Austin Mediterranean Festival Celebrates 80 Years This Weekend

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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!

Austin Mediterranean Festival Activities

From 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.

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.