48th Annual St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival Brings the Flavors, Music & Traditions to Atlanta October 10–11

Beloved Atlanta tradition welcomes the community for a weekend of authentic food, culture, family activities and Middle Eastern hospitality

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, October 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ATLANTA, GA — October 5, 2026 — One of Atlanta’s longest-running cultural celebrations returns this weekend as St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church hosts its 48th Annual Middle Eastern Festival on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026.
For nearly five decades, the St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival has brought together Atlantans of all backgrounds to experience the food, hospitality, traditions and faith of the Middle Eastern community.

At the heart of the festival is food — much of it prepared by members of the St. Elias community from treasured family recipes passed down through generations. Festival guests can enjoy favorites including stuffed grape leaves, kibbeh, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouli, falafel, kafta and chicken plates, along with Arabic coffee and traditional Middle Eastern sweets including baklawa, ma'amoul and knafeh.

Beyond the food, visitors can experience a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern culture and community. Families are invited to enjoy the Kids Corner, featuring bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy, crafts and activities for children.

Guests can also step inside historic St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church for guided tours exploring the church's architecture, icons, history and the ancient Orthodox Christian faith that has been an integral part of Middle Eastern culture for centuries.

Festival Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Church Tours: 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Vespers: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 11, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Church Tour: 1:30 p.m.
Matins: 8:50 a.m.
Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Location:
St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church
2045 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA

PLEASE NOTE: The St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival is a CASHLESS event. Guests should plan to use a credit or debit card or other accepted electronic payment method for festival purchases.

The festival welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and ages. Whether guests come for the food, family activities, culture or simply the opportunity to experience Middle Eastern hospitality, the St. Elias community invites Atlanta to come together for a weekend celebrating tradition, faith and community.

Festival Information:
www.StEliasMidEastFestival.org
StEliasFest@gmail.com
404-378-8191

About St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church
St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church has served the Atlanta community for generations, preserving and sharing the ancient Orthodox Christian faith and the rich cultural traditions of the Middle East. The annual St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival has grown from a community gathering into a beloved Atlanta tradition celebrating food, faith, family and Middle Eastern hospitality.

Tatiana Matthews
St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church
+1 770-354-1911
email us here
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