Greek Festival FAQ

Columbia’s Greek Festival is an annual four-day event hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Columbia, SC.  The Greek Festival is an opportunity to share our Greek culture in Food, Dance and Music with our community and raise money for Church and Charity.  With the patronage and support of the Capital City, Columbia’s Greek Festival has donated more than $400K in charity over the past several years.

1. 1. Where do I park? Great community participation does make parking for the Greek Festival a bit challenging. There is some first-come; first-served surface road parking on the surrounding streets.  And, there are several neighboring Churches and business that rent parking spaces in their lots during the 4 days of our festival.  We suggest good walking shoes, as you may have to park and walk from a couple blocks away.
   2. Where is Handicap parking? Handicap parking spaces adjacent to the Main Street church are available Thursday through Sunday. This area can also accommodate a limited number of buses and vans for handicap parking. Access to this Handicap Parking area is controlled and monitored during festival hours to ensure that only qualified individuals park in these limited spaces. Access to this Handicap parking lot is from Main Street. The parking meter spaces in front of the Main Street church from Richland Street to Calhoun Street are designated as Handicap parking for the duration of the festival.
   3. Directions?  The Greek Festival is located between Richland & Calhoun Streets and Main & Sumter Streets at 1931 Sumter Street across from the Bank of America building. Click here for Directions
   4. Do you take Credit/Debit Cards? Yes, all of the gift vendors accept credit cards and most of our Food Booths accept credit cards. A few of the outside Food Booths like Gyro and Souvlaki are cash only.  We have three ATMs on the Greek Festival grounds for your convenience.
   5. Are Pets allowed? Service Animals are always welcome, but the Greek Festival is not a great place for pets. We have big crowds, little kids, delicious food aromas, live bands and people holding food.  In other words, there are a lot of distractions for dogs and other pets and though we want you to come it’s probably better if you leave Skilaki at home.
   6. Entrance is Free. There is no charge for entering the Greek Festival grounds. We encourage you to come and go, browse and enjoy the atmosphere as many times as you would like.
   7. What are your prices? The gift vendors have a variety of items and prices that you will want to browse on your own.  Click here for Festival Vendors
   8. What are your food prices? Please pick up a Free Festival Brochure when you arrive on site. The Brochure includes the menu options and prices. We keep Festival Admission Free so folks can browse and find something they like within their individual price range.
   9. Vegetarian options?  OUTSIDE, you can get Calamari, Veggie Appetizer Plate or Veggie Mediterranean Pizza from the Mezedaki (appetizer) booth.  And, ala-carte Greek Potatoes from the Souvlaki booth.  INSIDE at the Kitchen, you can get a full-size Greek Salad, bursting with olives, feta & pepperocinis as well as ala-carte Spanakopeta.  And Friday night, the Kitchen serves a delicious “Peasant” Shrimp Dinner that is dynamite.  Not to mention, a variety of delicious Greek pastries and dessert options.
   10. TV for Football? Yes, we have an outside Taverna that includes several TVs for watching Saturday and Sunday Football. Come enjoy the Food and Fun of the Greek Festival while you watch football among other Festival fans.
   11. Do you have ATMs? Yes, we have three ATMs on the Greek Festival grounds for your convenience.  Click here for our Venue Map
   12. Volunteer Check-in? Pre-registered, Non-Church member volunteers must check-in and check-out via the Festival Volunteer tent.
   13. Vendors: We have committed all of our available vendor space for this 2023 Festival.  Feel free to express interest in participating as a vendor in the 2024 Festival with your contact information via e-mail to ColumbiasGreekFestival@gmail.com.
   14. Hours? The 2024 Greek Festival is open Thursday 9/19/24, Friday, 9/20/24, Saturday 9/21/24 from 10am to 10pm and Sunday 9/22/24 from noon to 6pm.
   15. Inside or Outside? The Greek Festival has food booths and shopping opportunities both inside and outside.
   16. Lost & Found?  Please check the outside Volunteer Tent for Lost & Found items.

1. Festival Dancing – Greek Folk Dancing performed by our Church youth will occur throughout the day on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. For Dance Schedule, Click Here