Come and get your OPA! on at the annual San Luis Obispo Greek Festival! Be Greek for a day or a “Greekend,” May 31 & June 1, Saturday 11 – 7 p.m. and Sunday 11- 6 p.m. at Madonna Expo, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. www.greekfestivalslo.com
Greek Festival Cal Poly Dancers will wow the audience at the Thursday night SLO Farmers Market engaging for the Greek festival. The Greek Festival Chairman, Marios Pouyioukkas, owner of the Rock and Roll Diner Oceano, and Pismo Coast Village Grill, will jump in to lead the group.
This event showcases the vibrant Greek culture, sponsored by St. Andrew The Apostle Greek Orthodox Church. Live entertainment is the centerpiece of the Greek Festival. All will be entertained by live Greek bouzouki music and spirited dance troupes that will give dance lessons. There’s the savory aroma of lamb and gyros on the grill and tables filled with Greek delicacies further enhanced by the sweet scent of baklava and Greek coffee. Sip on a specialty Greek cocktail, or have Greek beer or wine, all while enjoying music, dancing, cultural exhibits and shopping in the Agora – the Greek Marketplace. The festival has something for each member of the family.
Admission $5 one-day pass, $7.50 weekend pass, children 12 and under Free: Parking is Free!
Eric “Constantine” Atwood will be the Master of Ceremonies at SLO Greek Festival. As the Master of Ceremonies, he’ll set a fun and energetic tone with his positive and energized vibes. He generates enthusiasm by making the audience feel involved and expertly guides guests through the Greek culture, while keeping the event flowing seamlessly.
Enjoy and dance to live music performed by Helios, whose members play both traditional and current Greek music with a creative style, rhythm and energy that is uniquely their own. They have built a great reputation by providing not only spirited music, but also lots of lively fun to audiences at many Greek Festivals, weddings and private events through the years.
Dancing is a vital element in the Greek culture and during the festival. The audience will have a chance to be both a spectator and a participant of traditional Greek dancing. Lively folk-dance performances will be ongoing throughout the festival:
-On Saturday and Sunday, a high energy dance group of Cal Poly students will perform and be led by Tiberiu “Tibi” Stanculescu (son of St. Andrew’s presiding priest, Father Silviu Stanculescu)
-On Saturday, Santa Barbara’s dynamic dance troupe, will perform. Dressed in authentic costumes they will put on a memorable performance for all.
-On Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be treated to other dance troupes from the St. Andrew parish.
This family-friendly event is a fundraiser for St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, which supports several charitable groups in San Luis Obispo County. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Greek Festival will benefit the SLO Noor Foundation and the SLO Food Bank.
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
-Marketplace with unique gifts and souvenirs
For more information, visit our website at www.greekfestivalslo.com Opa!