The International Greek Food Festival is the largest ethnic festival in Arkansas — and this year marks a few big changes for the beloved festival.
The weekend-long festival, kicking off on Friday, May 19, will include a brand-new food item, “My Big Fat Greek Platter” and new family-friendly entertainment options. This year, attendees can choose to pay a $3 admission fee or bring three canned food items for the Arkansas Foodbank in an effort to raise more funds for benefitting charities. Parking and trolley service will remain free.
The “My Big Fat Greek Platter” will include generous helpings of pastitsio, a long macaroni layered with seasoned ground beef and topped with a thick cheese sauce; spanakopita, which is filo dough layered with feta cheese, spinach and herbs; Greek chicken; and Greek salad. The festival will continue to serve Greek and Mediterranean menu favorites such as baklava and gyros, as well as specialty food items through its Old World Market. In addition to visiting the festival, food may be picked up via drive-thru or delivered by Chef Shuttle.
This year’s entertainment options will include the Donna Massey Band (performing on Friday at 7:45 p.m.) and the Big John Miller Band (performing on Saturday at 7:45 p.m.), in addition to the array of cultural performances and children’s performances throughout the weekend.
Proceeds from the fest will benefit Arkansas Foodbank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Community Connections, Easterseals Arkansas, Harmony Health Clinic, Immerse Arkansas, Wolfe Street Foundation and Youth Home. For more info, check out the event website.