The 12th Annual San Luis Obispo (SLO) Greek Festival is a two-day event showcasing the vibrant Greek culture. Come and be Greek for a day (or weekend) and enjoy authentic Greek food, music, dancing, and souvenirs! Founded by the members of St. Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox Church, the SLO Greek Festival serves as a way for church members to share their culture with San Luis Obispo and beyond. This family-friendly event is a fundraiser for St. Andrew’s, which supports several charitable groups in San Luis Obispo County including the SLO Noor Foundation, SLO Food Bank and the Prado Day Center.
The festival is being held at its new location, the Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Rd. on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. The festival hours are 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. The festival will take place rain or shine, as it is now indoors!
Admission and parking are free!
Highlights of the 2-day festival include:
- Authentic Greek food and pastries
- Beer and local wines
- Greek music and dancing
- Performances by traditional Greek dance groups
- Hellenic cultural booth
- Community booth
- A marketplace with unique gifts and souvenirs
One of the best parts of the SLO Greek Festival is being able to experience the Greek culture through its delicious food. Make sure to come to the festival ready to eat and to say “Kalí órexi” (Greek for Bon appétit)!
Greek cuisine has been around for thousands of years and is a large part of the history and culture of Greece. Mediterranean foods are well known for being delicious and healthy. Fresh vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine, cheese, and meat are commonly used in Greek cooking. Desserts are mostly made of nuts, honey, fruits, and phyllo pastry.
The festival menu will feature an array of authentic and traditional Greek dishes, prepared by using fresh ingredients from cherished family recipes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available.
The air will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of slow roasted marinated leg of lamb, Greek marinated, barbequed chicken and grilled succulent pork kabobs (Souvlaki). Entertain your taste buds Greek style with the Gyro (classic Greek sandwich with lamb or beef), Moussaka (baked layers of eggplant and beef), Pastitso (Greek lasagna), or Vegetarian dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice). Or enjoy the ever-popular Greek feta fries, Tiropita (cheese-filled pastry), Spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese-filled pastry), or Greek pasta salad (made with orzo, red onions, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts).
And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The mouth-watering Greek pastries include: Baklava (layers of buttered phyllo, walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon drizzled with honey), Kourambiedes (butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar), Melomakarona (spiced cookie soaked in a honey sauce and sprinkled with walnuts), Galataboureko (Greek semolina custard pie), Koulourakia (crisp butter twist cookie topped with sesame seeds), and Pasta Flora (Greek jam tart).
Besides authentic Greek food, the festival also offers authentic Greek beer, wine and spirits. Adults can enjoy Ouzo (anise-flavored aperitif), Metaxa (amber spirit made with aged distillates and Muscat wine) and three signature cocktails, Greek Margarita, Greek Lemonade and Greek Zorba. Also available for purchase are water, soft drinks, Gatorade, and Arizona iced tea.
The SLO Greek Festival is looking for energetic and reliable volunteers to help out with the festival. If you would like to get involved, please send an email to: greekfestslo@gmail.com
For more information, visit our website at greekfestivalslo.com and follow our festival preparations on Facebook.
OPA!