The spirit of Greece is set to take over the Bellarine Peninsula once again as the Portarlington Greek Festival returns on Sunday, 1 November 2026, promising an even bigger celebration of Greek culture, food, music and community.
Following the response to its inaugural event in 2025, the festival will expand across W.G. Little Reserve, Seniors Community Hall and Parks Hall, with organisers expecting up to 20,000 visitors.
Running from 10am to 5pm over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, the event will bring together Greek and Australian traditions in a seaside setting, with live entertainment, traditional dancing, family activities and more than 100 stalls showcasing food, products and services.
The festival will be officially opened by City of Greater Geelong Mayor Dr Stretch Kontelj and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant.
From a personal dream to a growing community celebration
The festival was originally conceived by local market organiser Alexandra Dascarellos, whose passion for her Greek heritage inspired her to bring a taste of Melbourne’s Greek festivals to Portarlington.
Unable to attend the city’s celebrations because of commitments to her own makers markets in Barwon Heads and Portarlington, Dascarellos decided to create one closer to home.
“If the mountain won’t go to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“My markets in Barwon Heads and Portarlington are quality, successful events, they gave me the confidence to say, I can do this!”
For Dascarellos, the festival has always been about more than entertainment.
It is also a tribute to her late father, Nicholas, and mother, Georgia, who migrated from Patras in 1953.
Her father, a wooden boat builder and fisherman, raised eight children while selling his catch around Portarlington and Swan Bay.
“The festival became a way of honouring his legacy and celebrating the contribution of Greek migrants to the Bellarine Peninsula,” she explained.
“Portarlington deserves this. The modern Greeks, we’re doctors, builders, teachers, artists, we’re proud Australians, proud Greeks. This festival celebrates that.”
What began as an ambitious community initiative is now returning for its second year, with an expanded program and growing expectations.
Greek flavours, entertainment and family fun
This year’s festival will feature a full day of live music, Greek dancing and cultural performances, alongside a diverse selection of food and market stalls.
“Greek cuisine will be a major attraction, with visitors able to sample Mediterranean flavours while enjoying the waterfront atmosphere,” Dascarellos said.
“More than 100 stalls will offer a variety of products, services and food, many reflecting the festival’s Greek character.”
Families will also have access to children’s entertainment and activities, including educational displays featuring emergency services vehicles.
A designated alcohol consumption area will operate exclusively for visitors aged 18 and over, while official Portarlington Greek Festival merchandise will also be available.
The festival’s location offers visitors an opportunity to combine the celebrations with a day exploring Portarlington and the Bellarine Peninsula. Entry is by donation.
When: Sunday, 1 November, 10am–5pm
Where: W.G. Little Reserve, Seniors Community Hall and Parks Hall, 65–87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington, opposite the Portarlington Grand Hotel
