What to Expect at the Stockton, California Greek Festival

At this family-friendly festival, you will enjoy the delicious delicacies of Greece, right here in Stockton—no passport needed! The event highlights authentic cuisine and treats made with love from recipes passed on from generation to generation. Other interesting features to note: Greek dancing & music, and a marketplace featuring Greek-themed jewelry, clothing, and art make this more than just a food festival.

The festival's purpose is to celebrate and promote Greek culture, its traditional activities, and, of course, a tour of the beautiful St. Basil Greek Orthodox Christian Church. By the end of the night, you might find yourself saying, "OPA!"

The gorgeous St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, located at 920 W March Lane in Stockton, CA, has ample parking where visitors can park in the church’s parking lot. Additional parking is available along city side streets behind the church (near Rosemarie Lane).

Festival hours are:

• Friday, September 6 from Noon to 10pm
• Saturday, September 7 from Noon to 10pm
• Sunday, September 8 from Noon until 6pm
  

Admission to the festival is $5 per person, children 11 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets are available at the door.

Indulge in Greek cuisines such as the fan favorite Spanakopita (spinach and feta in a flaky crust), beef/lamb (it’s a mixture), or chicken gyros—which are topped with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce. Then, ease your way to a tri-tip sandwich or pasta, and the many more wonderful Greek delicacies for sale!

A trip to the Greek Festival would not be complete without your pink box of sweet Greek pastries and bread to enjoy at home! A wide selection of baked goods—including Loukoumades (honey-sweetened fried donut holes) and baklava—are available for purchase. Did we forget to mention baklava sundaes?! Yes, please!

Insider tip: Do your pastry shopping first thing to get the best selection! Select items sell out quickly.

Now, it’s time to wash all of that flavorful food down. For drinks, there are two bars stocked with Greek beer, wine, and shots of ouzo. For a caffeine fix, order a Greek frappé (no relation to Starbucks), which is a strong brew served with foam on the top and grounds at the bottom of the cup. You can also relax with a glass of wine in the shade at the classic Greek Toverna.

What would a Greek Festival be without music and dancing? Those attending may find themselves being drawn into the action. You’ll hear live Greek music, see traditional Hellenic dance performances, and experience volunteer-led church tours. The tours include question-and-answer sessions with Father Pete.

Did you know: St. Basil's is an Orthodox Christian Church founded by the Greek Community, but it is open to people of all backgrounds. The church is proud to have families from across the globe as parishioners.

Walk through the boutique with vendors promoting Greek-themed jewelry, original works of art, parish books, and other keepsakes that make this a great place to shop. Find a unique gift for your hard-to-surprise aunt or your friend who loves to celebrate various cultures.

In addition to all the dancing and food, there are several activities for children incorporated throughout the festival including:

• Silly & Magic Show
• Face Painting
• Giant Bubble Making

Schedule and times are subject to change due to the availability of volunteers.

Remember: The 65th Annual St. Basil's Greek Festival spans September 6-8 in Stockton, CA. With an empty stomach and loads of enthusiasm, you’re ready to enjoy the Greek Food Festival!

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