Charlotte’s Yiasou Greek Festival is back for a 45th year this September in Dilworth

• The Yiasou Greek Festival will run Sept. 8-10, Friday through Sunday, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on East Boulevard.

Why it matters: The Greek festival is one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events, drawing around 40,000 attendees each year for its food, performances and vendors. This year, it’s celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the church.

What to expect: Come hungry. The culinary experience is the highlight of the festival.

• Popular menu items, such as the Greek pizza and souvlaki, will be back.
• And while the Mediterraneans are known for their healthy diets, save room for desserts (plural intended). There will be loukoumades, the powered Greek doughnuts, and baklava, a sweet stuffed pastry.
• You can order a sit-down meal in the hall or grab some food from the tents and eat while you watch the reenactments and dance performances outside on one of several stages.
• There will be some special ceremonies and exhibits this year for the church’s anniversary, the cathedral’s communications director John Shelton tells Axios.

Details: The festival is located at 600 East Blvd., less than a mile walk from the East/West Boulevard light rail station.

• Tickets are $5. Admission is free for children under 12.