2024

Castro Valley Greek Festival

October 4-6 in Castro Valley

THANK YOU to all who came out to support this year's Castro Valley Greek Festival - from our fabulous volunteers, dancers, cooks, and vendors - to our Greek-foodies, community, and YOU!

Be sure to visit us in Pleasanton for the Taste of Greece Festival on October 26-27, 2024. Same fabulous people and great Greek food! Experience the Ancient Greek concept of Philoxenia and the famous hospitality of the Greek culture as we again, open our arms, our hearts, and our kitchen to all.

See you Next Year in Castro Valley!

FAQs

Apply to be a vendor

It's the Greekend! Can we get an... OPA!

This popular annual cultural celebration on the grounds of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley serves up authentic flavorful food, great music, dancing, and pure fun.

Celebrate with the Greeks! Dance to our lively bouzouki music, taste our delicious cuisine, drink our wine, tour our traditional Byzantine-rich ekklēsía (church), and shop our agorá (marketplace). Experience a weekend filled with lots of kefi (joy)!

Food Menu

Hungry? We got you!

YiaYia, Papou, Cousin Nikki, and Thea Maria are all busy in the kitchen cooking up your favorite Greek delicacies. Prepare to eat yourself into a Greek food coma!

In Our Dining Room

Proudly Serving Roasted Lamb & Chicken, Dolmades, Keftedes, Pastitsio, Moussaka, Rice, Green Beans, and Greek Salad!

Greek-style Street Food

Pork and Chicken Souvlaki with Pita bread, Lamb Sandwich, Greek Fries with Garlic, Feta and Oregano (or plain), Loukaniko Pork/Lamb Sausage, Tiropita and Spanakopita!

Our Signature Food of the Street - GYROS!

Try a Seasoned beef with Tomato, Onion, and Tzatziki sauce. OR, for those Veggie lovers - Vegetarian (Cucumber, Tomato, Onion and Tzatziki) - all wrapped in a warm Pita.

How About Some Loukoumades and a Frappe?!

Loukoumades - These bite-size honey puffs of heaven are the favorite food of Greek Gods and Goddesses everywhere!

Visit the Kafenion for More Greek Sweets

Baklava, Karidopita, Koulourakia, and Kourambiedes. Paximadia, Galaktoboureko, Kataifi, and Melomakarona with a steaming cup of Greek, regular or decaf coffee. Yes, we have hot tea, too!

Beverages

Enjoy Greek and California Wines, Greek and Draft Beer, and Greek Spirits (Metaxa and Ouzo) at our Outdoor Taverna. You'll also find non-alcoholic beverages throughout the festival grounds.

Greek Dance

Greeks Dance in the BEST Circles!

For 50 years, Greek folk dancing has been an important part of our church community. Experience a performance each day...and, don't be shy, we'll teach YOU to dance in the best circles, too!
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FAQs

Other questions? Send us an email at greekfestival@resurrectiongoc.com

What is the Greek Festival about?

This popular annual cultural celebration on the grounds of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley serves up authentic flavorful food, great music, dancing, and pure fun.

When is this year’s Greek Festival?

This year’s Greek Festival is being held on Friday, October 4 (5:00 to 9:00 p.m.), Saturday, October 5 (11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and Sunday, October 6, 2024 (12:00 to 7:00 p.m.). Admission is $2 adults or free with a canned goods donation. Kids under 12 are free.
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Will there be indoor or outdoor seating available?

We will have seating available inside the large dining hall and outside so can enjoy the music and dancing.

Will there be any dancing, church tours, or entertainment?

Yes, we will have a Greek DJ on Friday evening, and a Live Band on Saturday and Sunday - Join us for Greek dance performances throughout the weekend.

Friday, October 4
‍7:00p.m. Resurrection Greek Dancers, Castro Valley
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Saturday, October 5
1:00 p.m. Ypsosi Dancers - Resurrection, Castro Valley
5:00 p.m. Titanes Dancers - Ascension Cathedral, Oakland
6:30 p.m. Minoan Dancers - Nativity of Christ, Novato
7:30 p.m. Alati tis Kiladas Dancers - Resurrection, Castro Valley

Sunday, October 6
3:00 p.m. Revma Dancers - Holy Cross, Belmont
4:15 p.m. Ypsosi Dancers - Resurrection Castro Valley
5:00 p.m. Anagenisis Dancers - Ascension Cathedral Oakland
6:00 p.m. Alati tis Kiladas Dancers - Resurrection, Castro Valley

Are there any ADA accommodations?

We are special needs friendly. We are pleased to offer reasonable accommodations upon request. Please contact us with any questions or special requests.

A place to sit while waiting for food, instead of standing
Noise cancelling earphones for loan
A sensory friendly quiet area for a break
Assistance with food ordering
Wide lines to accommodate wheelchairs
A sensory friendly quiet area for a break. Assistance with food ordering. Wide lines to accommodate wheelchairs. Limited onsite parking on a first come, first served basis. You must have a disabled placard to park in the festival lot.

Where can I park?

Parking is limited in the church lot at 20104 Center Street and is reserved for Disabled parking only on a first come first served basis. Disabled placards are required. All other parking is available on the streets surrounding the church, or at the Park and Ride lot on the corner of Center Street/Grove Way and Castro Valley Blvd (short 5-10 min. walk). Please be considerate and don't block our neighbor's driveways. We encourage carpooling!

Ever been inside a Christian Orthodox church?

Everyone is welcome to take an informal church tour, meet our clergy and members of our parish, see how we worship Jesus Christ, and learn more about the Ancient Church of the Apostles.

Visit with Archdeacon Justin Bosl for answers to your questions. Sign up to attend an Introduction to Orthodoxy class coming up in late 2024.

Interested in finding out more about Orthodoxy and our Church?

You don't need to be Greek to be Orthodox. We are always glad to welcome new people into our parish family! Please visit our website at resurrectiongoc.com and click on the "New Visitor" tab on the top navigation menu to learn more. Whether you have just moved to the area, are exploring Orthodox Christianity for the first time, or are returning home, we want to get to know you better – you belong here!

Can I volunteer to help at the festival or make a donation?

Yes! We always have need for people to work a shift or two over the festival weekend. Visit https://bit.ly/FestivalSignUps and volunteer to work in the booth of your choice! No experience necessary.

Donations to the Greek Festival are always appreciated and are used toward our various ministry programs and helping those in need in our community. Donate online at: resurrectiongoc.com/give.

Can I make a donation to the festival?