McLean's 33rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, at Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church on Lewinsville Road.

The two-day festival, one of McLean's longest-running cultural events according to Patch, is free to attend. Parking is also free. The event runs rain or shine at 8501 Lewinsville Road.

Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday hours are 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What's on the menu

The food lineup includes grilled shish kebab, oven-baked kibbeh, slow-roasted lamb, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, shawarma, mnazeleh, tabouleh and hummus. Desserts include baklawa, maamoul and ghraybeh, plus a specialty item: atayef, a pancake-like pastry filled with pistachios and drizzled with rose-water syrup.

The festival also appears in WTOP's September food guide for the D.C. region.

Saturday night Hafli

The marquee draw is the Saturday evening Hafli, which begins at 6:30 p.m. "Hafli" means "party" in Arabic. The outdoor celebration features live music and dancing, including the Dabke, a traditional Middle Eastern folk line dance where attendees can join in. Knafeh, a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios, will be served at the Hafli while supplies last, according to TysonsToday.

Kids' zone and more

Children have a dedicated area with two moon bounces, an 18-foot slide, face painting, a petting zoo and games. Adults can browse vendor booths, take guided tours of the church, bid in a silent auction, or sit down for a game of backgammon or chess.

Live Arabic music and dancing run throughout the weekend.

Details

Online food ordering is available through the festival website at MiddleEasternFoodFestival.com. For more information, call 703-734-9566.

Upcoming McLean and Great Falls events

• Sept. 5-6: 33rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival, Holy Transfiguration Church, 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean. Free admission.
• Sept. 26: Gerry Connolly Trail signage unveiling, Fairfax County.