Hosted by Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church—a cornerstone of the Upper Darby community since 1942—this volunteer-driven festival is famous for its 'Yiayia-standard' Greek meals, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options available to accommodate diverse dietary needs, offering an authentic culinary experience for everyone.
New for 2026: The Interactive Heritage Series
New for 2026, the Interactive Heritage Series offers engaging, hands-on events that invite attendees to participate in and connect with Greek traditions actively.
Highlights of the series include:
- Backgammon ("Tavli") Tournament: Experience the strategy and camaraderie of Greek café culture with a free, community-style tournament hosted by the Backgammon Social Club's Philadelphia chapter. (Thursday, May 14 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Wine & Spirit Tastings: Discover Greece's rich winemaking heritage with guided tastings of regional wines, ouzo, and Metaxa. (Friday, May 15 & Sunday, May 17 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Yiayia-Approved Culinary Workshop: Step into the kitchen to learn the delicate, traditional art of rolling phyllo dough by hand from parish members. (Saturday, May 16 | 3:00 PM)
- "Kefi" Dance Lesson: Step into the circle for beginner-friendly traditional folk dance lessons, capturing the spirit of kefi—the Greek expression of pure joy. (Saturday, May 16 | 5:00 PM)
"This festival is a reflection of who we are as a community and how we preserve and share our Greek culture, traditions, and faith with the next generation," says Spiros Koulas, Chairman of the Saint Demetrios Greek Festival. "For us, it's not just about the food or the music. It's about opening our doors and inviting everyone who walks in to feel like part of our family."
Essential Event Details
Designed to create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, the festival is free to enter and includes free valet parking, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.
- Location: 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082
- Dates: May 14 – 17, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Complimentary valet parking available
- Hours:
- Thursday, May 14: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday, May 15: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday, May 16: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday, May 17: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
