The Portland Greek Festival is almost here and I can’t wait to bite into a gyro and be transported back to my early 20s when I was playing European Challenger clay court tennis in Europe. I decided to take a 5-month hiatus on the Greek island of Corfu where I lived on the beach with a family that owned a cool hostel for all the 20-somethings backpacking through Europe! I helped around the hostel/hotel doing construction work (believe or not!) and picking olives to help make their famous olive oil. It’s a wild story but you have to call me to get the juicy details, haha!

Can’t make it to Greece any time soon? The Portland Greek Fest has you covered! My neighbors, Jace and Lori, have been an integral part of the festival for over 50 years. I recently had the chance to sit down with them to learn more about the festival’s rich history and what makes it such a beloved tradition in the community…

Now in its 71st year, the Portland Greek Festival began as a small neighborhood bazaar, where members of the Greek community gathered to share homemade pastries and baked goods, celebrating their heritage. Jace fondly referred to the event as a time when people come together, offering their “time, talent, or treasure.” Over the years, this modest event has grown into a major Portland landmark, drawing over 17,000 attendees across its three-day run during the first weekend of October. It has become the largest fundraiser for the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the heart of the festival. For a $5 entrance fee, guests enjoy full access to the festival for all three days.

One of the main highlights of the event is the traditional Greek dancing, a cherished activity both for the visitors and for the dancers, who spend countless hours practicing for this weekend.

After a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival organizers used the time to reimagine and improve the event, introducing more efficient features like pre-purchased wristbands for faster access.

When it comes to food, the lamb gyros consistently top the list of best-sellers, but the true stars are the homemade Greek pastries. Passed down through generations, these family recipes are eagerly anticipated by festival-goers each year.

The Greek Festival has truly become a celebration of culture, food, and community spirit, deeply woven into the fabric of Portland life. I hope to see you there!

When: October 4th, 5th and 6th 2024 10am-10pm on Friday and Saturday, 11am-7pm on Sunday.

Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 3131 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232

Check out the Activities Schedule here.

All photos from portlandgreekfestival.com and facebook.com/PortlandGreekFestival