California Greek Food Festivals

California Greek festivals are held throughout the year in every place where Greeks live, work and worship. Usually sponsored by a church as a community fundraiser for special programs, admission fees are generally quite affordable. The event planners know that getting you to come is the most important thing, because once you step inside the gate, it's very difficult not to eat--and drink--and dance--and eat. Opa!

Please be aware that admission prices, hours and entertainment may change. Many festivals post their information within a month of the event. Thank you to Elmer Triantafilo, who helped provide information for these events!

FEBRUARY - APRIL

PALM DESERT: Palm Desert Greek Festival February 18-19, 2023
Saturday and Sunday
St. George Greek Orthodox Church of the Desert
74-109 Larrea
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(church office) 760.568.9901
pdgreekfest.org

MAY - JUNE

ANAHEIM: Orange County Greek Festival May May 17-19, 2024
405 N. Dale St.
Anaheim, CA 92801
ocgreekfest.com,  stjohnanaheim.org
(714) 827-0181
Fri 3-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm Where: 
Parking: Free parking and free shuttle to and from the Buena Park Mall at La Palma and Dale. Shuttle stop location is behind Sears.

OAKLAND: Greek Festival May 19-21, 2023
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
4700 Lincoln Ave. Oakland hills, below Highway 13. 
(510) 531-3400. 
$6 adult | Free admission  Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and  Sunday 5 p.m. to closing oaklandgreekfestival.com
Approximate Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday    Free parking Mormon Temple, Ability Now Bay Area and Head Royce School. Premium Parking Pavilion $15

NORTHRIDGE: Valley Greek Festival May 25-27, 2024
St. Nicholas Valley Greek Festival
9501 Balboa Blvd.
Northridge, CA
Free, valleygreekfestival.com
St. Nicholas Church, 500 volunteers, and thousands of guests join together for a cultural experience for all ages. Live music, dancing, gourmet food, homemade pastries, cooking demonstrations, kids' activities, a Greek market, and a variety of shopping boutiques make this one of the best picks for Memorial Weekend. Visit the Greek agora for the finest olive oils, honey, art, jewelry, books and more.

NOVATO: Marin Greek Festival May 27-29, 2023 Memorial Weekend
nativityofchrist.org | Greek
Greek Orthodox Christian Church
1110 Highland Drive
Novato, CA 94949
nativityofchrist.org/marin-greek-festival
(415) 883-1998
Friday is a unique food & dining experience, Food of the Gods, Fruit of the Vine. Billed as a California Wine Tasting experience, this special event goes from 5-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday are devoted solely to celebrating in traditional fashion with the Marin Greek Festival, known for its fabulous weather, fantastic food, and warm, Greek hospitality that fills the air with song, dance, and festive entertainment.

SAN JOSE: San Jose Greek Festival May 31-June 2, 2024
saintnicholas.org | sanjosegreekfestival.org
Fri. 5-10p | Sat. 11a-10p | Sun. 11a-9p
Held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 1260 Davis St. in San Jose, Ca, the three day weekend event includes great food, dancing, music, entertainment, vendors and family fun. South Bay's largest Greek Festival happens annually during the first weekend of June. Experience the culture and hospitality of the Greek people in an outdoor, open market setting. Admission is $5 or 2 people for $5, Free under age 12 years

SAN LUIS OBISPO: San Luis Obispo Greek Festival San Luis Obispo Greek Festival June 1-2, 2024
greekfestivalslo.com |standrewslo.org
Madonna Expo Center
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA
Free admission & free parking
SLO comes to life with a Feast of homemade Greek dishes and pastries. Enjoy Greek dancing and Greek music, learn how to dance a Syrto and more! 

DOWNEY: St. George Greek Festival June 1-2, 2024
10830 Downey Ave.
Downey, CA 90241
stgeorgedowney.org | facebook.com/DowneyGreekFest/
Dancing, dining, and supporting a great cause! What more can you ask for than life's simple pleasures at St. George's Greek Festival? Opa!

