This weekend (Oct. 5-7) is The Original Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral has everything a girl can dream of: food, music, wine, shopping, food, activities, wine, coffee, food, wine—you get it. You’ve got tonight, all day tomorrow and Sunday to hit it up, and as a native Houstonian, I do this thing a lot. Let me impart my expert knowledge to you, mere mortal.

How to _____ at Greek Fest… let me fill in that blank:

PARK:

Street parking is a nightmare, but doable. UNLESS YOU PARK IN A TOW-AWAY ZONE. It’s also Montrose, so those pesky zones are not readily visible. TBT to the ticket I got while going to Greek Fest (I parked behind another car, so I totally thought it was ok — we both were wrong). There are some cash lots, but I highly recommend Alto — use code ITSNOTHOU10 for a discount.

PLAN:

Tickets are just 5 bucks, nbd. Cash is faster, but they have credit card scanners and ATMs. Food runs you a few dollars for a la carte items, and $17 for the dinner plate. Pro tip: don’t waste your money on water. I *think* you’re allowed to bring in water.

EAT:

Your typical Greek food is all here. Here are my favorites: Baklava (aka layers of sticky-sweet shit on a crumbly cookie), spanakopita (greasy croissant + spinach), tiropita (heaven/cheese in a greasy croissant). Literally the trio of perfection. The two savory pastries are also a part of the dinner plate, if you want more variety/to eat your weight in Greek food.

DRINK:

Wine starts at $35 a bottle — and it’s all good. If you get beer, get the special edition No Label Brewery beer! The coffee is also amazing out there.

SHOP:

The market is in the auditorium, and has everything you want — olive oil, soap and candles, fashion items!

JAM:

Music performances are on the hour in the evening — last show is at 9, btw. But they have solid music all times.

Here’s everything else your lil Greek heart will need. 

This post originally published in 2015, but we update it every year with new info!