What to Expect at the Stockton, California Greek Festival

At this family-friendly festival, you will enjoy the delicious delicacies of Greece, right here in Stockton. No passport needed! The event highlights an array of authentic cuisine and treats made with love from recipes passed from generation to generation. Other interesting features to note: Greek dancing and music and a marketplace featuring Greek-themed jewelry, clothing and art round make this more than just a food festival.

The purpose of the festival is to celebrate and promote the Greek culture, its traditional activities, and of course, a tour of the beautiful St. Basil Greek Orthodox Christian Church. By the end of the night, you might find yourself saying "OPA!"

The grounds of the gorgeous St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, located at 920 W March Lane in Stockton, CA, has ample parking where visitors can park in the church’s parking lot. Additional parking is available along city side streets behind the church (near Rosemarie Lane).

Festival hours are

• Friday, September 8 from Noon to 10pm - NOTE: the dining room opens this day at 5pm (dinner only)
• Saturday, September 9 from Noon to 10pm
• Sunday, September 10 from Noon until 6pm
  

Admission to the festival is $5 per person, children 11 and under are free with paying adult. Tickets are available at the door.

Indulge in Greek cuisines such as the fan favorite Spanakopita (spinach and feta in a flaky crust), beef/lamb (it’s a mixture) or chicken gyros, which are topped with tomatoes, onions, lettuce and tzatziki sauce, then ease your way to a tri-tip sandwich or pasta, and the many more wonderful Greek delicacies for sale!

A trip to the Stockton Greek Festival would not be complete without your own pink box of sweet Greek pastries and breads to enjoy at home! A wide selection of baked goods, including Loukoumades (honey-sweetened fried donut holes) and baklava, are available to purchase. Did we forget to mention baklava sundaes?! Yes, please!

Insider tip: Do your pastry shopping first thing to get the best selection! Select items sell out quickly.

Now it’s time to wash all of that flavorful food down. For drinks, there are two bars stocked with Greek beer, wine, and shots of ouzo. For a caffeine fix, order a Greek frappé (no relation to Starbucks), which is a strong brew, served with foam on the top and the grounds in the bottom of the cup. You can also relax with a glass of wine in the shade at the classic Greek Toverna.

What would a Greek Festival be without music and dancing? Those attending may find themselves being drawn into the action. You’ll hear live Greek music, see traditional Hellenic dance performances, and experience volunteer-led church tours. The tours include question and answer sessions with Father Pete.

Did you know: St. Basil's is an Orthodox Christian Church founded by the Greek Community, but it is open to people of all backgrounds. The church is proud to have families from across the globe as parishioners.

Walk-through the newly, expanded boutique vendors promoting Greek-themed jewelry, original works of art, parish books, and other keepsakes make this a great place to shop. Find a unique gift for your hard to surprise aunt or your friend who loves to celebrate various cultures.

In addition to all the dancing and food, there are several activities for children incorporated throughout the festival including:

• Silly & Magic Show
• Face Painting
• Giant Bubble Making

Schedule and times are subject to change due to the availability of volunteers.

Remember: The 64th Annual St. Basil Greek Festival spans September 8-10 in Stockton, CA. With an empty stomach and loads of enthusiasm, you’re ready to enjoy the Greek Food Festival!

Need more recommendations throughout Stockton? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now TikTok - and be sure to use #VisitStockton during your visit!