The Birmingham Greek Festival is back for its 53rd year, bringing Greek food, music and dancing to Birmingham while also raising money for local organizations.
The festival runs Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 1–3, at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 307 19th Street South in Birmingham.
Organizers expect about 40,000 people to attend over the three days.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit three local organizations: The Foundry Ministries, Life on Wheels and Food for Our Journey.
“Every year we choose three charity beneficiaries and they all focus on giving back to the community,” said Elaine Lyda, public relations representative for the Birmingham Greek Festival. “This year we’ve chosen the Foundry Ministries, Life on Wheels and Food for Our Journey.”
Lyda said the festival has grown from its beginnings, when church members started serving food inside the church. It has now become a three-day event featuring Greek food, live music, dancing and cathedral tours.
For Tom Constantine, co-chairman of the Birmingham Greek Festival, the event is also a 53-year tradition.
“I’ve been a part of it honestly 53 years. I started out as one of the little dancers,” Constantine said.
Constantine said the festival gives visitors a chance to experience Greek culture beyond the food.
“People come for food … it’s beautiful. We also share faith,” he said.
Lyda said many church members have been connected to the festival since childhood.
“My Yaya came from Greece, and so I was born in this church, been a parishioner my whole life. And we all started out dancing when we were like five years old,” Lyda said.
Birmingham Greek Festival details
When: Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 1–3
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day
Where: Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 307 19th Street South, Birmingham
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking is available one block away at the former Liberty National parking garage
Drive-through: Available for people who want to pick up food without staying at the festival
The festival also features a drive-through option, allowing visitors to order Greek food and have it brought directly to their cars.
