San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

A highly anticipated, fun-filled weekend is right around the corner! The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano for its 9th annual celebration of Greek culture on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th. The event is chock-full of authentic Greek food and drink, live music, traditional Greek dancing, souvenir shopping at the Greek Bazaar, and a fully-loaded Kids Zone. There will be a raffle drawing for a grand prize vacation for two to Greece! 

Authentic and delicious Greek fare, including favorites such as Gyros, Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb Chops, Souvlaki (kebabs), Spanakopita (savory spinach pastry), Tiropita (layered cheese pastry), Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) and Greek Salads will tempt and tantalize festival attendees. You’ll enjoy handmade Greek delicacies from traditional family recipes, including mouth-watering Baklava, powdered sugar Kourambiethes and honey-dipped Loukoumades (Greek donut holes) along with traditional Greek coffee and refreshing iced coffee Frappés. Debuting this year at Greek Fest, Feta Bites — a lightly breaded and deep fried feta cheese with a marinara dipping sauce. 

Don’t miss the popular “Taverna” with a sports bar twist – equipped with big-screen satellite TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites, as well as Greek beer, wine and Ouzo. Stroll through the Festival’s Greek Vendor Marketplace where you’ll find an assortment of unique ingredients (including Greek olive oil, honey, teas, and spices) along with an array of themed souvenirs, gifts, jewelry and books to tempt shoppers of all ages. 

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You’re sure to feel Kefi as you’re transported to the enchanting country of Greece by the sights, sounds and culinary delights of this fun-packed Festival weekend. Within seconds, the live music and Greek dancing will have you on your feet, expressing your inner-Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates (don’t worry… easy-to-follow lessons are provided). The Saint Basil award-winning dance troupes will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece. 

Hours for the festival are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free all weekend long. 

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please call 949-542-3445, or visit SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s on Facebook and Instagram @SJCGreekFest. 

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano