Experience fall festival fun at Greek Fest and Oktoberfest
Field Trip Friday is sponsored by Sanderson Ford
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — While it may not feel like fall in the Valley weather-wise yet, it’s the season of fall festivals!
Good Morning Arizona is bringing you a jam-packed inside look at all the festival fun by stopping by at two-must see events in the Valley — Oktoberfest and Greek Fest. Oktoberfest will be taking place at Tempe Beach Park, and Greek Fest will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located near 20th Street and Glendale Avenue.
The 63rd Annual Greek Fest is one of the oldest and largest cultural festivals in the state. The festival started out as a small Greek “food bazaar” in 1961, but has truly evolved and grown into a Phoenix favorite event filled with performances, shopping and Greek food, of course!
Then, head on over to Tempe for the 51st Annual Four Peaks Oktoberfest! Guests will be treated to German music and performances, German beers, brats and carnival food, stein holding competitions and Dachshund races.
Greek Fest Market
Need food, clothing, gift items and more? The Greek Fest market has you covered! International vendors come to the Valley of the Sun to showcase their jewelry, artwork, pottery, clothing accessories and gift items. Merchant vendors also feature imported items from Greece such as jewelry, ceramics and art and clothing.
Guests can stop by the Agora Market and pick up feta cheese, kalamata olives, phyllo dough, fresh oregano and other food items imported from Greece.
The fastest dogs in the West
You’ve heard of pig races and horse racing, but what about Dachshund races? These little wiener dogs are heading to the track to try and win the spot of top dog at Oktoberfest! This year, a new category has been created for non-wiener dogs measuring 12″ or shorter from the shoulder that love to run. Guests can head to Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday to watch these pups and cheer them on!
Craving Greek Food?
Make sure to get to Greek Fest with an empty stomach because you’re sure to dive into all the delicious food options available! Authentic Greek food, such as gyro, mousaka (Greek “lasagnas”), spanakopita, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and roasted lamb are just a few things on the menu!
Don’t forget a sweet treat! Guests can enjoy baklava, loukoumades (fried honey puffs), Greek coffee and frappes, and more. See all the food here.
Or Maybe German Food, Instead?
With so many German food and drink options, guests are sure to find something delicious! Head over to the bratwurst tents and grab a jalapeño cheddar brat, a chicken apple sausage or the famous sauerkraut.
If you’re craving carnival food instead, Oktoberfest has you covered. Dig in to a meatball sub, pizza, churros, funnel cakes and deep-fried sweet treats.
To cap off your meal, wash it down with your favorite local Four Peaks Brewing beers and several German varieties. There will also be a selection of seltzers, canned cocktails, wine and Jägermeister. See all the drink options here.
Greek Dance Lesson
Get up and join the line dancing as a live Greek band plays! The Greek dance program at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral is the largest and most extensive in the state and boasts an extensive catalogue of authentic costumes handmade and imported from Greece.
Test Your Strength
See if you have what it takes at Oktoberfest’s 4th Annual Stein Holding Competition! Stein holding, a tradition in German culture, tests contestants’ strength and endurance as they attempt to hold a filled 1 liter beer stein at arm’s length for as long as possible.
The grand finale will be on Sunday, October 13. The top male and female competitors will each receive a grand prize of a $500 Four Peaks Pub gift card.
Gorgeous Cathedral Tours
Cathedral Tours of the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral are offered throughout the festival. Guests can view the intricate stained glass windows, which are among the rarest and largest stained glass displays in the state. Festivalgoers can also learn about the ancient traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy during the self-guided tours.
Oktoberfest Line-Up
Over two dozen artists will be taking the stage at Oktoberfest this year! Good Morning Arizona caught up with Das Aubachtal Sextett, a band who traveled all the way from Germany to Arizona to perform on the big stage.
Other artists such as The Black Moods, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, Chauncey Jones and more will take the stage. See the full line-up and schedule here.
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