Austin Mediterranean Festival Celebrates 80 Years This Weekend

Wine at Austin Mediterranean FestivalClick Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast! 

We’re always looking for fun and unique Austin events to talk about on the Austinot. About a week ago, the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival asked the following question on our Facebook page:

Here’s an AUSTIN QUIZ for you cool Austinot folks: What is the oldest continually running festival in Austin?

I had a feeling that I knew the answer. Austin’s Mediterranean Festival is celebrating its 80th anniversary this weekend. It’s been a staple in our community since 1932, which is definitely farther back than I can remember!

Oldest Continually Running Festival in Austin

Austin Mediterranean Festival Activities

Romanian Food and Shish Ka Bob at Austin Mediterranean FestivalFrom 6-11 PM tonight and 12-11 PM tomorrow, visit 408 E. 11th St. for the following festivities:

  • Dancing and live music
  • Food from Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Eritrea and Romania – including gyros, kibbee, baklava, spanakopita and mici
  • Shopping in the festival marketplace
  • Games for kids in the Festival Kids’ Oasis

This Austin Mediterranean festival will go on, rain or shine. After 80 years, there’s not a lot that can get these folks to stay at home!

Admission and Updates

For families on a budget, admission to the festival will be free from 12-4 PM on Saturday, the 29th. If you’d like to go tonight or later on Saturday, tickets are available at all Austin Twin Liquors locations for a $5 donation.

Dance Demonstration at the St Elias Mediterranean Festival

For real-time updates on MedFest, check out Twitter.

 

@QuasiBrit asks:

What is your favorite Mediterranean food?

 

Photos via Flickr CC, courtesy of wine me up, and via MedFest.