33rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival

Start: Saturday, September 5, 2026 11:00AM
End: Sunday, September 6, 2026 5:00PM

Holy Transfiguration Church Welcomes Labor Day Weekend with 33rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival Get Ready for a Flavor-Packed Weekend of Festivities! McLean, Va. -- Prepare for a dazzling celebration of culture, cuisine, and community at one of Northern Virginia’s most beloved traditions! On September 5 and 6, Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church will transform its grounds at 8501 Lewinsville Road into a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells for the 33rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. What’s Waiting for You? • Grilled Shish Kebob alongside oven baked Kibbeh, slow roasted lamb, crispy Falafel, and other festival favorites, such as Stuffed Grape Leaves, Shawarma, Mnazeleh, Tabouleh and Hummus. • Tables overflowing with decadent pastries like Baklawa, Maamoul and Ghraybeh. • Atayef and Knafeh – two specialty desserts – one a pancake-like pastry filled with pistachios and drizzled with rose-water syrup; another a warm, syrup soaked cheese pastry crowned with pistachios. • Live Arabic music, joyful dancing, and a chance to join the Dabke, a high-energy folk line dance. • Fun for the whole family with two moon bounces, giant slide, face painting, petting zoo, and games galore. • Browse vendor booths, explore church tours, bid on silent auction items, and soak in the famous hospitality. Don’t Miss the “Hafli” – a high-spirited Arabic celebration with live music – at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. This lively outdoor party invites everyone to dance under the stars. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just learning the steps for the first time, you’ll be swept up in the fun! Festival Hours • Saturday, September 5: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. • Sunday, September 6: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Rain or shine, the celebration goes on! Admission and parking are free. Details, menus, and online ordering can be accessed at www.MiddleEasternFoodFestival.com. Holy Transfiguration is a proud parish of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, embracing the rich Byzantine tradition rooted in the Middle East. ###