The Yiasou Greek Festival began in 1978 and since then has become one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events. It is eagerly anticipated by the Charlotte community each year. Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye and Cheers) Greek Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, entertainment, art, shopping and more. Experience the sights and sounds of Greece when you visit the 31st Annual Yiasou Greek Festival. It's a time of the year when everyone can be Greek!

The Yiasou Festival has been honored to receive several awards over recent years including:
• Best International Festival - Charlotte Magazine in 2005
• The Best of Charlotte Award for Best Festival in 2004 - Creative Loafing
• One of Charlotte's Best Festivals in 2003 by Charlotte Observer readers
• Best Ethnic Festival of 2004, 2003 and 2000 - Creative Loafing
• Best Ethnic Festival of 1999 - Charlotte Magazine

Featured attractions this year include:

Choral Performance.  Holy Trinity’s Cathedral Choir presents “Hymns of the Greek Orthodox Church”.  A program featuring the rich heritage of ancient and modern musical styles of the Greek Orthodox Church. One performance only on Saturday, September 6, at 5:30 p.m. in the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Byzantine Exhibit.  Experience Orthodoxy and its Byzantine roots.  Breathtaking iconography among an array of Orthodox symbols is just a few of the beautiful religious items on display in this exquisite exhibit. 

Greek Cultural Exhibit.  One of the largest local collections on display, the Greek Cultural Exhibit will feature artifacts such as Greco-Roman spearheads and coins dating back to 500 BC and a living history presentation “Warriors of Greece”.  Witness Greece’s most celebrated fighters, the elite Spartans in person.  Experience the history and heritage of Ancient Sparta, and see why the Spartans were the most formidable warriors of all times.  Also on display are artifacts and items illustrating the culture of the small villages of Greece, and interesting facts about the Greek language which is the origin of many words.