Experience fall festival fun at Greek Fest and Oktoberfest

PHOENIX (AZ family) — Although it may not seem like fall in the Valley yet weather-wise, it’s fall festival season!

Good Morning Arizona gives you an inside look at all the festival fun by taking in two must-see events in the Valley: Oktoberfest and Greek Fest. Oktoberfest will take 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 Festival is one of the oldest and largest cultural festivals in the state. The festival began as a small Greek “food bazaar” in 1961, but has truly evolved into a favorite Phoenix event filled with performances, shopping, and Greek food, of course!

Then head to Tempe for the 51st Annual Four Peaks Oktoberfest! Guests can enjoy German music and performances, German beers, brats and carnival food, stein holding contests and Dachshund races.

Greek Festival Market

Need food, clothes, gift items and more? The Greek Fest Market has you covered! International vendors come to Vall del Sol to showcase their jewelry, artwork, ceramics, clothing accessories, and gift items. Merchant vendors also feature items imported from Greece, such as jewelry, ceramics, and art and clothing.

Customers can stop by the Agora Market and pick up feta cheese, kalamata olives, filo dough, fresh oregano and other foods imported from Greece.

The fastest dogs in the West

You’ve heard of pig racing and horse racing, but what about Dachshund racing? These little wiener dogs take to the track to try and win the spot of top dog at Oktoberfest! This year, a new category was created for non-wiener dogs measuring 12 inches or less at the shoulder who like to run. Guests can go to Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday to see these puppies and cheer them on!

Craving Greek food?

Make sure you arrive at 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 for “lasagna”), spanakopita, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and roast lamb are just a few of the things on the menu!

Don’t forget a sweet treat! Guests can enjoy baklava, loukoumades (fried honey buns), 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 to the bratwurst shops and pick up a jalapeño with cheddar, a chicken sausage, or the famous sauerkraut.

If you’re craving carnival food, Oktoberfest has you covered. Discover yourself with a meatball, pizza, churros, funnel cakes and fried sweets.

To finish off your meal, wash it down with your favorite local beers from Four Peaks Brewing and various German brews. There will also be a selection of seltzers, canned cocktails, wine and Jägermeister. See all beverage options here.

Test your strength

See if you’ve got what it takes at the 4th Annual Stein Holding Oktoberfest Contest! Stein holding, a tradition of German culture, tests contestants’ strength and endurance as they attempt to hold a full 1 liter beer mug at a distance 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.

Magnificent tours of the cathedral

Guided tours of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity are offered throughout the festival. Guests can see the intricate stained glass windows, which are among the rarest and largest in the state. Festival-goers can also learn about the ancient traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy during self-guided tours.

Oktoberfest lineup

More than two dozen artists will take the Oktoberfest stage this year! Good Morning Arizona caught up with Das Aubachtal Sextett, a band that traveled 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 lineup and schedule here.

See a spelling or grammar mistake in our story? Click here to report it.

Got a photo or video of a breaking news story? send we do it here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.