(This story is sponsored by Vancouver Greek Summerfest.)

For more than 30 years the Vancouver Greek Summerfest has delighted visitors with food, entertainment, and community spirit. More than 50,000 people from across the Lower Mainland and internationally will attend the 11-day celebration from Thursday (July 4) to Sunday (July 14), making it the largest multi-day festival in East Vancouver.

Taking place near the Burnaby border (only a 10-minute walk from Joyce Skytrain station) visitors can enjoy free-admission for what’s sure to be a family-friendly, good time.

The entire festival is centred on bringing people of all cultures and backgrounds together from the attendees, to the volunteers, to the performers—while also raising funds for the various youth, senior, non-profits, and outreach programs in the area.

Organizers recognize that the festival has grown with thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors who help make it possible. This year, Global B.C. News and Beer League are the gold level sponsors.

Greek Summerfest is also important because it allows various local performers to present their art, in addition to having headliners such as legendary Blues musician, Jim Byrnes; bouzouki musician Yannis Sahamis; and Gotta B George, the George Michael tribute artist.

For the duration of the festival, visitors can enjoy a different live band every night, in addition to performances by dance troupes from all over the world. Be sure to check out the full schedule of events so that you don’t miss your favourites.

This year, Summerfest will be supporting three charities, Ronald McDonald House B.C. on July 8, the Burnaby Society to End Homelessness on July 9, and the Burn Fund of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association on July 10.

Although it is free to attend, all proceeds from food sales are invested back into the community to support the advancement of registered charities. With Greek culinary delights like souvlaki, loukoumades (mini honey doughnuts), and whole barbecued lamb, it will be hard to resist. There will be side dishes on the menu, such as tyropita—a fluffy filo pastry with a unique cheese filling—and vegan and vegetarian options, too. Delish!

If all of this has whetted your appetite, visitors can also enter to win a trip for two to Greece, courtesy of Omega Travel, and experience Greek culture in real life! Two-dollar raffle tickets can be purchased throughout the festival for a number of great prizes and the winner of the grand prize trip (valued at $2,500) will be drawn on the final day of the event.

For more information or to view the full schedule of events, visit vancouvergreeksummerfest.com/.