Semaphore Greek Festival unveils full program for landmark 45th anniversary

·

The full program has been unveiled for the Semaphore Greek Festival, as one of South Australia’s most recognisable cultural celebrations prepares to mark an extraordinary 45 years on the Semaphore Foreshore.

Taking place on January 17 and 18, 2026, the free, two-day festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors once again, following last year’s turnout of around 45,000 people.

Organisers say the milestone edition will be bigger than ever, uniting the community under the theme “Όλοι Μαζί – All Together.”

What began as a modest community gathering has grown into a major cultural fixture on SA’s summer calendar, celebrating Greek heritage through food, music, dance and intergenerational connection. The festival has become a cherished tradition for Greek families across Adelaide, while also attracting visitors from interstate eager to experience Greek culture by the sea.

At the heart of the event is its volunteer base. More than 340 volunteers helped bring the festival to life in 2025, and organisers say the 45th anniversary will again be powered by the community, honouring decades of collective effort that have sustained the festival.

semaphore greek festival
At the heart of the event is its volunteer base.

The newly announced program features a packed schedule across both days, blending live music, traditional and contemporary dance performances, interactive competitions and family-friendly entertainment.

Dance schools and cultural groups from across the state will take to the stage, reinforcing the festival’s role in preserving and actively living Greek heritage.

Food remains a centrepiece of the celebration, with festival-goers able to enjoy classic Greek favourites including yiros, souvlaki, haloumi, spanakopita, tiropita, prasopita, kremidopita and lamb kontosouvli, alongside the festival’s iconic loukoumades. Greek coffee, refreshments and seaside views complete the experience.

Live entertainment will run throughout the weekend, with Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios headlining both nights, supported by DJ Apostal and performances from groups including the Messinian Dance School of SA, the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, the Cretan Association of SA and the Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy. AFL and AFLW players from Port Adelaide will also make special appearances during the program.

Set against the backdrop of the Semaphore beachfront, the festival invites families and friends to bring a picnic rug, enjoy the summer atmosphere and celebrate nearly half a century of Greek culture, community and togetherness.

Whether attending for the food, the music or the cultural experience, organisers say the 45th anniversary Semaphore Greek Festival promises a nostalgic yet vibrant celebration not to be missed.

Full Event Program

SATURDAY 17TH JAN 2026

  • 11.00am – DJ Apostal
  • 12.30 pmWho Loves Pita Competition
  • 1.00pm – DJ Apostal
  • 1.30 pm“Honey, I Ate The Loukoumades Competition”
  • 2.00pm – DJ Apostal
  • 2.30 pm – Half-time with Port Adelaide AFL Players
  • 3.00pmSpasta! Plate Smashing Competition
  • 3.15pm – DJ Apostal
  • 4.15pm – Messinian Dance School of SA
  • 4.30pm – Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Groups
  • 5.00pm – Official Opening Ceremony
  • 5.30pm – Bill Moutzouris Bouzouki School of Music
  • 6.00pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
  • 7.15 pm – Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group
  • 7.30 pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
  • 8.30 pm – Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy
  • 8.45 pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
  • 11pm – See You Tomorrow!

SUNDAY 18TH JAN 2026

  • 11.00am – DJ Apostal
  • 12.00pmYiros Yiros Oli Competition
  • 12.30 pm – DJ Apostal
  • 1.00pm“Honey, I Ate The Loukoumades Competition”
  • 1.30 pm – DJ Apostal
  • 2.00pm – Half-time with Port Adelaide AFLW Players
  • 2.30 pmWhat-A-Melon Eating Competition
  • 2.45pm – DJ Apostal
  • 3.30pm – Messinian Dance School of SA
  • 3.45pm – Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Groups
  • 4.15pm – Bill Moutzouris Bouzouki School of Music
  • 5.00pm – Cretan Association of SA Dance Group
  • 5.15pm – Messinian Dance School of SA
  • 5.30pm – Greek Lyceum of SA School of Greek Dance and Culture
  • 5.45pm – Just Dance Fitness with Martha
  • 6.15pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
  • 7.30pm – Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy
  • 8.00pm – Raffle Draw
  • 8.15pm – Enosis Band featuring Paras Siasios
  • 10.00pm – See You Next Year!

Event Details:

  • What: Semaphore Greek Festival – 45 Years
  • When: 17 & 18 January 2026
  • Where: Semaphore Foreshore
  • Time: From 11am
  • Cost: Free Entry

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

Greece records longest working week in the EU, Eurostat data shows

Workers in Greece recorded the longest average working week in the European Union in 2025, according to new Eurostat figures.

Cannabis use among Greek teens reaches 25-year high

Cannabis use among teenagers in Greece has climbed to its highest level in 25 years, according to new findings released.

Metallica fans shook Athens harder than Iron Maiden, seismologists find

Fans of Metallica generated stronger seismic activity than supporters of Iron Maiden during recent Athens concerts, according to a study.

Investigation underway after historic bell disappears from Pylos fortress

Authorities in southwestern Greece are investigating the disappearance of a commemorative bell from a chapel inside the historic Niokastro fortress in Pylos.

Standoff grows over reopening of Kalavryta’s historic rack railway

A disagreement has emerged between the Greek government and local authorities in Kalavryta over the reopening of the famous Diakofto–Kalavryta rack railway.

You May Also Like

Kytherian youth to be celebrated at annual Aroney Dinner Dance this weekend

The Kytherian Association of Australia's (KAA) annual Aroney Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, April 1 at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah.

Nazi German troops enter Athens, Greece in 1941

On this day in 1941, Nazi Germany invaded Greece after a complicated timeline of escalating tensions between Mussolini and the Hellenes.

The Australians of Greek heritage who were elected in SA’s Council Elections

The votes for the 2022 Council Elections across South Australia have been counted, here are the candidates of Greek heritage.