Explore the Greek village and watch music, food, dancing, and heritage take center stage! One of St. Augustine’s largest and most beloved community events, the festival is celebrating more than 20 years running. Over three days, guests will enjoy everything from a barrage of local arts and crafts vendors and mountains of delicious food and fun kids’ games to dance lessons and food demonstrations and live music. And though all the activities involved may seem a little overwhelming, here’s the basic rundown of what you need to know about the 2018 St. Augustine Greek Festival.
THE BASICS
The festival will take place from Friday, October 12-Sunday, October 14 at Francis Field. The festival hours on Friday are 4-10pm. Festival hours on Saturday are 11am-10pm. Festival hours on Sunday are 11am-5pm. General admission is $5. Kids 16 and under and military members with ID are free.
THE FOOD
From the Kouzina (Food Line), Psistaria (Grille), and Zaharoplastio (Pastry) to the Kafenio (Cafe) and Taverna (Beverages), the Greek Festival never lets you go hungry. Each stand has multiple options of traditional Greek fare – platters and Pastitsio, Loukaniko and Loukoumades – and surrounding the food are tables to sit down and eat. Throughout the day, chefs will demonstrate the proper preparation of some of our favorite dishes. The experience is not only immersive but delicious.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
Throughout the festival, there will be music and dancing galore! A Greek band hailing from Florida’s Gulf Coast, Ellada will be making their first appearance on the Festival stage. Ellada features Leonidas on Bouzouki, Elias Poulos as their singer, and Dino Theofilos on keyboards and vocals.
Much like homemade Greek food, Greek music and dancing form the heart of the St. Augustine Greek Festival. Local dancers, belonging to different troupes and across all ages, show their dancing skills in traditional Greek garb. Dancing demonstrations of all types will take place and regularly throughout each day, the dancers will give lessons to willing festival-goers. A full schedule of the entertainment can be found online.
AND THE REST…
Besides the always-beloved food and entertainment, the Festival will feature vendors from all around in a shopping area. There will also be a kids fun zone with rides and games and prizes to keep the little ones happy all weekend.
For more information about the event, visit www.stauggreekfest.com. Images via the Greek Festival website.
To find more events in St. Augustine, visit our online calendar of events!
