Memorial Day weekend has long been the traditional start of summer, but in the South Bay it doesn’t feel like the season really arrives until we’re munching on lamb chops and baklava under white-and-blue striped umbrellas while people dance in a big circle, arm in arm. That’s right, the Greek Festival is back this weekend at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose.
The festivities kick off Friday at 5 p.m. at the church located at 1260 Davis St.
, and continue Saturday and Sunday, opening at 11 a.m. each of those days.
There’ll be lots of Greek food, music, dancing and wine — and best of all, you don’t need to be Greek to enjoy any of it, especially the loukoumades, an irresistible honey donut that I have failed to resist many times. If you’ve never been before, be sure to make time to tour the St. Nicholas church, which has a beautiful byzantine altar.
A couple of things to note: The festival is cashless, so expect to use a debit or credit card (and you can use cash to purchase a debit card at the festival) and your best bet for parking is at 1900, 1960 and 2021 The Alameda, where shuttle buses will run to and from the festival. There’s more information at , but the festival’s Facebook page ( ) has a full schedule. You’ve probably heard by now that in Los Gatos — known forever to many of us as Mountain Charley’s — is closing its doors this weekend after more than 50 years of good times.
Sunday’s final day will basically be an eight-hour jam .
