Koutroulis' Wedding
February/March
On the first day of Lent in Methóni, a parodic re-enactment (partly by men in drag) of an historic (and extravagant) medieval wedding, deferred 17 years while a divorce was strenuously obtained, between a knight and his already-married object of affection.
Saïtopolemos
March/April
Inspired by a local tactic from the Greek independence war whereby explosive-packed lances were used to scare the Ottoman cavalry, teams of young men equipped with gunpowder-charged cardboard javelins gather on the west seafront on Easter Sunday.
Festival Miden
July
Video and alternative media art, presented in various open spaces in the town centre; if you can't coincide, many of the festival entries travel to other similar European events. The name (Festival Zero) reflects its modest beginnings in 2005.
Kalamata International Dance Festival
July
Going since 1995, this is one of the biggest events for European modern dancers and fans, with performances by top ensembles and workshops in venues across town, including the castle amphitheatre.
Street Festival
July
Street Festival is a more informal event, with jugglers, rock bands, exhibits, street theatre and basketball competitions.