Get Ready for a Flavorful Weekend at Knoxville’s Greek Fest
If you’re in Knoxville, get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend full of vibrant culture, mouthwatering food, and energetic music! The city is all set to host the 45th annual Greek Fest, a beloved tradition that showcases the richness of Greek heritage right in the heart of Tennessee. From September 27 to September 29, there’s a lot on the agenda, and trust me, you won’t want to miss out!
So Many Activities to Choose From!
The Greek Fest is held at the stunning St. George Greek Orthodox Church located at 4070 Kingston Pike. Picture this: a delightful atmosphere filled with joyous laughter, the aroma of delicious Greek dishes wafting through the air, and music that makes you want to dance—sounds like a perfect weekend, doesn’t it?
Kicking off the festivities on Friday, September 27, the fun begins at 5 p.m. with traditional Greek dancing! Not only can you watch, but you can join in! There will be dance lessons throughout the festival where you can learn the steps of classic Greek dances. What a fun way to shake off the week!
Celebrate with Tradition
As the sun sets, the church will host Paraklesis, a heartfelt Greek Orthodox service designed to invoke divine help. After this serene moment, the excitement continues with more church tours and a cooking show where you can learn to whip up some Greek favorites right in your own kitchen!
The excitement doesn’t stop there—modern Greek dance performances will take the stage around 8 p.m. on Friday, showcasing the vibrant energy of Greek culture. With performers dressed in traditional attire, this is bound to be a sight that leaves you wishing you could join them.
Weekend Plans and More Festivities
Saturday is packed with activities as well! If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at Greek dancing, stop by for lessons offered throughout the day. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner—everyone is welcome, and it’s a great way to meet new friends while having a blast!
Later that evening at 6 p.m., the church will conduct Vespers, another Greek Orthodox service, bringing attendees together to reflect and celebrate their faith. But don’t fret—there’s still plenty of time for dancing and delicious food after the service!
A Divine Sunday Celebration
As Sunday rolls in, festival-goers can expect the celebrations to continue with Orthos and Divine Liturgy, starting bright and early at 8:30 a.m. Following the spiritual gatherings, there’ll be more dance sessions, mouthwatering food, and, of course, the ever-popular shopping at the festival’s Agora.
Marketplace of Wonders and Tasty Treats
The Agora is where you can find beautiful Greek wares, such as clothing, ceramics, jewelry, books, and icons that are perfect for keeping memories of your festival experience alive. And let’s not forget the sweet treats! You’ll definitely want to get your hands on some tsoureki and baklava—two classic Greek desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Pricing and Access
Now, you must be wondering about the cost. Good news! Day passes to the festival are just $3, and if you plan to enjoy the entire weekend, weekend passes are available for $5. It’s an affordable way to dive into a cultural experience, filled with flavors and fun!
So, mark your calendars for September 27–29, and gear up for a fantastic celebration of Greek culture in Knoxville. Bring your friends and family, and let’s make some unforgettable memories at Greek Fest!