24th Annual Roanoke Lebanese Festival returns

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - People can immerse themselves in the Lebanese culture during the 24th Annual Roanoke Lebanese Festival at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church.

The festival features fresh Lebanese food such as meat pies, vegetarian grape leaves, grilled lamb and beef kabobs, a variety of dessert and more. Guests can shop for gifts, listen to Lebanese music and traditional Lebanese folk dancers will perform in full costume. Plus, children can participate in various activities.

“Our culture is very welcoming in a natural state. When you come into someone’s home, the first thing they want to do is feed you. We just want to share our culture and we’re an integral part of the Roanoke Valley. My ancestors came over from Lebanon and integrated themselves into the neighborhood and ran little grocery stores or confectioneries downtown on the market,” said the St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church Finance Chair, Sam Silek.

In addition to onsite dining, takeout and online orders will be available.

The Lebanese Festival is taking place Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31, from 11am-9pm and Sunday, June 1, from 11am to 8pm. Admission and parking are free.