The sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece will once again fill Wallings Road when St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church hosts its annual Grecian Festival July 16-19. This year’s festival returns with several exciting additions and enhancements designed to make the experience even more enjoyable for visitors.
One of the most anticipated returning attractions is the popular silent auction, featuring tickets and experiences from some of Northeast Ohio’s favorite destinations, including the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Great Lakes Science Center, Beck Center for the Arts, Cleveland Monsters, and many more.
“People have asked about the silent auction because they enjoy bidding on experiences they might not otherwise purchase,” said Elaine Nackowiz. “It’s a fun opportunity to win something special while supporting the church.”
Festival hours are Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visitors will notice several new improvements throughout the festival grounds. The main festival tent has been expanded to include an attached tent where the vendors and boutiques have been relocated, creating a more convenient shopping experience. Guests can browse Greek icons, artwork, jewelry, clothing, books, handbags, and other unique gifts while enjoying live entertainment and dining in one central location. There are additional vendors in the Hellenic Center main lobby as well as the church bookstore.
To accommodate the new layout, the outdoor bar has been relocated outside the main tent. Additional seating will be available throughout the campus, including under the main tent, on the outdoor deck, inside the Hellenic Center, and in an additional indoor dining area.
The festival’s renowned Greek cuisine returns with all the favorites guests have come to expect, including gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, loukoumades, baklava sundaes, frappes, Greek coffee, Greek beer, and wines. New to this year’s menu is Avgolemono Chicken.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available, including vegetarian moussaka, meatless dolmathes, and gluten-free almond cookies.
For those looking for added convenience, the festival’s drive-thru service returns once again with online ordering. Guests can place orders in advance through the church’s website and select a pickup date and time, making it easy to enjoy authentic Greek food without leaving their vehicle.
In addition to the food, visitors are invited to experience the beauty of the church through complimentary guided tours showcasing its stunning iconography and architecture. Tours will be offered Thursday at 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 2, 4, and 6 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.
Live entertainment will take place throughout the festival. The church’s Hellenic dance groups will perform traditional Greek folk dances, while Cleveland-based Musicians of Olympus will perform under the main tent. Dimitri, accompanied by his bouzouki, will entertain guests inside the Hellenic Center, creating an authentic Greek atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Free shuttle service will be available Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., with convenient pickup locations at Heasley Field, the North Royalton YMCA, and the North Royalton Branch Library.
Festival proceeds directly benefit the ministries and mission of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church. “The festival is much more than a community celebration,” Elaine said. “Every purchase supports our parish ministries, outreach programs, youth and religious education, cultural activities, worship, daily operations, facility maintenance, and future capital improvements. It’s our parish’s largest fundraiser, and we’re grateful for the tremendous support we receive from the community each year.”
Admission and parking are free. Everyone is invited to experience authentic Greek hospitality, delicious homemade cuisine, live music, dancing, shopping, and family-friendly fun during one of Northeast Ohio’s favorite summer traditions.