Does the new My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie have you longing to pack your bags to experience the enchanting Greek culture and mouthwatering cuisine first hand? If so, put your passports away. There are three Greek festivals right here in the Dallas Fort Worth area that will transport you to the idyllic whitewashed villages filled with vibrant people and exquisite food.
Whether you attend the Dallas, Fort Worth, or Mid Cities Greek food-fests, they all give you an opportunity to partake in the rich, Greek cultural heritage. From the minute you enter any of the festivals, you will be greeted with the enticing aroma of the authentic food being prepared, see the beauty of the ornate churches, and hear the distinct sounds of the bouzouki (a popular string instrument used in Greece) playing traditional Greek music. An essential part of all Greek celebrations is — of course — dancing, and it is highlighted at each of the festivals. Kick up your heals, join in on the fun, and watch captivating performances by the church dance troupes.
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After immersing yourself with all of the sights and sounds, now it is time to begin your culinary journey. Make sure you come hungry. Wear your stretchy pants or a loose fitting dress. Although the menus are slightly different at each festival, they all offer a version of the most popular age-old Greek dishes.
Greek Festival Must-Have Dishes
A good place to start is with one of the most well-known items: Gryos (pronounced “yee-ros”, not “guy-ro”, if you want to sound like a real Greek).
A gyros is usually served as a mouthwatering pita sandwich made with lamb and/or beef cooked on a rotating rotisserie topped with your choice of onions, tomatoes, and of course Tzatziki sauce (a cucumber yogurt dip).
You can also sample one my favorite main dishes, the Athenian chicken. It is marinated and baked in lemon, olive oil, and garlic. For your side, try the flavorful Greek fries that are made with a special blend of olive oil, then dusted with Greek seasoning and topped with feta cheese or served with a side of tzatziki.
Another festival must-have is the authentic spanakopita. They are not like the ones you find in the frozen section at the grocery store. This tasty homemade appetizer or side is made with fresh spinach, dill, and feta cheese wrapped in scrumptious buttery phyllo.
Other notable dishes include the leg of lamb, saganaki (fried cheese), dolmathes (grape leaves stuffed with rice and seasoned meat mixture), lamb sliders, Greek-style shish-kabobs made with chicken or pork, pastitsico (Greek style lasagna), feta bites, and so much more!
Mouthwatering Greek Desserts
No Greek festival would be complete without the incredible desserts. Every year I look forward to devouring the deep fried doughy goodness of loukoumades. They are like little fried doughnuts made from heaven topped with a honey syrup.
My kids also enjoy the baklava sundaes. We always end up taking home an assortment of decadent, pre-boxed pastries.
Save the date for these wonderful cultural experiences! Your new fall staple may not be just pumpkin spice, but also delectable Greek food.
Mid Cities Greek Fest
Date: October 13 – 15
Location: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church – Euless, TX
Admission Tickets: Admission and parking are free
Highlights: At Mid Cities Greek Fest, you’ll find cooking demos, Greek dancing lessons, church tours, live music, Opa Bar with Ouzo slushy, and Greek beer/wine.
Website: http://www.midcitiesgreekfest.info
Dallas Greek Food Festival
Date: November 3 – 5
Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Dallas, Texas
Admission Tickets: $10 per person, kids 10 and under are free
Highlights: Go to the “agora” marketplace to purchase authentic Greek items ranging from jewelry to spices. Additional attractions include cooking demonstrations, church tours, kids tent, bakery, bar with Greek beer/wine, Greek dance performances, and live music.
Website: http://www.greekfestivalofdallas.com
Fort Worth Greek Festival
Date: November 10 – 12
Location: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Fort Worth, Texas
Admission Tickets: $1, parking is at North Side High School with a shuttle to the festival
Highlights: Attend rain or shine! Everything is indoors or under tents. In addition to authentic Greek meals prepared fresh at the festival, you can purchase baked and frozen pastries, breads, desserts, and ready-to-heat dishes. There will also be live music and dance performances.
Website: https://www.fortworthgreekfestival.com
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Authentic Greek Restaurants
If you are unable to attend any of the festivals, or you want more of the delectable cuisine, there are some fantastic restaurants in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
Take it from someone who is Greek and grew up eating real authentic Greek food, I know the difference between a knock-off chain Mediterranean restaurant versus one that is owned by a Greek family. After all, my Papou (grandfather in Greek) came to the United States from Greece and made his living by owning two restaurants.
These are my two favorite places to go when I miss my family and need some Greek comfort food.
Greek Isles Grill and Taverna
My favorites: Dalmas avgolemo, shrimp mykonos, chicken pita, kymi sample platter, and galactobouriko for dessert
Location: Dallas, Texas
Website: https://www.greekislesgrilledallas.com
Platia
My favorites: Saganaki, tirokaferi spread, chicken or lamb souvlaki platters, and lamb chops
Location: Frisco, Texas
Website: https://www.platiagreek.com/
Whether you attend a one of these three Dallas Greek festivals and feast on Mediterranean food or stop in at one of these authentic Greek restaurants, enjoy the tastes, sights, and smells of the amazing Greek heritage. If you’re Greek, welcome home. If you’re not, “καλώς ορίσατε” (welcome)!
