St. George Middle Eastern Festival

The St. George Middle Eastern Festival is an annual cultural event held at St. George Orthodox Christian Church in Fishers, Indiana, celebrating Middle Eastern heritage through faith, hospitality, food, pastries, music, crafts, church tours, and children's amusements. It generally runs over a weekend—in 2025, from September 19 to 21—and charges a parking fee only for admission.

The festival is hosted by the St. George Orthodox Christian Church community, a parish known for its Byzantine-style church building modeled after Hagia Sophia and its diverse congregation including immigrants from Middle Eastern countries and converts to Orthodoxy. The festival evolved from a church fundraiser into a large community event attracting close to 4,000 guests over two days.

The atmosphere of the festival is family-friendly and welcoming, combining religious faith and cultural celebration with a vibrant Middle Eastern vibe featuring authentic food and music. Visitors can expect a rich experience of Orthodox Christian faith intertwined with Middle Eastern traditions.

Typical activities include:

• Serving a wide range of traditional Middle Eastern foods and pastries
• Live Middle Eastern music performances
• Cultural and craft vendors showcasing Middle Eastern arts and handmade goods
• Guided tours of the Byzantine-inspired St. George Orthodox Church
• Amusements and special activities for children

The event emphasizes hospitality and community engagement, reflecting the parish’s mission of welcoming all into their worship and cultural heritage.

While specific daily schedules can vary, the festival usually offers the food and vendor areas open throughout each day, with music and cultural performances scheduled at key points, and church tours available during daylight hours. Parking is convenient and accessible, with the church and festival site being fully handicapped accessible.

Overall, the St. George Middle Eastern Festival is an immersive celebration of faith and culture rooted in the Orthodox Christian Church and Middle Eastern community traditions in the Indianapolis/Fishers area.