Armenian Food Festival celebrates 61 years of traditional food, culture this weekend

If you’re in the mood for good Mediterranean fare, St. James Armenian Church is definitely the place to be this weekend.

The church is hosting the 61st annual Armenian Food Festival this Friday, September 6th through Sunday, September 8th. The festival features a wide selection of traditional Armenian food, wine, and beer, plus live music on the festival stage throughout the weekend.

The festival is the longest-running event of its kind in town. You’ll find a few culinary similarities to the larger Greek and Lebanese food festivals, but with a slightly smaller crowd and fewer lines, which is never a bad thing.

All of the food available is prepared by church members and includes shish kabobs, cheese beoreg, Armenian meat pies, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, the festival’s famous and original hye burger, sweet and savory pastries and more. Traditional music and dancing will also take place on the festival stage. Armenian beer and wine is available.

The church is located at 834 Pepper Avenue, off of Patterson Avenue. Admission is free and parking is available near the site. Credit cards are accepted at all booths.  Admission is free; pay as you go at each a la carte booth.

A small taste of the festival menu is below.