50th Annual New Orleans Greek Fest
Combining authentic Greek food, entertainment, and festive events, Greek Fest has become a memorial day favorite amongst locals since its conception in 1972. Head to Bayou St. John this memorial weekend for an unforgettable weekend of Greek culture and their delicious cuisine.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the festival, attendees can expect a golden celebration this year, with added elements to celebrate the continued success of the event. Taking place May 23, 24, and 25 this spring, Greek Fest will attract an estimated 19,000 visitors to the grounds of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Hellenic Cultural Center for a wide range of fun events.
Events
The festival ensures that there is something for visitors of all ages and likings by offering a range of events that appeal to a wide audience. From the Greek Fest walk/run to cathedral tours, this festival allows visitors to take a look into Greek culture along Bayou St. John.
The Greek Fest walk/run is a 5K race or 1-mile kids run will begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 24. By entering the race, you will earn two free entries into the 50th annual Greek Fest and early entry into the festival an hour before everyone else for a first look at vendors and first in line for the delicious cuisine.
Cathedral tours will be available at various times each day of the festival and give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the Orthodox faith and view the gorgeous church building. Cathedral Dean Father George Wilson will direct the tours in the cathedral, where guests will view a performance of Byzantine music sung by resident chanter John Michael Boyer.
Entertainment
Live music will be performed by Thymios and His Greek American Super Band on the outdoor stage, encouraging festival-goers to try their hand at traditional Greek dances and join the fray or just to sit back and feast on the delicious cuisine. Enjoy the relaxing scenery, take part in traditional dance practices, and feast along the banks of Bayou St. John.
The Hellenic Dancers are one of the most favored parts of the festival as the dance group performs in authentic costumes on the stage of the Hellenic Cultural Center multiple times throughout each day of the festival. Ensuring that there is something for everyone and that this is truly a family-friendly event, the Athenian Playground will have activities and events for the kids.
Cuisine
Featuring all your favorite Greek delicacies, the food options on offer at the fest are plentiful, from traditional pastries to the popular Greek salad and more. Whether you are craving a full four-course meal or simply a dessert, the options at this year's fest won't disappoint.
The goat burger, topped with onions and homemade tzatziki on a kaiser bun, will be making its return to the festival. Enjoy the goodies in the moment at the festival and be sure to check out the frozen filo items ready for you to take home and fill your fridge with traditional Greek cuisine. Don't miss the wide array of flavors that can be found at this years fest.
Other Important Festival Details
The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 23, with performances by the Hellenic Dancers at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
On Saturday, May 24, the day will begin with the Greek Fest walk/run at 8:30 a.m. and allow exclusive early festival access to walkers and runners from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will open to the general public from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with Hellenic dance performances and cathedral tours taking place throughout the day.
Sunday, May 25 will mark the last day of the festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with performances by the Hellenic dancers at 1:30 p.m., followed by an outdoor performance, as well as one at 6 p.m. Cathedral tours will take place at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ticketing Information
One-day general admission tickets are $10 each for use on any of the festival days. A pass to the whole weekend is available for purchase for $25, allowing one entry per day per ticket. Click here to purchase your ticket.
