Every fall, the courtyard of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania comes alive with laughter, music, and the unmistakable scent of home cooking. The Greek Wine and Food Festival has become a local tradition, a gathering that blends faith, culture, and the spirit of hospitality that defines the Greek community.
This year’s festival runs from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, turning Powell Lane into a welcoming corner of Greece for one long weekend. Visitors can enjoy free valet parking, live Greek music and dancing, and a lively atmosphere that brings people together from across the region.
For decades, Saint Demetrios has opened its doors to the public, transforming its grounds into a place of shared tables and warm welcomes. Generations of parishioners have come together to cook, serve, and greet guests as if they were family. The event features authentic Greek dishes prepared with care and tradition, from moussaka and dolmathes to gyros and souvlaki. Volunteers spend days in the kitchen following recipes passed down through generations, bringing the spirit of the Aegean to Upper Darby.
The sweet side of the festival is just as irresistible. Tables overflow with homemade baklava, koulourakia, and kourabiedes, all crafted with the same love and pride found in Greek homes everywhere. Nearby, visitors can explore Greece’s winemaking traditions through a Greek wine tasting, discovering crisp whites, bold reds, and perhaps finishing with the distinct flavor of ouzo that has accompanied countless celebrations for centuries.
A few steps away, the Bakaliko offers guests the chance to bring a bit of Greece home. Shelves are stocked with honey, herbs, sweets, and other specialties, each one connecting back to the homeland and to the people who keep these flavors alive across generations.
Behind the music, laughter, and full plates lies something deeper. The celebration is not only about food and culture but also about community and faith. It brings people together in fellowship while helping sustain the church’s ministries throughout the year. The proceeds from each plate served and each pastry sold support programs that care for the community, nurture youth and education, and preserve Hellenic tradition for the next generation.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Saint Demetrios relies on the generosity of its supporters. Every donation, large or small, helps maintain the church as a place of worship and refuge, continue outreach to those in need, and keep cultural and religious life thriving in Upper Darby. Together, these contributions help keep Saint Demetrios a place of hope, hospitality, and culture for generations to come.
Guests are invited to order in person or online at udgreekfest.com, with delivery available for those who cannot attend in person.
The festival welcomes everyone, Greek or not, to share in the warmth and hospitality that define this community. Whether you stop by for a meal, a glass of wine, or simply to say hello, you will leave feeling a little closer to Greece.
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 352-7212
saintdemetrios.org
Learn more, place your order, or make a donation at
udgreekfest.com
Festival hours are Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.