The church grounds buzzed with activity this week as St. Mary Orthodox Church kicked off its annual summer carnival, welcoming families and visitors to four days of rides, entertainment, food and community festivities.
The event, held at 6330 W. 127th St., opened June 4 and continues through Sunday, drawing crowds from across the southwest suburbs for one of the area’s longtime summer traditions.
Children lined up for carnival rides and games while families gathered beneath tents to enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment. Throughout the weekend, visitors also have the opportunity to step inside the church for guided tours and learn more about Orthodox Christian traditions and the history of the congregation.
The carnival blends a traditional church festival atmosphere with a packed entertainment schedule that includes concerts, cultural performances, comedy and religious programming.
Thursday’s opening night featured the first church tour of the weekend as guests explored the sanctuary and grounds.
The festivities continued on Friday with a Byzantine Choir Concert, additional church tours and a comedy show by Vito Zatto.
Saturday’s lineup includes a fire truck visit, performances by the band How Rude, Great Vespers, and a traditional Levant Debkeh dance performance. The evening concludes with a concert featuring Saed Khoury and Noor Kurdi.
On Sunday, the festival wraps up with performances by Buckle, Saed Khoury and Bara Talahmeh, along with another Levant Debkeh performance before the gates close at 9 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person, while children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Admission is valid for one day only, and re-entry is not permitted.
Organizers said the annual event continues to serve as both a community gathering and an opportunity to showcase the church’s culture, faith and hospitality.
With two days still remaining, festivalgoers can expect a weekend filled with music, food, family activities and a celebration of community on the grounds of St. Mary Orthodox Church.
