PHOENIX – Valley dwellers can experience the spirit of the Mediterranean this weekend without getting on a plane. That’s right, it’s time for the 2024 Original Phoenix Greek Festival.
The 63rd annual edition of the popular tradition runs from Friday to Sunday at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral campus.
The venue is located at 1973 E. Maryland Ave., west of State Route 51 between Bethany Home Road and Glendale Avenue/Lincoln Drive.
The family-friendly event runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Friday hours start two hours earlier than in previous years.
What is there to do at The Original Phoenix Greek Festival?
The Original Phoenix Greek Festival draws big crowds every year with its array of cuisine, beverages, live entertainment and shopping.
A cafeteria-style indoor food line and outdoor booths offer a multitude of items, including lamb shank, moussaka, spanakopita, dolmades and a variety of desserts.
Adults can enjoy a selection of ouzo, Greece’s most popular alcoholic beverage, along with beer and wine.
In addition to the food and beverages, the festival features live music, dance performances and dance lessons, as well as merchants selling jewelry, ceramics, art and more.
There’s also an area with rides for kids (wristbands sold onsite).
For a quieter experience, the church’s cathedral will be open at select times for self-guided tours.
How much are Original Phoenix Greek Festival tickets?
Admission to the 2024 Original Phoenix Greek Festival is $5 per person, with no charge for kids under 12. In addition, adults over 60 can get in free on Saturday before 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
The admission gate, food booths, vendors and bars accept both cash and credit cards this year.
Parking on the church lot costs $10 (cash only), but there’s also a free shuttle service running every 15 minutes from the Charles Schwab office parking lot on the southwest corner of 24th Street and Lincoln Drive.
