Sacramento Greek Festival

The ouzo-fueled Greek Festival is always a colorful scene, pulsing with music, dancing and a disproportionate number of swarthy men with names like Nick and Tony. And this year, the 51^st annual event will offer something new and different with a sports theme, complete with the Sacramento Kings Dancers and a visit from Dinger, the River Cats mascot.

But let’s be real: The Greek Fest is all about the eats, from garlicky chicken to delicious dolmas, luscious lamb, and fabulously flaky filo treats including Spanikopita and honey-drenched baklava. As a half-Greek girl myself, I can tell you first-hand the sponsoring Annunciation Greek Orthodox church knows how to throw it down—and apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so: A few years back, I spotted local celebrity chef Patrick Mulvaney at the fest, happily scarfing down a gyro. Opa indeed!

For more information, visit sacramentogreekfestival.com or call (916) 808-5291.

What: Sacramento Greek Festival
When: Friday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 30 from noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 31 from noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento
Cost: $5 admission for ages 12 & older; free for children under 12; free admission on Friday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.