Paniyiri Festival is Queensland’s biggest cultural festival and Australia’s longest running Greek festival. The event is celebrating its 41st year, after it began in 1976 with a group of Greek Australians’ dream of bringing the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and atmosphere of Greece to the streets of Brisbane.

What is it? Paniyiri is a celebration of all things Greek. The 2 day festival takes place every year in Musgrave Park and attracts over 60,000 visitors. With food stalls, cooking classes, events, music, and dance, it’s an immersive experience in the Greek culture.

Why go? There’s a reason that Paniyiri gets busier and busier every year. There is something for the whole family and plenty of delicious food to fill everyone’s belly.

The official schedule for 2017 hasn’t been released yet, but there will definitely be:

• Over 30 Greek food stalls
• Dance performances, including Zorba, Kalamatiano, Sirto and Sousta to traditional Greek music
• Cooking classes
• Plate smashing
• Comedic performances
• Olive and honey puff eating competitions and grape stomping competitions
• Plenty of rides, as well as a side show alley

When is it? The second-last weekend of May, Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st.

Where can I stay? There are countless accommodation options around West End, South Brisbane, South Bank and Brisbane City, plus it’s very easy to access via public transport.

How to get there? The main festival is held in Musgrave Park on Edmondstone Street in South Brisbane, with some events taking place in The Greek Club across the road.

Parking might be difficult around the festival, so your best bet is to catch either a bus, ferry, or train to South Brisbane and walk up to Musgrave Park. The walk only takes 5 minutes.

How much is it? $12 for a 1 day pass. $20 for a 2 day pass. Children under 13 are free, and tickets for pensioners with a valid concession card are $5.

You can buy tickets here.

Want to learn more? Head to the official festival website for more information. Keep your eyes out for the schedule which will be released soon.