KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — There are not many places in Knoxville where families can grab baklava with souvlaki, spanakopita and loukoumades while watching dance shows and taking tours of a historic church.
Over the weekend though, families will have the chance to do exactly that. Greek Fest is returning and bringing its usual festivities at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, off Kingston Pike . It kicks off on Friday, Oct. 20, with opportunities to watch dance shows put on by students and to take church tours.
The church has organized the festival since 1977, and it started as a way to introduce Greek culture, food and dance to the community. Organizers said almost 50 years later, it has grown to attract more than 20,000 visitors and vendors who offer food and treats of all kinds.
Church tours are included in the admission and during the tours, people have a chance to learn about the communities it serves while also learning about Greek history and faith.
Organizers also use the festival as a chance to raise money to support their efforts to help the community. They said online due to "significant festival support," they have been able to help Habitat for Humanity with several homes. The church said it has also helped Mobile Meals and Homeless Meals Ministry while also helping underprivileged students.
Attendees can shop an "Agora" for Greek wares during the festival, like clothing or jewelry where they can also pick up a box of pastries, tsoureki bread and a souvenir t-shirt.
A full event schedule is available on the Greek Fest website. The festival lasts until Oct. 22.
A weekend pass costs $5 and a day pass for the festival costs $3. No pets, except service animals, are allowed at the event. No onsite parking will be available, but parking is available at nearby locations.