Glenview Greek Fest at Sts. Peter & Paul on July 25 and 26
Sounds of bouzouki music and the enticing aroma of grilled lamb will fill the air at the corner of Wagner Road and Lake Avenue when the Glenview Greek Fest returns to Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church this summer. Three lambs will be roasted on spits, à la “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” each day of the event, one of the several new additions to the traditional Greek fare. The fest, known for great food and its celebration of faith, community and culture, takes place on from 1-10 p.m. each day Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, on the church grounds at 1401 Wagner Road.
“The Saints Peter and Paul community began hosting the Greek festival in the mid-1960s,” event co-chair Joanne Trahanas said. “It’s a fun event that our parishioners, as well as our neighbors in Glenview, truly look forward to. In 2025, we added new menu items like loukaniko (Greek sausage) tacos and feta-and-beef sliders to our traditional favorites: souvlakia, gyros, spanakopitas, keftedhes (meatballs in lemon sauce), and home-baked pastries. This summer, we are excited to introduce a roasted lamb appetizer plate and a twist on fried Greek doughnuts, loukoumathes. Fest goers can choose between the traditional complement to this favorite dessert, a honey drizzle or Nutella. Also new this year is our Greek market, The Agora, where vendors will be selling Greek products, novelties, and jewelry.”
“Our church has been an active member of the community since we were founded over 65 years ago, and the Glenview Greek Fest provides us with the perfect opportunity to open our doors and come together to celebrate and share our faith and culture with our neighbors,” Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, protopresbyter of Saints Peter and Paul, said. “At the same time, it allows us to contribute in ways that extend beyond our parish; 20% of the net proceeds from the fest will be distributed to two worthy causes: the Sophia Bartholomew Trust Fund and the Center for Enriched Living.”
Sophia is the daughter of fallen Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, a member of the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox community, who was killed in the line of duty on April 25, and the fund was established to assist her with future financial needs. The Center for Enriched Living is a nonprofit organization in Riverwoods that supports individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing opportunities for personal success, fun and friendship, employment, and community involvement.
The tradition of hosting a community-wide Greek fest is a huge undertaking that involves amassing hundreds of volunteers. Over the two days, there will be over 2,000 man-hours of volunteer service clocked, and that does not account for the thousands of hours that go into planning the event. What else does hosting Greek Fest involve? Skewering 875 pounds of chicken and pork shish-kabob, simmering 365 pounds of rice, cutting 220 pounds of feta, slicing 450 pounds of gyros, roasting six whole lambs, frying 12,000 loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), shuttling hundreds of people to and from the Loyola Academy parking lot, and dedicating immeasurable amounts service and commitment to the community.
In addition to its delicious food, the festival features entertainment for all ages, including a DJ playing lively Greek music, daily performances of traditional Greek dances by young parishioners, a dedicated KidsZone with games and activities for children ages 12 and under, and guided tours of the church’s interior offered several times each day. Guests can also enjoy Greek beer and wine while taking in the festivities.
Admission to Greek Fest is free, and there is free parking with shuttle service at Loyola Academy, 1100 Laramie St. (at Lake Avenue). Limited valet parking, for a small charge, is available in the lot north of the church on Wagner Road. Patrons are encouraged to make purchases by credit card. For more information visit ssppglenview.org/greek-fest-2026.