52nd Annual St. George Greek Festival in Piscataway, NJ Draws Thousands

St. George Greek Festival 2025 Draws Thousands in Celebration of Hellenic Heritage

Piscataway, NJ – The 52nd Annual St. George Greek Festival took place from May 15–18, 2025, bringing together over 15,000 visitors to experience authentic Greek food, culture, music, and dancing in Central New Jersey. Hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, this flagship event kicked off New Jersey’s Greek Festival Season and reinforced its reputation as one of the largest and most beloved Greek festivals in the state.

Honoring a Community Leader

A highlight of this year’s event was the special recognition of Parish President George Athanasopoulos, who was awarded a Proclamation by the Mayor of Piscataway. Honored for his tireless service and dedication to the parish, George’s unwavering commitment to the community earned him heartfelt applause.

Expanded Outdoor Taverna and New Coffee Tent

The festival featured a newly expanded Outdoor Taverna and Bar, offering favorites such as souvlakia, gyros, grilled octopus, Greek fries, and loukaniko (Greek sausage). New this year was the Greek Coffee Shop & Bakery Tent, serving iced frappé, freddo espresso, freddo cappuccino, and traditional Greek desserts, providing a café-style experience under the tent.

Inside, the dining hall served classic Greek meals including moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, and roast chicken Athenian, with vegetarian options available.

Authentic Greek Entertainment and Vendors

Festivalgoers enjoyed live performances from St. George’s award-winning Greek folk dance groups and traditional Greek musicians. The indoor Greek marketplace returned with beloved vendors such as Mati Jewels, Anastasia’s Creations, Byzanthea Jewelry, and Sojourn Scents. Shoppers also visited the Bakaliko, a Greek grocery corner stocked with imported pantry goods and treats.

A Legacy of Faith and Culture in New Jersey

A nonprofit organization, St. George Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1916 to serve the spiritual needs of the New Brunswick-area Greek community, which today includes more than 800 families. The parish is led by Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios Cottros, who has served as Presiding Priest since January 2018, providing spiritual leadership and strengthening the church’s deep roots.

Beyond the festival, St. George plays a vital role in preserving Greek heritage through its youth programs, Greek language and religion classes, and traditional folk dance instruction. The church is also home to vibrant community groups, including Philoptochos, AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, the PTO, and senior ministries.

In a continued effort to serve the wider community, the festival offered online ordering and timed pickup through its Square site, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Greek meals at home or on the go.

The 52nd Annual St. George Greek Festival once again proved why it remains a pillar of Greek-American life in New Jersey, uniting generations through faith, food, family, and culture.