The Gold Coast Greek Festival drew about 8,500 people to HOTA, Home of the Arts, across the weekend of 31 October and 1 November, and organisers have confirmed it will return in 2027.

The two-day celebration of Greek food, music and culture brought the Gold Coast’s Greek community together while welcoming thousands of locals to the HOTA precinct, according to festival organisers.

Gold Coast Greek Festival by the numbers

Organisers said the crowd worked its way through 180kg of chicken and lamb over the weekend, along with an estimated 110,000 to 120,000 honey puffs (loukoumades).

Honey puffs frying at the Gold Coast Greek Festival
Organisers estimate 110,000 to 120,000 honey puffs were served across the weekend. Photo: M Sweetnam/Supplied
A tray of grilled meat and vegetables at the Gold Coast Greek Festival
A tray of Greek food is carried through the crowd at HOTA. Photo: M Sweetnam/Supplied

Dancing, plate smashing and fireworks

The program featured cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, plate smashing and traditional dancing, with fireworks lighting up the sky on the Saturday night.

A performer entertains the crowd at the Gold Coast Greek Festival at HOTA
A performer entertains the crowd on the lawn at HOTA. Photo: M Sweetnam/Supplied
Festival-goers join hands for a Greek circle dance at the Gold Coast Greek Festival
Festival-goers join hands for a traditional dance. Photo: M Sweetnam/Supplied

The weekend followed a busy lead-up for the city’s Greek community, including the festival’s official opening and a sister-city reaffirmation.

Greek City Times previewed the event, including George Calombaris’ appearance, in the weeks before.

Gold Coast Greek Festival returns in 2027

Organisers have confirmed the festival will be back in 2027. No dates for the 2027 event had been announced at the time of writing.

Source: Gold Coast Greek Festival