2 Best Performing Arts in Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia, Greece

Each November, the best films by new directors from around the world are screened and awarded prizes at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Southeast Europe's most noted cinematic festival, it attracts well-known regional talent and some internationally aclaimed stars. Films are usually subtitled, and tickets can be hard to come by. In March, there's also an international documentary film festival.

A must-do in summer, especially for film lovers, is to see a movie at an open-air cinema. There are usually two showtimes (around 8 and 11 pm, the later one usually at lower volume, depending on the neighborhood). Call ahead or check the website to see what's playing—some screen oldies and foreign art films, and others run the latest from Hollywood. Most films are subtitled, but note that animated movies are almost always dubbed. Alex is the most central theater.