VALLEJO: Napa/Solano Greek Street Food Festival July 6, 2024, 11 a.m.
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
1224 Alabama St.
Vallejo, CA 94590
Stscah.com
(also September 2, 2023 for another Greek Street Food Fest - tentative date). These events were posted in Feb. news & events letter on facebook.com/stscah

SAN DIEGO: Spyridon Greek Festival San Diego Greek Festival June 8-9, 2024
Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church
3655 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92103
facebook.com/sandiegogreekfestival | sdgreekfestival.com
Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. St. Spyridon Greek Festival Cost: $tbd
Free shuttle from SD Unified School District lot, 4301 Campus Ave.
Dancing food, church tours and fun. Opa! Beer Garden, Oracle Wine Lounge and Kids Fun Zone

IRVINE: Irvine Greek Festival June 21-23, 2024
St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church
4949 Alton Parkway
Irvine, Ca.
(949) 733-2366
$, stpaulsirvine.org | irvinegreekfest.com
Fri. 5 - 10p.m. Sat. 12-10 p.m. Sunday 12-9 p.m.
Highlights: Greek Food + Live Greek Band + Greek Folk Dancing Plaka (Greek Marketplace) + Church Tours and Kids Play Zone. A Taste of Greece 42nd Annual Greek Festival food menu includes Loukaniko (Greek sausage), Feta Cheese Fries, Spanakopita, Mousaka, Grilled Lamb Chops, Greek Salad, Gyro Sandwich, Baklava, the Greek Wedding Cookie and Walnut Cake (Karithopita). Camarillo Greek Festival

CAMARILLO: Ventura County Greek Festival / St. Demetrios Greek Festival June 28-30, 2024
Festival Hours Friday 5 - 10 PM (4:30 Blessing of the Festival)
Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM
Sunday 11 AM - 7 PM
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
5575 Santa Rosa Road
Camarillo, CA 93012
vcgreekfestival.org
Experience authentic Greek culture, food, music, dance, and family fun! Admission is approx. $6
Highlights: Greek Wine Tasting, expanded Kids Zone, Greek music and dancing, Greek foods and pastries and New After Hours Experience. Festival features performances from the St. Demetrios dance groups, covering all ages--experience the spectacular dance group. ​Feel like dancing yourself? Join in on the spacious dance floor! ​They will teach you how! 

JULY - AUGUST

REDONDO BEACH: South Bay Greek Festival Redondo Beach Greek Festival July 12-14, 2024
722 Knob Hill Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA
facebook.com/sbgreekfestival | stkatherinegoc.org | sbgreekfestival.com
Admission is affordable and there's lots of fun at this annual event in the South Bay.  Presented by St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.

CARMEL: Gyro Fest July 29, 2023  
 SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH
Patio of All Saints Episcopal Church
Dolores and Ninth St Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
facebook.com/mbgreekfestival/
Free Admission, montereybaygreekfestival.org
 Annual Greek Festival hosted by Saint John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church includes authentic Greek food, Live Greek Music by The Spartans, Wine,  Dance and more. 

CASTRO VALLEY: Greek Festival Castro Valley August 18-20, 2023
20104 Center St.
Castro Valley, California
$1, resurrectiongoc.com

Hours: Friday: 5 - 9 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: $1 Admission, Free Parking
The Greek Festival Castro Valley offers the excitement and cuisine of Greece at Church of the Resurrection annual Greek Festival. Shop at the expanded Agora, eat, enjoy Greek Folk dancing and spend time quenching your thirst at the Taverna serving Greek beer, wine and many specialty drinks. Come experience the sights, music, and the Flavors of Greece at the Church of the Resurrection grounds which are transformed into a mini-Greek town! You can shop at the expanded "Agora" (Market place), eat delicious and authentic food of the Mediterranean, partake in lively Greek Folk dancing and spend time quenching your thirst at the Taverna (bar) featuring Greek beer, wine and many specialty drinks. Or have coffee at the Kafenion (coffee house) while you snack on the savories or delicious Greek pastries! Then learn to dance with Free Greek Dance lessons to the beat of live Greek music. Enjoy Free Greek dance performances by award winning dance groups and shout "Opa!" to delightful table dancers! Fun and affordable the Greek Festival Castro Valley offers the opportunity to delight in the charm, excitement and cuisine of Greece. With Free Parking and Free Admission you don't want to miss visiting this event!

SEPTEMBER

MODESTO: Greek Festival September 16 and 17, 2023    (September 20-21, 2024 next year's dates)
$18 presale and $20 at the door, goannunciation.org
Saturday Noon - 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
313 Tokay Ave.
Modesto, CA
Join the fun at the Annual Greek Festival in Modesto featuring authentic Greek food, homemade Greek pastries, marketplace, outdoor Greek Coffeehouse with live Greek music and Greek folk dance group performances, and tours of Byzantine style Greek Orthodox Church.

