Starting back in 1978, The Yiasou Greek Festival hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is one of Charlotte’s most acclaimed and successful international events.  How did the festival get its name, well Yiasou is Greek for hello, goodbye and cheers. Most people come for the food but many other activities take place during the event.  The event runs 9-12 September at 600 East Boulevard is an annual celebration that allows “Everyone to be Greek.”

The festival is designed to be a family affair with plenty of food that can be purchased at the event but is additional to the entrance fees of $2 and free for kids younger than 12-years-old. The food is $3 to $7 extra but is the highlight of the visit. Roasted lamb, “Athenian” baked fish, gyros, spanakopita, loukoumades and more traditional Greek food is served at the festival. Perhaps the most memorable item served is the Baklava sundae — a traditional warm Greek pastry dessert covered in vanilla ice cream.

The festival has an open air market called an “Agora” that sells Greek crafts such as jewelry along with other gifts.  The Greek Cultural Exhibit displays numerous pieces of Greek art, statues, pottery and more. There is plenty of entertainment such as music by Kostas Kastanis, and dances performed by kids and adults in traditional Greek costumes on three separate stages.

The 33rd Annual festival in 2010 runs from September 9 – 12. On Thursday, the hours of operation are 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from noon to 8 pm.

For more information please visit their website.