Armenia Fest 2026 brought Armenian culture to Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Armenia Fest 2026 filled the Royal Oak Farmers Market with Armenian music, dancing, food and tradition on Saturday, Aug. 22, bringing families, friends and visitors together for the annual Metro Detroit celebration.
The market stayed busy throughout the evening as guests enjoyed traditional Armenian food, visited with friends and gathered around the stage and dance floor.
The Hamazkayin Arax Dance Troupe, directed by choreographer Nayiri Karapetian, drew an enthusiastic crowd as young dancers in traditional costumes performed Armenian folk dances. The performance also underscored one of the festival’s longtime goals: passing Armenian traditions on to the next generation.
Live music from the Armenia Fest All-Star Band, led by Fest Co-Chair Vaughn Masropian, continued throughout the evening and drew guests onto the dance floor for Armenian favorites.
Food was a major part of the evening, with grilled kebabs, stuffed grape leaves, lamajoon, breads, choreg, pastries and other Armenian favorites. The Beer and Wine Garden and Outdoor Cigar Bar gave guests additional places to gather.
The Great Choreg Bake-Off, chaired by Noreen Masropian, returned as one of the festival’s traditions. Homemade versions of the Armenian sweet bread were judged by area Armenian clergy, with the winning choreg earning a trophy and bragging rights. The bread was then shared with festival guests.
The Silent Auction, chaired by Angela Hagopian Snow and Elise Papazian, featured works by Michael Aram, gifts from Hagopian World of Rugs, a Detroit Tigers package including game tickets, raffle tickets and other donated items.
Inside the Farmers Market, artisan and community vendors offered Armenian-themed merchandise, specialty items and cultural displays, giving visitors another way to learn about and support the Armenian community.
Beyond the scheduled performances and activities, much of the evening centered on simply being together. Families shared dinner, longtime friends caught up and newcomers were welcomed into the celebration.
That sense of togetherness has long been central to Armenia Fest. Fest Co-Chairs Greg Mamassian and Vaughn Masropian described the festival as a place that brings Armenians together “under one big tent.”
Organized by the Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee and the Detroit Knights of Vartan, Armenia Fest features Armenian heritage through food, music, dance, faith, family and hospitality while sharing those traditions with the Metro Detroit community. Festival proceeds support the Knights of Vartan Economic Sustainability Program in Armenia.
Armenia Fest is a Metro Detroit community celebration of Armenian culture and heritage featuring traditional food, live music, dance and cultural activities at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