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco, A Taste of Greece September 15-17, 2023
Annunciation Cathedral
245 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Free admission, annunciation.org
Friday 12-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-8 p.m.
Beloved Greek Food Festival, newly rebranded as  A Journey of Greek Culture, returns to the Mission District. The three-day food festival features homemade Greek food, including Spanakopita, Moussaka, Gemista (stuffed peppers), Gyros, and other meat and vegetarian options. Greek desserts and wine are also  available for purchase, and vendors on hand selling a selection of items. Traditional dance performances by award-winning folk dance groups will grace the festival, and new and classic Greek music will be provided by DJ Jukebox C for the audience to enjoy. 

FRESNO: Fresno Greek Festival September 15-17, 2023
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
2219 N. Orchard, Fresno, CA
fresnogreekfest.com
Fresno's Premier Greek Festival is Back! Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. Admission is approx. $7, $5 Age 65+, Children under 12 are FREE!

ELK GROVE: Weekend in Greece Greek Culture & Food Festival September 23-24, 2023
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
9165 Peets St.
Elk Grove, CA
Free admission & parking, saintkatherine.org/foodfestival/
Embrace the warm & welcoming Greek culture with traditional Greek costumes, Greek music, food  authentic, Greek dancing,  and, of course, Greek food! We prepare many of our traditional Greek foods for your eating pleasure. Food and desserts are available for takeout. In addition, there are cultural displays and guided tours of the Byzantine-style church. You are invited inside where you will see authentic iconography and learn more about Greek history and the Greek Orthodox religion.  Authentic Greek cuisine, cultural experiences and lively, festive atmosphere allow guests and their families to enjoy a beautiful and fun filled, "Weekend in Greece"!

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival September 23-24, 2023
$3, facebook.com/SJCGreekFestival/
Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday 12-9 p.m.
Greek Pastries, and Greek food and great entertainment for the whole family. Proceeds to benefit the Greek Orthodox Mission of South Orange County (GOMSOC). Location: San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA

BELMONT - Belmont Greek Festival Labor Day Weekend September 2-4, 2023
Church of the Holy Cross
900 Alameda at Ralston Ave
Belmont, CA
goholycross.org | belmontgreekfestival.com
Belmont Greek Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 10 p.m., and on Monday from Noon to 8 p.m. Approx. cost: $5, $2.50 seniors and youth ages 13-17. Children 12 and under are admitted free, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Events and activities include a fun zone, food & pastries, dancing, drama, arts & crafts and church tours. Free parking and shuttle service available.

LONG BEACH: Long Beach Greek Festival August 31-September 2, 2024
Long Beach Greek Festival Aug 31-Sep 2, 2024
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
5761 East Colorado Street
Long Beach, California 90814-1954
lbgreekfest.org
Held on Labor Day Weekend, this 64th Annual Event features carnival rides, food, beverages, vendor booths, church tours, cooking demos and dancing galore. Admission is approx. $3.

STOCKTON - Saint Basil Greek Orthodox September 8-10, 2023 likely dates, to be confirmed
Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Christian Church
920 W March Lane
Stockton, CA 95207
Phone: (209) 478-7564
gosainTBAsil.org | facebook.com/greekfoodfestivalstocktonca
This annual Greek Festival invites the public to come enjoy the food and fun.
Friday Noon - 11 p.m.
Saturday, Noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 8 p.m.

CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Festival September 7-8, 2024
Sat 10 am - 10pm, Sun 11 am - 9:30 pm
Admission $3, Children under 12, Active Military and First Responders (with ID) Free; Parking Free at adjacent Mira Costa College
(760) 942-0920
cardiffgreekfestival.com | facebook.com/CardiffGreekFest/
3459 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
Authentic Greek food, music, live entertainment and dancing at the Annual Greek Festival where an open marketplace typifies traditional Bazaar with Greek imports, pottery, fine jewelry, artwork, and Greek Deli specialty items and treasures. Visit North County Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church who sponsors the annual event where visitors can experience traditional Greek cuisine and specialties. Appetizers include Tiropita - cheese phyllo pie, Dolmathes - stuffed grapes leaves, Rizogalo - Greek rice pudding, and Loukoumathes - honey dipped Greek donuts. A la carte specialties include Lamb, Greek Chicken, Gyros - seasoned meat, onions, tomatoes, tzatziki sauce on pita bread, Souvlakia - shish kebab cooked over charcoal, Spanakopita - spinach phyllo pie, Pastitsio - baked layers of macaroni, seasoned meat, cheese and béchamel sauce, Pilafe - Greek rice, and Greek salad with olives and feta cheese. Enjoy a large variety of delicious mouth watering Greek pastries, coffee and frappe.

