The Aegean Festival takes place from late June to early October, offering occasional performances of ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, traditional music and dance, modern dance and theater, and visiting international troupes. Festival events take place in the outdoor theater at the Bourtzi Cultural Center, on the promontory on the harbor. (The center itself, open daily 10am-2pm and 5:30-10pm, hosts art exhibits in its interior.) Performances begin at 9:30pm and usually cost about 15€ ($20); call tel. 24270/23-717 for information.
Although many may prefer to pass the evening with a volta (stroll) along the harbor or around and above the Plateia Trion Ierarchon, there is no denying that Skiathos town has a lively nightlife scene. I'll do my best to single out some of the more recently popular places, but I cannot be responsible for the frequent changes of names.
The main concentration of nightclubs is in the warren of streets west of Papadiamandis (left as you come up from the harbor). On Evangelistrias, the street opposite the post office is the Blue Chips Club; this street intersects with Polytechniou -- also known as "Bar Street": here you'll find Destiny Bar, the favorite -- and lively -- hangout for the gay crowd; the Admiral Benbow Club, which offers something a bit quiet; and the flashier Spartacus. At the next intersection south, you'll find Kirki, a more intimate bar. Wander back down Papadiamandis to find Kentavros Bar, on the left beyond the Papadiamandis House, which plays classic rock and jazz.
On the far west end of the harbor, if you want sports with your drinks, try Oasis Cafe; if there's a game of any sort going on, it'll be on the tube. Meanwhile, at the far eastern end of the harbor are a few clubs popular with the younger set -- among them, Remezzo and Rock 'n' Roll Bar.
Movie fans might enjoy the open-air showings at Attikon (on Papadiamandis, opposite Mare Nostum Holidays), or at Cinema Paradiso (up along the "ring road"). Both have two shows nightly, the first around 8:30pm; tickets are 6€ ($7.80).
A Local Favorite -- I think the best-kept secret of Skiathos town is the little outdoor cafe at the tip of the promontory with the Bourtzi fortress, a 5-minute stroll from the harbor. Removed from the glitter of the town, you can sit and enjoy a (cheap) drink in the cool of the evening and watch the ships come and go: This is the Aegean lifestyle at its best.
