Two major Knoxville fall cultural festivals are this weekend – HoLa Festival and GreekFest.  If you haven’t been to these, we hope you’ll make plans to join the fun!

Hola Festival
HoLa Festival

The HoLa Festival is a celebration of the diversity of Latino culture hosted by HoLa Hora Latina.  It is a newer festival to the Knoxville scene, with 2018 being only its 4th year running.  However, this event draws quite a crowd and turns Market Square into a giant party.  Expect to see a parade of nations, crafts, performances, and don’t forget to come hungry – there will be food from all over the world represented here!  Want a sample of what will be offered?  We thought so!

  • Puerto Rico - Alcapurrias, Bacalaítos, Pastelillos de carne y queso y arroz con dulce.
  • México/Brazil - Crepas, Tacos de Canasta, Helado Frito, Bolis, Coxinhas, Pan de Queso, Brigadeiros, Repostería Brasileña
  • Panama - Pollo Frito con Yuca frita, hojaldras, plátano verde o maduro y cocada.
  • Mexico - Tacos, Tamales y Elotes
  • Bolivia - Salteñas de Pollo o Carne, Empanas de Queso, Tres Leche, Flan, Brazo Gitano
  • Mexico - Pambazos, Elotes, Esquites
  • Colombia - Arepas de pollo y queso, Empanadas de arroz y pollo
  • México - Elotes cocidos, Nachos, Tacos de Carne de res, pollo, chorizo
  • Venezuela - Tequeños con queso mozzarella y con mermelada, dulce de leche
  • Mexico - Mangonadas, Raspados, Fruta
  • Venezuela - Arepas de carne mechada, pollo, queso blanco y/o amarillo, patacones de carne mechada, pollo, queso blanco y/o amarillo
  • Mexico - Churros simples y con rellenos de cajeta, chocolate, fresa, lechera
  • El Salvador - Pupusas, Tamales Salvadoreños, Tamalitos de elotes, Rellenitos de Plátano maduro con leche y frijoles
  • Mexico - Elotes, Esquites, tostiesquites, tosticeviche, chocoflan, empanadas, papas locas, cacahuates locos
  • Venezuela - Arepas con diferentes rellenos, cachapas, empanadas, platos tradicionales, quesillo, hallacas y ballitos.

Seriously, come hungry! 😊

  • Dates: September 29, 2018 to September 30, 2018
  • Times: Saturday 7:00pm-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm
  • Location: Market Square

GreekFest
GreekFest

GreekFest on the other hand has been around the block a time or two, in fact, 2018 will be their 39th annual event!  This event is hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Church, and features authentic Greek food, pastries, live music, dancing, shopping and more. 

Inside St. George Greek Orthodox Church courtesy of St. George
Inside St. George Greek Orthodox Church courtesy of St. George

Want to know more about the Greek Orthodox faith?  They will have church tours so you can learn more about their culture and see some of the beautiful iconography.  Also inside you can shop the Agora for Greek clothing, ceramics, books, jewelry, and icons. 

Since this festival takes place on the church grounds, no on-site parking is available.  But they have a complimentary shuttle that runs during these hours to multiple nearby parking lots {go HERE for all parking/shuttle details}

GreekFest
GreekFest courtesy of St. George

Most importantly, let’s talk about the food!  Expect to see baklava, souvlaki, gyro, spanakopita, loukoumades, and even frappes and Greek coffee.  Credit cards are accepted at most of the food booths.

  • Dates: September 28, 2018 to September 30, 2018
  • Times: Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Admission - $2 for adults, $3 weekend pass, children under 12 free
  • Schedule: Schedule of Events
  • Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Church {3070 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37919}

Come out and meet your neighbors and visitors with an Hola and an Opa this weekend!