In Wheeling, some summer weeks feel like traveling across continents—no passport required. With two beloved cultural celebrations unfolding back-to-back, locals and visitors alike get the chance to experience the vibrant flavors, music, and traditions of both Greece and Italy—right here at home.
First, the Wheeling Grecian Festival brings four days of dancing, food, and faith to the community from Wednesday, July 23 to Saturday, July 26 at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church (2215 Chapline Street). Then, the party moves to the waterfront for the Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival, happening Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27, with vendors, bocce, and music filling Heritage Port.
But these festivals are more than just good food and live music—they’re woven from deep cultural pride, rooted in faith, and sustained by generations of families who thrive on keeping the traditions alive. Whether it’s a grandmother’s recipe or a father teaching his child how to play bocce, these festivals are full of stories that continue to grow year after year.
At the Grecian Festival: Come for the Grape Leaves, Stay for the Dancing
The Wheeling Grecian Festival runs daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with both indoor and outdoor dining, a full menu of authentic Greek food and pastries, and cultural presentations throughout the day.
What to Expect:
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Greek Dance Performances by the Agape dancers at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. each evening (Wednesday through Saturday)
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Live Greek Music every night
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Fun with Phyllo cooking demo (Galatabaklava) by Maria Kayafas (daily at 2 p.m.)
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Greek Meatballs Demo with Barb Landers (daily at 4 p.m.)
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Bakery Tent, Pastry Booth, and Greek Market with imported goods
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Church Tours and a chance to learn about the Orthodox faith
Festival Memories, Family Stories
Maria Kayafas helped revive the parish’s dance program in the 1990s, and today, she leads more than 30 young dancers in regional dances from across Greece. “It’s a fabulous bonding experience for our young people and brings them closer together,” she said. “They dance with a lot of kefi—that’s Greek for joy for life.”
Maria’s involvement runs deep—from choreography and costume design to fundraising and even leading a daily baking class. “It truly has been a blessing to be part of this group,” she said. “Growing up Greek has been a blessing for me. I love my Orthodox faith and my Greek culture!”
For longtime volunteer Martha Busack, the festival is an expression of love for her heritage and for her family. “My Yiayia lived with us, so I had the opportunity to learn the language and traditions passed down—especially those tied to faith,” she said. Her favorite? Cracking red-dyed eggs on Easter while joyfully exclaiming Christos Anesti—Christ is risen!
Italian Fest: A Riverfront Party with a Side of Bocce
Down at Heritage Port, the Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival transforms the waterfront into a celebration of Italian-American life. It all kicks off Friday, July 25 at noon and runs through Sunday evening, offering a packed weekend of food, music, and heritage.
What to Expect:
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Live Music All Weekend on the main stage, with polka, oldies, and Italian classics
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Food Booths serving sausage sandwiches, meatballs, cannoli, pasta, pizza, Italian ice, and more
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Italian Heritage Tent with cultural exhibits and honoree displays
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Children’s Area with family-friendly activities and inflatables
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Massive Bocce Tournament inside WesBanco Arena
→ Saturday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.
→ Spectators welcome! -
Sunday Catholic Mass at 10 a.m. at the main stage
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Italian-American of the Year Recognition on Sunday
From One Generation to the Next
For Tom Triveri—named Italian of the Year in 2019—the festival is all about camaraderie, pride, and a little friendly competition. “I got into bocce when the festival moved down to Water Street,” he said. His team, the Italian Stallions, has placed multiple times in the tournament—earning two third-place finishes and two second-place spots. Tom jokes, “Maybe this is our year!”
Tom’s older brother, Bob Triveri, has been rolling with him since the beginning. A longtime board member of the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival, Bob shares his excitement for this year’s event: “The Italian Festival will be better than ever! And if you walk away hungry, it’s your own fault!”
That hunger is easily cured, according to Tom—his go-to is always the hot sausage sandwich. “Just as it comes,” he says, “with the sauce, green peppers, and onions.” With dozens of vendors and Italian classics lining the festival route, it’s easy to see why the Triveris—and thousands of other visitors—keep coming back for more.
Bocce has become a family tradition, too—Bob’s sons and Tom’s late son, David, have all joined the fun over the years, fielding their own teams or occasionally rolling together. David especially loved the tournament, and some of his closest friends continue to play in his memory, showing up each year to enjoy the game and the good company it brings.
Come Hungry, Leave Fulfilled
Whether you’re grabbing a forkful of baklava cheesecake or lining up for a sausage sandwich, there’s something special about these summer celebrations. They’re about more than food and dance—they’re about what it means to be part of something bigger: a family, a community, a tradition passed down and joyfully shared.
So come out. Grab your friends. Take a bite, toss a dollar, cheer at a bocce match. Whether it’s your heritage or just your hometown, there’s a place for you at both tables.
