Plan Your Visit

What to expect on the day

The festival runs Saturday, October 3, from 11 AM through 11 PM. Performances and demos repeat across the day, so there's always something on the stage and something fresh off the grill no matter when you arrive.

Saturday, October 3

11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

11:00 AM

Gates open & opening blessing

The festival opens with a short blessing led by clergy from St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, our host parish — a moment of welcome before the day begins.

Faith & Heritage

11:15 AM

Food service begins

Shawarma, kebabs, manakish off the saj, mezze, and trays of baklava and knafeh — the kitchens and food booths open for the day.

Food

11:30 AM

Kids' activities & marketplace open

The dedicated kids' area, games, and the makers' marketplace run through the afternoon so families can settle in for the day.

Kids & Family

12:30 PM

Live music — oud & derbake

The first set of live Lebanese music fills the grounds, with the oud and the derbake setting the rhythm of the afternoon.

Music

2:00 PM

Lebanese cooking demo

Watch a festival cook walk through a Lebanese classic — from hand-rolled grape leaves to baklava — with tastings while they last.

Cooking Demo

3:30 PM

Dabke performance

The dabke line takes the stage in traditional dress — and by the second song, the crowd is invited to join in.

Dance

5:00 PM

Evening music set

The music shifts into the dinner hour as the grills fire back up for the evening rush.

Music

6:00 PM

Cooking demo — sweets edition

A second demo focused on Lebanese sweets — baklava, knafeh, and more — with tastings while supplies last.

Cooking Demo

7:00 PM

Headline dabke & live band

The biggest performance of the day — a full dabke troupe with a live band carrying the evening.

Dance & Music

8:30 PM

Grand raffle drawing

The grand raffle drawing — proceeds support local cultural and community programs in San Joaquin County. You don't need to be present, but it's more fun if you are.

Raffle

9:30 PM

Late-night music & dancing

The band plays on into the night — oud, derbake, and one last chance to join the dabke line under the lights.

Music & Dance

11:00 PM

Festival closing

Thank you for celebrating year one with us. See you next October.

$5 per person at the gate.

Come for an hour or stay all day. Food, drinks, raffle entries, and marketplace goods are purchased on-site. Bring the whole family.

Be Part of It

Get here — or get a booth

Planning your visit? Find parking and directions before you go. Want to sell at the festival? Vendor applications for October 3, 2026 are open now.

Directions & Parking Become a Vendor