San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival 2026

Looking for something fun to do in South Orange County this weekend? The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival returns September 26–27, 2026, for a weekend filled with authentic Greek food, live music, dancing, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment.

Hosted by St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, the annual festival brings a taste of Greece to San Juan Capistrano and has become a popular community event for visitors from across Orange County and Southern California.

Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the 2026 San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival.

When Is the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival 2026?

The festival takes place over two days:

Saturday, September 26, 2026: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, September 27, 2026: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Location:
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

The festival is hosted by St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church and offers a full weekend celebrating Greek food, music, traditions, and community.

Authentic Greek Food & Pastries

Come hungry!

Food is one of the biggest attractions at the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, with a large selection of traditional Greek dishes, desserts, and drinks available throughout the weekend.

Festival favorites include gyros served with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki, chicken souvlaki, pastichio, spanakopita, dolmathes, Greek potatoes, Greek salads, lamb dishes, and Greek-style fries.

And make sure you save room for dessert.

Traditional Greek sweets include baklava and loukoumades, the popular pastry puffs dipped in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Visitors can also find Greek coffee, frappes, wine, beer, ouzo, and other beverages.

Live Greek Music & Dancing

Food is only part of the experience.

The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival celebrates Greek culture with live Greek music and dancing throughout the weekend.

Whether you have Greek heritage or simply want to experience the culture, the festival offers an opportunity to enjoy traditional music, dancing, food, and the welcoming atmosphere Greece is famous for.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself joining in!

Shopping & Family Fun

The festival is designed to be an event the entire family can enjoy.

In addition to the food and entertainment, visitors can browse shopping opportunities and spend the afternoon enjoying the festival atmosphere at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

The event draws visitors from throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond each year, making it one of the area's notable September community celebrations.

What to Eat at the Greek Festival

With so many choices, deciding what to order might be the hardest part of the day.

A few items worth looking for include:

Gyros – A lamb and beef blend wrapped in warm pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.

Chicken Souvlaki – Tender Greek-style chicken skewers.

Pastichio – Seasoned ground beef and pasta topped with béchamel sauce and baked.

Spanakopita – Flaky filo pastry filled with spinach and cheese.

Saganaki – Flaming Greek cheese finished with brandy and lemon.

Loukoumades – Pastry puffs covered in honey syrup and cinnamon sugar.

Baklava – One of Greece's most recognizable desserts and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

There are plenty of options to share, so going with a group is a great excuse to try a little bit of everything.

Spend the Day in San Juan Capistrano

The Greek Festival is also a great reason to spend some extra time exploring San Juan Capistrano.

Known for its historic downtown, Spanish architecture, restaurants, shops, equestrian roots, and the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano, the city offers a completely different atmosphere from neighboring coastal communities.

You can spend part of your day at the festival and then head toward downtown San Juan Capistrano to explore the shops and restaurants around the Los Rios Historic District.

Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and other South Orange County communities are also just a short drive away.

Experience Life in San Juan Capistrano

Community events like the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival are part of what makes living in South Orange County so special.

San Juan Capistrano combines history and small-town character with beautiful neighborhoods, open space, equestrian properties, restaurants, community events, and convenient access to the Southern California coast.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in San Juan Capistrano or anywhere in South Orange County, Holly McKhann is here to help you navigate the local real estate market.