All Life Is Local: Get Out! Go Greek! It's the Annual Greek Festival at St Sophia's on Friday, Saturday & Sunday

by Peggy Robin

Go on Friday if you can! It's on, rain or shine, but the weather should be great on Friday -- and it's on until 10pm.

Saint Sophia’s Greek Festival brings the best of Greek food, drink and culture to the D.C. area. An annual tradition, the festival will be held in May 17-19, 2024

Fri 4pm -10pm

Sat 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM

Sunday 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM

Live Music and Dancing (LIVE BAND BEGINS AT 5PM on FRI-SAT and 2PM on Sunday)

Every evening under the stars, enjoy live Greek music played by local musicians. Spirited festival goers are welcome to join in and dance … OPA!

LIVE GREEK DJ XENIA ON SATURDAY 1PM-5PM

SURPRISE GUEST SINGER ON SATURDAY 6PM-10PM

LIVE GREEK BAND

(FRI- 5PM-10PM)

(SAT- 5PM-10PM)

(SUN- 2PM-7PM)

Our Greek Language School children will perform on Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00PM

Byzantio Greek Folk dancers will perform on Saturday at 6:00 PM

Food & Beverages

Saint Sophia’s festival is proud to offer a wide variety of Greek delicacies – made fresh and daily across the festival weekend.

2024 Greek Cuzina (“Kitchen”)

ONLY SPANOKOPITA, TIROPITA, MOUSSAKA, PASTICHIO AND GRECIAL GREEN STRING BEANS WILL BE SERVED INSIDE THIS 2024 YEAR!

The Grills

Outside on the festival grounds, festival goers can sample traditional Greek sandwiches as they are freshly cooked over coal fires and burners. The line for the gyro sandwich may reach incredible lengths, but it’s worth the wait as the fresh sliced meat melds with feta and tzaziki (cucumber yogurt sauce), lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Traditional pork souvlaki (roasted on skewers) sandwiches are also a favorite as the meat is seasoned in Mediterranean spices and cooked over coal fires.

Taverna

Soft drinks, water and Greek beer and wine are available from the taverna – Under the 100 ft tent.

Greek Pastry & Kaffenio (“Coffee Shop”)

Taste the nectar of the gods with Saint Sophia’s Greek pastry! From the traditional baklava with its mix of honey, walnuts and spices to more exotic finikia (spiced walnut cookies) and kataifi (shredded phyllo with honey and nuts), the pastry booth has something to tempt any sweet tooth. If you’re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, grab an iced frappe or traditional hot Greek coffee.

Loukoumades (“Greek Donuts”)

Served fresh and hot with drizzles of honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, the loukoumades booth prepares these treats across the weekend.

Lemonade

Support our youngest parishioners by buying fresh squeezed lemonade from our Little Angels children volunteer group.

Marketplace

The marketplace showcases vendors with wares including fine and costume jewelry, pottery and home goods, clothing, music, Byzantine icons, and a traditional Greek grocer.

Children’s Games

A variety of children’s games and activities are available across the festival weekend including balloon toys, sand art and a moon bounce.

Tours of the Cathedral

Guided tours of the interior of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral are available on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. With your guide, experience the Cathedral’s fully mosaic tiled interior, while learning about this special house of worship, Byzantine design and the Orthodox faith. CLICK HERE TO VIEW FESTIVAL MAP.