SANTA CRUZ - Santa Cruz Greek Festival September 8-9, 2023
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
223 Church Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
(831) 429-6500
livelikeagreek.com
Free admission
Features traditional Greek foods & pastries. Live Greek music & dancing. OPA!
Friday 5-10 p.m.
Saturday 12-10 p.m.

COVINA: San Gabriel Greek Festival September 17-18, 2022 | 2023 no info
Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church
20340 E Covina Blvd.
Covina, California 91724
$, stnectariosgoc.org | facebook.com/SaintNectariosShrine/
The two day fall event takes place in Southern California at a time in which the area generally experiences some of its finest weather. Buy delicious Greek food like gyros and moussaka, and listen and dance to music, take a church tour, and shop in the vendor marketplace.

LANCASTER: AV Greek Festival September 17, 2022   | 2023 no info
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA, 93536
stsch.org/greekfestival.html | avgreekfest.com
In existence for more than 55 years, the AV (Antelope Valley) has enjoyed the tastes and sounds of the Greek Islands! Produced by Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

 

OCTOBER

Sacramento Greek Festival October 6-8, 2023
Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm; Sunday:11am - 8pm.
Greek Orthodox Church
600 & 616 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento Sacramento, CA
$5 age 13 and older, sacramentogreekfestival.com
Free admission for children 12 and under and for guests who ride their bikes. Complementary parking with shuttle service is also provided. 
Indoor and outdoor dining with food booths selling: Gyro - Grilled pork or chicken slices marinated in Greek spices, wrapped in pita bread and topped with fries, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki. Meze (appetizers) - small bites like saganaki (flaming fried cheese), souvlaki, spanakopita, calamari. Zaharoplastion (pastry shop) - honey and butter-drenched baklava, kourambiethes, traditional Greek cookies and much more. Loukoumades- Greek mini doughnut fried fresh on the spot, drizzled in honey, cinnamon and nuts. Agora (market place), Taverna (bar) with a signature cocktail inspired by the beautiful blue waters of Greece.  Greek Dancers perform throughout the weekend and guests can take free dance lessons.

TEMECULA: Temecula Greek Festival October 14-15, 2023
Saturday October 14, 2023, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday October 15, 2023, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Old Town Temecula Civic Center and Town Square
41000 Main Street
 $3 per adult, seniors $2, first responders, military / veterans and children under 12 free, temeculagreekfest.com | facebook.com/ TemeculaGreekFest
Music, Traditional Greek food and pastries, Taverna and appetizers, deserts and pastries, Greek and American coffee, cultural and Greek cooking demonstrations, kid's zone (face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, games and entertainment)

BAKERSFIELD: St. George Spring Greek Food Festival October 13-15, 2023
bakersfieldgreekfoodfestival.org
stgeorgebakersfield.org
11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday. St. George Greek Orthodox Church 401 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Great authentic Greek Food and Pastries Greek Taverna Live Music by Synthesi Bounce Houses Vendors Church Tours
Where: 401 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Cost: $5, Children under 12 Free
stgeorgebakersfield.org, (661) 325-8694

SANTA BARBARA: Santa Barbara Greek Festival October 29-30, 2022 | 2023 TBA
santabarbaragreekfestival.com
Sat - Sun 11 am - 7 pm
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Avenue, near the corner of Calle Real and W. Junipero Street (101 North, exit at Pueblo Street)

PASADENA: Greek Food Festival  September 2022 
Friday 5-10 pm,
Saturday   12-10 p.m.
Sunday 12-10 p.m.
St. Anthony's
 778 South Rosemead Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91107-5613
(626) 449-6943
pasadenagreekfest.org

LOS ANGELES: LA Greek Fest October 4-6, 2024
$, lagreekfest.com
The Fest and Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1324 S. Normandie Avenue, (corner of Pico and Normandie)
Free and secure parking will be available nearby and shuttle service will be offered continuously to satellite lots. The Fest runs 5-11 p.m. Friday; Saturday Noon - 11 p.m. & Sunday 12 noon - 10 p.m.

Some say that the Greeks are more hospitable than can be imagined. You rarely can leave their homes without third or even fourth helpings. It is this giving spirit that makes the Oakland Greek Festival come alive! Food is an important part of the Greek Culture. Greeks eat when they're are happy, they eat when they are sad, and they eat just because but the most important thing is that they eat together. Music drives the Greeks in every aspect of their lives. From the upbeat, toe-tapping sounds of the Bouzouki, to the soothing yet powerful Hymns of the Church, you will find each sound intoxicating. Greece will be evident throughout the Festival with live music that will enchant you and bring out the inner Greek dancer, or you may choose to watch one of our many Greek dancing groups perform traditional village dances.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.