Celebrate Greek Culture at St. John’s Annual Greek Festival in Orange County
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece without leaving Southern California. The Orange County Greek Festival, hosted by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, transforms the church grounds into a lively celebration of Hellenic culture. Scheduled for May 15, 16 & 17, 2026, this beloved event draws thousands with authentic homemade Greek cuisine, traditional folk dancing, live bouzouki music, an outdoor marketplace, and family-friendly attractions.
Now expanded with carnival rides and games in Zorba’s Kidz Zone, the festival offers something for everyone. Stroll the festive “Plaka” (inspired by Athens’ historic neighborhood), enjoy performances by Greek dance groups, and savor dishes prepared by church parishioners using time-honored family recipes. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours soaking in the atmosphere—Opa!
Festival Highlights and Attractions
- Authentic Greek Food & Pastries: Food booths serve classics like gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and pastitsio, along with sides like feta fries, spanakopita, and tiropita. Sweet treats include baklava, galaktoboureko, kataifi, melomakarona, and more. Don’t miss loukoumades (honey-drizzled Greek donuts) or grilled lamb chops (paidakia).
- Live Music & Dancing: Traditional Greek bands and folk dance groups perform throughout the weekend. Visitors can join in the circle dances or simply enjoy the energetic performances.
- Zorba’s Kidz Zone: Carnival rides, games, and children’s activities make this a family favorite.
- Outdoor Marketplace: Browse vendors offering Greek imports, jewelry, clothing, religious items, and unique gifts.
- Taverna & Beverages: Enjoy Greek wines, beers, spirits, specialty cocktails, Greek coffee, and frappés.
Orange County Greek Festival Food Guide
Even if you’re new to Greek cuisine, the festival makes it easy to explore:
- Gyro: Tender meat (lamb, chicken, or pork) wrapped in warm pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and fries.
- Feta Fries: Crispy fries tossed in olive oil with feta, garlic, and lemon.
- Moussaka: Layered eggplant, minced lamb, and béchamel sauce.
- Pastitsio: Baked pasta with ground meat and creamy topping.
- Spanakopita & Tiropita: Flaky phyllo pies filled with spinach and feta or cheese.
- Pastries: Baklava (nutty, honey-soaked layers), galaktoboureko (custard in phyllo), kataifi (shredded phyllo), and melomakarona (honey cookies).
Hours, Admission & Parking
- Friday, May 15: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday, May 16: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, May 17: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Admission: $5 for adults. Free for children 10 & under, seniors 65+, and military/police/fire personnel with ID.
Location: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801.
Parking: Limited on-site; free parking and shuttle service available at Buena Park Downtown (behind Walmart on Dale St. and La Palma Ave.). The shuttle runs frequently.
FAQ About the Orange County Greek Festival
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes! Zorba’s Kidz Zone with rides and games, plus free admission for young children, makes it ideal for all ages.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Tickets are available at the gate, but purchasing online is recommended to skip lines, especially on peak days.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes—Greek salad, spanakopita, and some pastries accommodate various diets. Ask vendors for details.
Can I take food home?
Many pastries are available in gift boxes or to-go portions—perfect for sharing later.
Is there alcohol?
Yes, the taverna serves beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails (ID required).
What should I wear/bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and dancing. Cash is helpful for vendors, though cards are widely accepted.
Other Notable SoCal Greek Festivals
If you enjoy the OC Greek Fest, check out these other vibrant celebrations in Southern California (dates for 2026):
- Valley Greek Festival (San Fernando Valley) – May 23-25 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
- Downey Greek Festival – June 6-7.
- San Diego Greek Festival – June 13-14 at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
- Irvine Greek Festival – June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church.
- Santa Barbara Greek Festival – July 10-12.
- Long Beach Greek Fest – September 5-7 (Labor Day weekend).
2026 Southern California Events, Festivals & Fairs, Music, and Fun