Friends gather under the tent at Fullerton Avenue for the semi-annual Greek Fest.
Live music will once again fill the air.
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By Meghan Talsma
St. Nicholas GreekFest, a beloved tradition in the Hudson Valley, returns June 13–15 with three days of authentic food, music and community celebration on the grounds of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 19 Fullerton Ave.
With the slogan “Come be Greek for the weekend,” the annual festival invites guests of all backgrounds to experience Greek hospitality and culture.
This year’s event kicks off Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., continues Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and wraps up Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere filled with homemade Greek cuisine, traditional music and live performances.
“What people can expect is food, entertainment, and to have a wonderful time,” said Basil Vardopoulos, a longtime parish member. “We do it every year, and people really look forward to it.”
Originally a two-day celebration, GreekFest has grown into a full weekend event rooted in cultural pride. The festival menu includes staples such as souvlaki, gyros, pastitsio, moussaka and fresh pastries like baklava and kourabiedes—many of which are available for takeout.
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“Everything is homemade,” Vardopoulos said. “And people always come back for the food.”
The festival also features live Greek dancing, with performances showcasing regional styles from across the Greek islands.
“That’s how we preserve our culture—through movement, music and sharing it with others,” Vardopoulos said.
Although there are no formal cooking demonstrations, much of the food is prepared in view, including sizzling souvlaki and gyro carved fresh onto warm pita bread. Live music adds to the festive environment, making it a family-friendly outing rich in flavor and tradition.
“People are always struck by how clean and organized everything is,” Vardopoulos said. “They come, they eat, they dance, and before they leave, they’re already asking when the next one is.”
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As preparations wrap up, organizers say their message remains the same: everyone is welcome.
“Come and be Greek for three days,” Vardopoulos said. “We promise you’ll have a great time.”
