Although the Roseville Greek Food Festival is not a must-go event for me, it definitely is for the…read moreGreek community and St. Anna's Greek Orthodox Church members.
I sat with a retired woman on the free shuttle bus from the parking lot who told me she has attended every year since she was a teenager! Apparently, there is a circuit of Greek festivals in the Sacramento area, including St. Katherine's in Elk Grove in late September and Sacramento Greek Festival (Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church) in early October. She cherishes the homemade food. She recommended the pastitsio (Greek lasagna) and spanakopita, but her absolute favorite is the LOUKOUMADES (Greek donut bites drizzled with honey, cinnamon, and optional walnuts).
$5 admission. Cashless transactions.
While in the main hall food line, I asked a church member food festival volunteer what she liked. She said the lamb and pastitsio were good. Because she doesn't like spinach, she said her favorite was the TYROPITA. I'm pretty sure I would have loved that given how much I enjoyed the Spanakopita.
When I lucked out to find a seat under the shaded outdoor patio, one couple who had purchased nearly every food item told me their favorite was the pastitsio.
I purchased lamb ($15 in September 2026), pastitsio ($13), spanakopita ($5), mizithra pasta ($8), loukoumades (small for $10), baklava ($4.25), melomakarona ($2.75), and almond crescent cookie ($2.75). I spent a lot more than I expected.
My favorites were the SPANAKOPITA, ALMOND CRESCENT COOKIE, Mizithra Pasta, and Loukoumades. The Almond Crescent cookie reminded me of the chewy Italian amaretti cookies, so I was happily surprised and delighted by it. Spanakopita was warm and flaky.
The Loukoumades was a long, slow line around 3:15 PM. I was in line for at least 40 minutes.
Rice Pilaf was sold out when I was in main food line around 2 PM. More was getting prepared, but it would have been a 12 minute wait (I couldn't hold up the line that long), so I opted for the Mizithra Pasta.
The main food line was inside the building with the fellowship room (the prior sanctuary). I think I waited about 20 minutes. The line then split into 2 cafeteria lines. You receive a plastic reusable tray, paper plate, plastic utensils, and napkins. Outside the main food hall, there is a patio with a long table with to-go boxes and plastic bags. You can return the trays there.
I went on Sunday, Day 2 of the festival. Many of the desserts were already sold out before I arrived. One bakery staffer told me the Galaktoboureko, the custard phyllo pastry, was her favorite, but that was sold out.
I didn't think the Pastitsio and Lamb (leg meat) were served hot enough. They were prepared in advance and kept in warming trays. You could see the volunteers grilling chicken and sausage, so those might be fresher and hotter.
Great Greek Mediterranean Grill offered free samples of hummus with your choice of carrots or pita bread.
The shuttle buses were actual buses, not vans. There were at least 2 in service. Parking is less than a mile away, so you could walk back on your own. Getting to the festival was much faster than waiting for a ride home at a popular departure time. I suspect I waited around 45 minutes for a ride back. First bus in front of me filled, so I had to wait for the next bus. If you're about 2/3 up the hill waiting for the bus, you probably won't make it on the bus. On-site parking is limited, so it's recommended to park in the nearby lot (1411 Secret Ravine Parkway, Roseville, CA 95661).
I was focused on trying and buying the food, so I didn't spend time shopping or enjoying the music or Greek dancing. I probably would've enjoyed dancing. I did bump into or recognize people I knew from pickleball and line dancing, so it can be a fun and friendly gathering place. I did chat with people while in line for food.
You can also go on a scheduled tour of the church. You can't bring food or drink into the sanctuary. There is a church store where you can buy Christian items and local honey from monasteries.
Main activity is eating, so you'll probably spend 1.5 to 2 hours to stand in line and eat. Allocate time for the shuttle bus or walk back to your car.
Here's the website for the Roseville Greek Food Festival held annually at St. Anna's Greek Orthodox Church:
https://festival.saintanna.org/
