Top Greek Festivals in Southern California 2025

The Greek festivals in Los Angeles and the broader Southern California region have gained immense popularity. These vibrant cultural celebrations attract Greek Americans, food lovers, and anyone who delights in Mediterranean culture. Typically hosted by Greek Orthodox churches, these festivals serve as a fundraiser for the respective churches while showcasing an array of affordable traditional eats and handcrafted goods.

Dancing and feasting are integral aspects of Greek culture. Therefore, festival attendees are encouraged to join the dance floor, embracing the fun and excitement. While some dances may appear intricate, many incorporate easy-to-follow steps, often guided by a leader using hand gestures. Be sure to position yourself at the end of the line when participating in the dancing so that you don’t disrupt the leader. Once you’ve danced to your heart’s content, don’t miss out on sampling mouthwatering Greek delicacies such as dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), gyros, and baklava.

Palm Desert Greek Fest

Held each February at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Desert, this festival features live Greek Bouzouki music, traditional dancing, and a generous array of authentic foods and pastries, including Greek beer, ouzo, Metaxa brandy, and coffee. Families can explore the Hercules Kids Zone, while adults can shop at the Souvenir Agora, offering a variety of unique Mediterranean vendors, grocery items, books, and novelty shops.

Orange County Greek Festival

Every May, the OC Greek Festival takes place at Anaheim’s St. John the Baptist Church. This event features daily tours of the historic Byzantine Church in Orange County, performances from live bands, and Greek folk dancing. Additionally, attendees can visit the Sports Taverna (bar) to catch exciting sports events while enjoying authentic Greek drinks and snacks. This festival is known for its impressive selection of Greek delicacies available throughout the festival along with live cooking demonstrations. Furthermore, children can enjoy various carnival rides and games.

Valley Greek Festival

The San Fernando Valley’s Greek festival in Northridge assembles over 500 volunteers who present live music, dance, create homemade pastries, and serve delicious Greek dishes while offering authentic Greek arts and crafts for sale. Traditionally held in May at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, this event showcases a variety of exhibitions and cooking demonstrations highlighting popular dishes like Spanakopita (spinach and cheese pastry) and Souvlaki (marinated beef skewers).

Downey Greek Food Festival

For an affordable price, the Downey Greek Food Festival offers visitors two full days of indulging in traditional Greek cuisine. This June event features live music, cooking demonstrations, and traditional dances. Guests can learn to craft classic gyros, sample delightful Greek frappes, or savor old favorites like souvlakia (pork on a stick). The festivities are held at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey.

Saint Spyridon Greek Festival

Each June, downtown San Diego celebrates a premier Greek festival at the Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. This lively event includes an array of Greek food and drink, along with performances by recognized Greek musicians on both the main stage and at the Oracle Wine Bar. Guests can also enjoy Greek dance performances, a Kid’s Fun Zone, and church tours led by Father Andrew.

Inland Empire Greek Festival

Held each June at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in San Bernardino, this Greek festival brings attendees together for a day of authentic cuisines, live music, and delectable homemade pastries. The event features an exciting range of booths at the Greek Village, where visitors can explore fine arts, delightful foods, and enjoy an array of beverages in traditional Greek style.

Ventura County Greek Festival

In June, the Ventura County Greek Festival takes place in Camarillo’s Freedom Park, beginning with an Agiasmos (holy water blessing) during the opening ceremony. Packed with Greek customs and performances, this event features special talks and activities targeting young adults, elementary school kids, and high school age children.

Santa Barbara Greek Festival

In July, the Santa Barbara Greek Festival emphasizes traditional Greek cuisine. Influential dishes such as gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, loukaniko, and Mediterranean salads are featured prominently. The Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox Church organizes this complimentary annual event at Oak Park, a cherished picnic and recreational area for locals. Patrons can enjoy live music and dance performances as well as enter a raffle prize for roundtrip tickets from Los Angeles International Airport to Athens, Greece.

Long Beach Greek Festival by the Sea

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach commences its Greek Festival by the Sea over Labor Day weekend. This beloved community event draws more than 10,000 visitors each year. Attendees can sample Greek beer and wine, enjoy diverse traditional Greek and Greek fusion dishes, and witness an array of musical performances and dances.

Cardiff Greek Festival

Each September, the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Cardiff-By-The-Sea welcomes visitors to the Cardiff Greek Festival. Guests can enjoy tasty Greek cuisine and pastries, exciting folk dance performances by award-winning artists, church tours, cooking demonstrations, and fun activities for kids. After the event, take a stroll along the beach or camp at San Elijo State Park (early reservations recommended).

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival offers an opportunity to learn about the Greek Orthodox faith while enjoying tasty beverages from the taverna, sampling gyros, as well as listening to live Greek music. This festival also features a traditional Greek “bazaar” perfect for shoppers and a dedicated play area for children. The festival takes place in late September at the Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church.

Pasadena Greek Fest

At the Pasadena Greek Fest in Pasadena, California, attendees can immerse themselves in the local Greek community while enjoying delectable food and live music. This late September festival also highlights arts and crafts, traditional Greek dancing, and a Kid’s Zone filled with rides, bouncy houses, and a rock wall. Family-friendly activities are abundant, ensuring a good time for everyone.

Antelope Valley Greek Festival

Hosted by the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster, the Antelope Valley Greek Festival offers an exciting program filled with delicious food, daily cooking demonstrations, and entertaining Greek cooking shows. This late September event also features guided church tours, dance performances, and exciting raffles, ensuring a delightful experience for attendees.

Bakersfield Greek Food Festival

In October, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco hosts its annual Greek Food Festival at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bakersfield. This three-day festival features both local and international music groups, numerous church tours, and various raffles with exciting cash prizes. Witness traditional Greek folk dancers while enjoying a menu that includes falafel, lamb chops, Greek pastries, gyros, and typical carnival food.

Los Angeles Greek Fest

The Los Angeles Greek Fest attracts over 15,000 attendees every October for a weekend of cultural celebration and enjoyment. Hosted by the Saint Sophia Cathedral at Pico and Normandie, the festival features enjoyable performances, authentic Greek food vendors, and delightful drinks. Additionally, an exciting collaboration with local Latino musicians adds another layer of celebration, creating a unique blend of Greek and Latin music experiences for festival-goers.