Omaha's Original Greek Festival

Greeks have been part of Omaha since the 1880s, when many came to work on the railroads, and St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1908. The parish has hosted its Greek Festival since 1978, and it remains one of the best-loved ethnic festivals in the city.

The draw is the food: souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita, pastitsio and trays of homemade pastries made by parish volunteers. The Taverna pours imported drinks, and live music and folk dance performances run through the evenings. There is a kids area and a boutique with Greek goods.

Do not skip the church tour. Guides explain the icons, architecture and traditions of the Orthodox faith inside a striking historic building. The festival runs rain or shine and is an easy stop from Midtown or downtown.

Highlights

• Homemade Greek food and pastries
• Taverna with imported drinks
• Live music and Greek folk dancing
• Historic church tours
• Running since 1978

Tips for going

• Go on a weeknight evening for shorter food lines.
• Buy pastries early in the visit; popular items can sell out.
• Street parking around Park Avenue is tight; consider rideshare.
• Admission is modest and students and kids under 12 get in free.
• It runs rain or shine.