One of the Islands' favorite food fests is set for Aug. 29 and 30: the 29th annual Greek Festival, a fundraiser for Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific. The ladies of the church are once again in a cooking frenzy, preparing as much in advance as they can of such specialties as moussaka, spanakopita and pastitsio and readying to turn out a blizzard of pastries including loukoumades ("Greek malassadas"), baklava and more. Greek deli items and imports will be on sale as well.

The festival is from noon to 9 p.m. at McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park, and this year will feature not just food but the work of Byzantine iconographer Diamantis John Cassis, who will give daily presentations and paint icons on site. Admission will be $3 per person, free for children 11 and under. Information: www.greekfestivalhawaii.com.