energy-packed event bringing together bands formed by school students under the auspices of the City of Athens's Organization for Culture, Sports and Youth.