CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The annual Yiasou Greek Festival kicks off this weekend in Dilworth. The popular festival runs from Friday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 10.
The ‘biggest party in Charlotte’ takes place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 600 East Blvd. in Dilworth and is a way to bring a piece of Greek culture to the Queen City.
The family-friendly weekend features authentic Greek cuisine, homemade pastries, live traditional music, and dancing, as well as shopping and cultural exhibits.
Festival Food
Folks can sample a variety of delicious Greek specialties, from souvlaki and spanakopites to Greek pizzas and pastichio. Festivalgoers can try homemade twisted butter cookies and the popular honey-drizzled doughnuts. Greek coffee and frappe will also be available.
Festival Entertainment
Organizers said live entertainment is the centerpiece of the festival atmosphere and takes place on three stages. Dance performances are scheduled throughout the weekend by members of Holy Trinity’s award-winning Folk-Dance program, the largest in the U.S.
Two live bands will be on site including Notes of Nostalgia, a traditional Greek band from the community. Dance lessons will also be offered for free.
Festival Shopping
Folks can browse a wide variety of specialty vendors, selling everything from Greek art to clothing and imported groceries.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy guided Greek wine tasting led by local experts.
Younger festivalgoers can enjoy Children’s Playland with rides, face painting, and concessions.
Admission is $5. Children 12 and under are free, organizers said.
In partnership with INLIVIAN Housing Redefined, volunteers and guests of the festival can park free after 5 p.m. Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday.
