Ottawa’s summer calendar would not be complete without GreekFest, one of the city’s most enduring cultural traditions. Organized each August by the Hellenic Community of Ottawa (HCO), the festival commemorates the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the patronal feast of their church, celebrated on August 15.
Now in its 50th year, GreekFest runs August 14–17 and August 22–24 at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, where more than 35,000 visitors are expected over the course of the week. What began in 1975 as a modest one-day gathering has grown into one of Canada’s largest cultural festivals, drawing daily crowds of 4,000 to 5,000 people who come for the food, music and traditions of Hellenic culture.
Honoring the volunteers of the Ottawa Greekfest
This milestone year is dedicated to the thousands of volunteers who have sustained GreekFest over the decades. “This year, we’re paying tribute to all of our volunteers over the past 50 years who built this festival and made it what it is today,” said Mano Kardaras of the Organizing Committee.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have so much support from our visitors who come to our festival year after year,” he added.
Food, music, and dance at Ottawa Greekfest
Festival-goers are promised an authentic taste of Greece. From souvlaki and gyros to baklava and loukoumades, the menu is rich with traditional flavors. A new partnership with Roll’d Up Ice Cream adds a modern twist to the lineup of desserts.
Entertainment is equally central to the event. Live music from Ottawa’s Poseidon and Montreal’s Alexandros will set the stage for high-energy performances. Dance groups from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Kitchener will showcase traditional choreography, while the famous Zorba Show will once again captivate audiences with fire, music, and plate-breaking.
Ottawa’s Greekfest: More than a festival
Beyond food and entertainment, GreekFest offers cultural immersion. Visitors can browse the Monastiraki gift shop, shop handmade crafts in the Arts Court, or participate in Greek language and dance lessons.
Guided church tours provide a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the Hellenic community.
A legacy to carry forward
For Co-Chair Alex Reklitis, GreekFest’s enduring success lies in its community spirit. “Ottawa GreekFest is one of Canada’s most well-known Greek festivals. And it’s even famous in parts of the United States,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on being a welcoming environment. GreekFest is a giant family BBQ,” he emphasized. “We’re just trying to continue the legacy of GreekFest. We’re not the keyholders or creators of this festival; we’re just the caretakers.”
As GreekFest celebrates 50 years, it stands as both a tribute to its past and a promise for the future—an annual reminder that Ottawa’s cultural landscape is richer when traditions are shared.
