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!

BAKERSFIELD  St. George  Spring Greek Food Festival April 28, 2012 stgeorgebakersfield.org
 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.  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
 

OAKLAND  Greek Festival   May 18-19, 2012
Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Ave. (510) 531-3400. Cost: $6 adult admission. oaklandgreekfestival.com

ANAHEIM - Orange County Greek Festival   May 18-20, 2012
 When: May 18-20, 2012 Fri 3-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm Where: 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim, CA 92801 Cost: $4, free for kids under 12, seniors, Military, Police and Fire personnel with ID, half-price admission coupon on the website. Parking: Free parking and free shuttle to and from the Buena Park Mall at La Palma and Dale. Shuttle stop location is behind Sears. Info: www.ocgreekfest.com, www.stjohnanaheim.org, (714) 827-0181

NORTHRIDGE Valley Greek Festival  Memorial Day Weekend May 26-28, 2012  valleygreekfestival.com
 St. Nicholas Valley Greek Festival

Sat-Mon 1-9 pm Where: 9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA Cost: Free Info: www.valleygreekfestival.com(818) 886-4040

NOVATO - Marin Greek Festival  May 25-27, 2012
nativityofchrist.org
Greek Orthodox Christian Church
1110 Highland Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Main: (415) 883-1998
Fax: (415) 883-2057

SAN LUIS OBISPO - San Luis Obispo Greek Festival  June 2 & 3, 2012
greekfestivalslo.com
The Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA 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! Parking at Palm Street Parking Garage, Marsh Street Parking Garage or off street parking.

DOWNEY - St. George Greek Festival   June 2-3, 2012
10846 Downey Ave.
Downey, Ca. 90241
stgeorgedowney.org
(562) 862-6461

SAN DIEGO - Spyridon Greek Festival June 8-10, 2012
3655 Park Blvd.
San Diego,Ca. 92103
sdgreekfestival.com
(619) 297-4165
Friday 5-10p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. -9 p.m.St. Spyridon Greek Festival

 Cost: $3, Free on Friday and before 1 pm Sat-Sun 
Sat. and Sunday 11a.m.- 10p.m.

CAMARILLO - Ventura County Greek Festival / St. Demetrios Greek Festival June 22-24, 2012
400 Skyway Dr.
Camarillo Ca. 93010
(805) 482-1273
vcgreekfestival.org
Fri. 5- 9 p.m. Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

IRVINE - St. Paul's Greek Festival  June 22-24, 2012
4949 Alton Parkway
Irvine, Ca.
(949) 733-2366
stpaulsirvine.org
Fri. 5 - 10p.m.  Sat. Noon - 10 p.m. Sunday Noon - 9 p.m.

REDONDO BEACH - South Bay Greek Festival   July 13-15, 2012
722 Knob Hill Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA
sbgreekfestival.com
Admission is affordable and there's lots of fun at this annual event in the South Bay. For questions, call (310) 540-2434. Presented by St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.

SANTA BARBARA - Santa Barbara Greek Festival July  28-29, 2012
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)
 (805) 683-4492

UPLAND - St. Spyridon Festival
When: August 27-29, 2010, Fri 5-10 p.m., Sat -Sun 12-10 p.m.
1391 Chaffee Street, Upland, CA.
Cost: $2, 12 and under free, Happy Hour on Friday 6-8 p.m. (Free admission, discounts on food).
stspyridon.ca.goarch.org, (909) 985-4411

CASTRO VALLEY - Greek Festival Castro Valley August 24-26, 2012
20104 Center St.
Castro Valley, California
(510) 581-8950
greekfestivalcastrovalley.org
Hours: Friday: 5  - 9 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday:  Noon - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission, Free Parking

Fun and free,  the Greek Festival Castro Valley offers the excitement and cuisine of Greece at  Church of the Resurrection 40th 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 41st annual Greek Festival located at 20104 Center Street in Castro Valley California where the grounds 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!

FRESNO - Fresno Greek Festival     August 24-26, 2012
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
2219 N. Orchard
Fresno, CA
fresnogreekfest.com

Fresno's Premier Greek Festival is Back for its 51st Year!  Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance at the church. Call 559-233-0397 for more information. Admission: $5, Age 65+  & Children under 12  are FREE!

LANCASTER - AV Greek Festival September 1-2, 2012
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA, 93536
Phone: 661 945 1212
avgreekfestival.com

Labor Day Weekend, Saturday 11 am - 9 pm; Sunday, 12 noon - 9 pm.  In existence for more than 54 years, the AV (Antelope Valley) has enjoyed the tastes and sounds of the Greek Islands! Produced by Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

LONG BEACH - Long Beach Greek Festival  September 1-3, 2012
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
5761 East Colorado Street
Long Beach, California 90814-1954
Phone (562) 494-8929
lbgreekfest.org

Held on Labor Day Weekend, this 63rd Annual Event features carnival rides, food, beverages, vendor booths, church tours, cooking demos and dancing galore. Admission is $3, under age 12 free, and on Monday it's free from Noon to 5 p.m.

