أهلاً وسهلاً · Welcome
16th Annual Mediterranean Festival
One of the Denver metro's favorite Mediterranean food festivals — a two-day celebration of music, food & faith in Arvada, open to all ages and backgrounds. August 29–30, 2026.
The Saint Elias Mediterranean Festival is an annual two-day Mediterranean food festival in the Denver metro area, held August 29–30, 2026 at Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 7580 Pierce St, Arvada, Colorado. Now in its 16th year, the festival welcomes the whole community for a family-friendly celebration of the many cultures of the Mediterranean — a feast of music, food, and hospitality shared with all of Arvada and the greater Denver area.
Hosted at the church on 7580 Pierce St and spilling out into St. Elias Park, the festival brings together authentic Arabic music, Mediterranean cuisine, and traditions carried across generations — with contributions from individuals representing many cultures across the Mediterranean. It has become one of the northwest Denver metro's most-loved food festivals, drawing neighbors from Arvada, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and across Colorado. Come hungry, come curious, and bring the whole family — from the youngest to the eldest, there is something here for everyone.
When & where · 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, August 30, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Admission: $5 before 4:00 PM · $10 after 4:00 PM · children welcome
Where: Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 7580 Pierce St, Arvada, CO 80003, with family activities at neighboring St. Elias Park.
What to Expect
Two days of music, flavor & welcome
A taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Arvada — here's what awaits you at the festival.
Arabic Music
Live, authentic Arabic music fills the grounds — the heartbeat of the celebration, with rhythms made for dancing.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Shawarma, kebabs, falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, savory pies, and honey-sweet baklava — authentic Mediterranean food prepared by our parish families.
Turkish Coffee
Sip a small cup of rich, aromatic Turkish coffee — a warm tradition of Mediterranean hospitality.
Flavored Hookah
Relax with friends over flavored hookah — a leisurely Mediterranean pastime, and a fine way to linger into the evening.
Henna Art
Have delicate henna designs traced onto your hands — a beautiful, time-honored Mediterranean craft for all ages.
Fashion Show
A colorful fashion show celebrating dress and style from many cultures across the Mediterranean.
Meet Fr. George · Church Tours
Meet Fr. George Shawareb, who shares the history and traditions of the Orthodox Church and welcomes visitors on guided tours.
Family & Kids at St. Elias Park
Bring the children to St. Elias Park for activities and open space to play — a festival made for the whole family.
On the menu
The food is the heart of the festival. Our parish kitchens cook for weeks beforehand, and the tables are heavy with the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Come hungry for shawarma, charcoal-grilled chicken and beef kebabs, kafta, falafel, and gyros, alongside classic mezze — creamy hummus, baba ghanoush, fresh tabbouleh and fattoush, warm pita, and tender stuffed grape leaves. Save room for our famous spinach and meat pies (fatayer and sfeeha), and for a table of handmade sweets: flaky baklava, maamoul, and syrup-soaked pastries, finished with a small cup of rich Turkish coffee. Whether you grew up on this food or are tasting it for the first time, there is a plate here with your name on it.
Something for every age
Beyond the music and food, the festival is packed with family fun: friendly competitions in basketball, volleyball, ping pong, and a watermelon-eating contest; bounce castles and water play from a fire truck for the kids; and cultural performances and community events throughout the day. Our mission is simple — to celebrate and share the beauty of Mediterranean cultures through food, music, and community fun, spreading love, understanding, and joy to all.
Photo Gallery
Scenes from the festival
A look back at the music, food, and fellowship of our Mediterranean Festival. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Plan your visit
The Mediterranean Festival is held at Saint Elias Orthodox Church, 7580 Pierce St, Arvada, CO 80003 — an easy drive from anywhere in the Denver metro — with family activities continuing at nearby St. Elias Park. It's a two-day celebration, open to all ages and backgrounds.
This year the festival returns Saturday, August 29 (12–10 PM) and Sunday, August 30, 2026 (12–8 PM). Admission is $5 before 4:00 PM and $10 after, and children are always welcome. Have a question before you come? Contact the parish and we'll be glad to help.
Start your day by meeting Fr. George Shawareb, who shares the history and traditions of the Orthodox Church, then head over to St. Elias Park for the activities and food.
Vendors Welcome
Showcase your business at the festival
Interested in showcasing your products or services? Set up a booth and connect with a diverse audience across two days.
Vendor Opportunity · Non-food vendors
Reserve a booth at the Saint Elias Mediterranean Festival and reach the whole community.
Volunteer
A festival this size is only possible because parishioners and friends give their time each year — شكراً to everyone who pitches in. We especially need volunteers for every festival: cooking, serving, setup, and welcoming guests. Sign up to volunteer for the festival, or support the parish year-round through giving.
Come & See
We'll save you a seat at the table
Whether you come for the music, the food, or simply to meet your neighbors, there's a warm welcome waiting at the Mediterranean Festival. Reach out with any question, or explore our other parish gatherings.