Every September, a remarkable transformation occurs in East Pasadena as more than 200 volunteers spanning generations unite to welcome over 10,000 strangers as honorary family members at the annual Greek Festival.
The 67th celebration, taking place September 19 to 21 at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, has evolved from an ethnic gathering into an inclusive community tradition.
“About 90 percent of our guests aren’t Greek or Orthodox—this has become a true Pasadena tradition where everyone feels welcome,” says Vicki Kades, Community Communications Coordinator for the festival.
The three-day event requires intensive preparation during the final month, coordinating food preparation, volunteer scheduling, tent and stage setup, entertainment confirmation, and vendor arrangements.
Volunteers ranging from teenagers to grandparents contribute their time throughout the weekend, creating model multigenerational cooperation.
Cultural programming extends beyond traditional food service to include Greek name translations, wine tastings, mixology demonstrations, cooking classes, dance lessons, and church tours designed to make Orthodox traditions accessible without compromising authenticity.
“Our tours share the beauty of the Orthodox faith in a simple, welcoming way. It’s authentic, but accessible for anyone stepping into our church for the first time,” Kades explains.
The festival, which began in 1959 shortly after the church was founded in 1954 and purchased its current Rosemead property, has seen demographic shifts over the past decade. There’s been a notable increase in families with children and young adults adopting it as an annual social tradition.
“Attendance has been steady, but what we’ve noticed is more families bringing their kids and more young adults making it a part of their annual social calendar. It’s become a multigenerational tradition for many local families, whether they are Greek or not,” says Kades.
What distinguishes this festival from others is its commitment to authenticity.
“The biggest difference between us and the other festivals is that everything is homemade and fresh,” Kades notes.
This attention to detail creates a transformative experience for visitors.
“Visitors often tell us they didn’t expect to walk away feeling like they had traveled to Greece for the afternoon. That’s what we hope for: that people leave not only well fed but also inspired by the warmth of Greek hospitality and culture,” says Kades.
The festival maintains an open-door policy for all community members, including leaders from other faith traditions, furthering its mission as a bridge-building event.
The 67th annual Pasadena Greek Festival runs September 19 to 21 at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 South Rosemead Boulevard, in Pasadena.
Hours are Friday (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Saturday–Sunday (12 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
Admission is $5 per day, with children 12 and under free.
Free parking and shuttle service are available from Santa Anita Race Track.
Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 South Rosemead Boulevard, in Pasadena.
Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 South Rosemead Boulevard, in Pasadena. For more call (626) 449-6943 or visit https://pasadenagreekfest.org. Tickets: $5 per day, children 12 and under free.
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