MONTEREY - Monterey Bay Greek Festival September 1-3, 2012  (TBA)  Usually Labor Day Weekend  -Monterey State Historic Park, Custom House Plaza, Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA. Free Admission. Hours: Saturday&Sunday - 11am-7pm, Monday -11am-4pm. Taverna Night Sunday - 7-9pm Call: (831) 424-4434  montereybaygreekfestival.com

 

BELMONT - Belmont Greek Festival  Labor Day Weekend September 1-3, 2012 (tentative)
Church of the Holy Cross
900 Alameda at Ralston Ave
Belmont, CA
call (650) 591-4447
goholycross.org

Belmont Greek Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 10 p.m., and on Monday from Noon to 8 p.m. 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.

L.A. Greek Fest Sept. 7-9, 2012  lagreekfest.com
 The Fest and Cathedral are located at 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  1 - 11 p.m.  & Sunday  12 noon –10 p.m. Admission for adults on Friday night is approx. $3; Saturday and Sunday admission is approx. $5. Kids under 12 are admitted free of charge all weekend long.

CARDIFF BY THE SEE -  Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Festival  September 8-9, 2012
Sat 10 am - 10 pm, Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Cost: $3, Children under 12 Free; free parking at adjacent Mira Costa College
(760) 942-0920
cardiffgreekfest.org
3459 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Authentic Greek food, music, live entertainment and dancing at the 33rd annual Greek Festival where an open marketplace typifies a traditional Bazaar with Greek imports, pottery, fine jewelry, artwork, Greek Deli specialty food items, a selection of special Greek wines, and treasures. Visit the North County Greek School booth and learn to say and write your name in Greek. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church sponsor the annual event where visitors can experience traditional Greek cuisine and new specialties. Appetizers include cheese phyllo pie - Tiropita, Dolmathes  - grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat served warm with egg lemon sauce, Dolmathes Yialantzi  - grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts and herbs, Keftethes  - Greek meatballs, Loukaniko  - Greek sausage, Taramosalata  - Greek caviar dip, Calamari, Rizogalo  - Greek rice pudding, and Loukoumathes  - honey-dipped Greek donuts. A la carte specialties include rotisserie roasted Lamb and Chicken, Souvlakia  - shish-kabob cooked over charcoal, Gyros  - seasoned meat, onions, tomatoes, tzatziki sauce on pita bread, 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.

MODESTO Greek Food Festival  September 15-16, 2012
313 Tokay Avenue
Modesto, CA, 95350
Phone: (209) 522-7694
goannunciation.org

Cost: $15-20  includes meal and admission to all rides and entertainment. Join the fun at the 47th 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. Held 3rd weekend every
 

STOCKTON - Saint Basil Greek Orthodox September 9 - 11, 2011  - 2012 TBD
Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Christian Church
920 W March Lane
Stockton, CA 95207
Phone: (209) 478-7564
gosaintbasil.org

Now in its 52nd year, this annual Greek Festival invites the public to come enjoy the food and fun.
Friday Sept. 9, 2011 Noon - 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 Noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 11, 2011 Noon - 8 p.m.

ARCADIA - St. Anthony Greek Festival September 21-23, 2012 (tentative)
Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 12-10 p.m., Sun 12-9 p.m.
Santa Anita Racetrack
285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007
Cost: $3, 12 and under free
pasadenagreekfest.org, (626) 449-6943

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - Greek Orthodox Mission of South Orange County Greek Fest to Go Sept. 27-29, 2013
27129 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA. Call: (949) 542-3445, gomsoc.org

Sacramento Greek Festival   September 2 - 4, 2011
Sac Convention Center
1400 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
annunciation.ca.goarch.org / sacramentogreekfestival.com

48th Annual Food Festival Labor Day Weekend at Sacramento Convention Center
includes food, dancing and celebrating.  Hours: Friday, September 2, 11 am - 11  p.m.; Saturday, September 3, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, September 4, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Admission: $5 for ages 12+, children under 12 are free
Free Admission on Friday, September 2 from 11 am - 3 p.m.. Call the church office at 916-443-2033

 September.

San Francisco, A Taste of Greece September 23 - 25, 2011
annunciation.org/festival

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival  Mardi Gras 2012 - Greek Style Saturday, Feb 25, 2012  6:00p to 11:00p apokries.org
FAMILY Classic Cars, San Juan Capistrano, CA Price: Entrance fee: Adults $20 (includes $100 casino cips), Kids $5  under 12.  Phone: (949) 542-3445 A night of entertainment - Mardi Gras 2012 (Apokries 2012) at Family Classic Cars in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday February 25, 2012. Enjoy dancing to live Greek Music (by Synthesis), Greek Pastries, and Greek food from 4 local Greek restaurants:  Surfin Souvlaki, Tastes of Greece, Greek Town Grill and Pita Fresh Grill. Best costume contest. Great entertainment for the whole family.   Proceeds to benefit the Greek Orthodox Mission of South Orange County (GOMSOC).  Mardi Gras 2012 - Greek Style 27129 Calle Arroyo, Suite 1803, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675. Phone: (949) 542-3445