From May 15 to 18, the grounds of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby will once again host one of the area’s most anticipated cultural gatherings. The Upper Darby Greek Festival returns, not just as a familiar celebration, but as a thoughtfully renewed experience that balances tradition with new energy.

This year’s edition introduces carefully selected headline events and a more immersive atmosphere, inviting visitors to engage with Greek culture in ways both familiar and unexpected. The food, the music, and the hospitality remain at the heart of the festival—reassuring in their continuity, yet reinvigorated with thoughtful additions.

A Culinary Experience Grounded in Craft

The festival kitchen will feature a wide array of homemade dishes prepared by community members who understand that flavor is rooted in time and technique. From moussaka and pastitsio to souvlaki, spanakopita, and other well-loved staples, every plate reflects a connection to place and memory.

The dessert table will be just as inviting, with handmade loukoumades, baklava, and kourabiedes. For those looking to explore further, the Greek wine tasting will offer a selection of regional varieties, each with its own character and story. It’s a quiet but meaningful addition to the weekend.

A Program That Expands the Frame

The 2025 festival introduces new programming that moves beyond the expected and offers something more distinct.

On Thursday evening, comedian Angelo Tsarouchas will open the festival with a special performance. Known internationally for his sharp timing and humor grounded in cultural nuance, Tsarouchas brings a rare presence to the stage—one shaped by experience, not volume. His return to Upper Darby is both a headline event and a gesture toward broader storytelling.

By Saturday night, the atmosphere shifts again. Under the title Summer Begins at St. Demetrios, the evening features Konstantina Touni, whose voice and stage presence have earned her recognition across Greece. Backed by her band, she will guide audiences through a carefully curated musical journey across regions and styles. The result is neither nostalgia nor spectacle—it is something that feels current without being rushed.

A Festival Designed with Intention

Throughout the weekend, traditional music will be performed live by Greek bands, offering moments that feel grounded and unforced. Youth dance groups from the church will perform in regional costume, not as a showpiece but as part of the rhythm of the event.

Families will find activities that go beyond the typical, with space for children to explore and participate. The Greek Market will offer hand-crafted items, foods, and imports that speak to the care and continuity of diaspora communities.

Admission remains free, and complimentary valet parking is available for all visitors. Food can be ordered in advance at www.udgreekfest.com or purchased on site.

A Festival That Belongs to the Community

At its core, the Upper Darby Greek Festival is not defined by headliners or novelty. It is shaped by the people who build it each year—those who cook, perform, organize, and welcome. Their commitment is what gives the event its particular tone: open, warm, and steady.

For those who would like more information or wish to connect directly:

Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Tel.: (610) 352-7212
Email: festival@saintdemetrios.org
Website: saintdemetrios.org
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm

The invitation stands—no need for superlatives. Just bring your curiosity, your appetite, and your time. Let the weekend unfold from there.