The International Greek Food Festival, held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Friday-Sunday (May 18-20) is an annual favorite for foodies young and old.

Families can explore the culture of the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean through culinary offerings; treat your taste buds to gyros, calamari, pastitso, sourota, baklava and this year's new item, the chicken gyro.

Visit the Old World Market to pick up specialty foods to tote home including frozen to-go dinners, falafel, olive oil from Greece, pastries, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, cheeses and a special handmade salad dressing that is bottled at the parish.

Food isn’t the only thing on the menu: Step inside the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for a tour with Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris. Visitors will learn about the history and traditions of the Orthodox Christian faith and get a insider's look at the iconography and hand-carved screen at the altar of the church.

Shoppers can browse booths selling imported items like Russian collectibles and Stavriana jewelry.

Check out the packed lineup of live entertainment featuring an array of dancers from Greek, Irish and Indian performers to flamenco dancers and cloggers. At 5 p.m. Saturday, audiences will be treated to a special performance from the young I Can! Dancers.

The younger set won't want to miss the dedicated area for kids; Centers for Youth and Families will organize activities such as crafts, face-painting, a candy walk, rides and games.

Proceeds from this year's festival will go to Arkansas Pediatric Facility, CARTI, Centers for Youth & Families, Community Connections, Easter Seals Arkansas, Love Truth Care Ministries and Youth Home.

Admission is free.  The festival is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon-6 p.m. Sunday. For more info and a schedule of performances and church tours: GreekFoodFest.com.