Anthony “Nino” Lane Band

For the 3rd year in a row, our Headliner will be a rockin’ 6-piece from Salinas, CA called the Anthony “Nino” Lane Band covering all your Italian favorites through the decades with an emphasis on danceability! Their lineup features two native Italian singers, two Latino & Latina vocalists, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, saxophone and violin! They will be doing three shows for us over the weekend, so watch for those, especially on Saturday & Sunday evenings when they play extended sets!

The Return of the RigaTones!

For the past 20 years, the Beer & Wine Garden at Festa was rockin’ each day at 4 PM to the sounds of “The RigaTones,” the dynamic duo of Lenny Luzzi and Tom Falcone leading raucous Italian sing-a-longs with an enraptured audience. Two years ago, things were more subdued because Tom had retired from playing, and Lenny had moved to Nashville to further his music career. Well, hold onto your wine bottles, because this year, we are once again thrilled to announce “The RigaTones are back!!!” Lenny has reformed the duo with Clayton Patterson, his former guitarist with the Primo Basso Band, and they’ve been doing shows in Nashville for two years now so they’re ready to return and tear the place apart! As always, no admission charge but you must be 21/over and show ID.

La Cucina Galbani^® Cooking Stage

Over the years we have had Live Cooking Demos from chefs representing such local restaurants as: Café Juanita, Tulio, il Fornaio, Il Terrazzo Carmine, Café Bengodi, Serefina, Assaggio, etc. Some of their recipes can be found in our online Recipe Collection. At the same time, we have featured such national culinary luminaries as Mario Batali, Giuliano Bugali, Anne Burrell, Biba Caggiano, Michael Chiarello, Rocco DiSpirito, Mary Ann Esposito, Christina Pirello, Rosella Rago and Nick Stellino. During 2020 we solicited “virtual” cooking demos, from local chefs and celebrities alike, for you to enjoy at home as you cook along! Just visit the Great Italian Chef Page to see demos from local chefs such as Brad Inserra and Frank Isernio to national stars like Rossella Rago.

This year we’ve lined up some great chefs for you to watch in person on the rooftop terrace of Fisher Pavilion. A chef will take the stage every hour throughout the weekend from 11:00am – 4:00pm. To see this year’s lineup, click here.

Rossella Rago

Tino’s Cortile

Now in the Armory, featuring our traditional Children’s Activities such as the Tutta Bella Pizza Toss three times a day, or decorate Venetian masks at the “hands-on” Kids Arts and Crafts booth, and get yourself decorated by Italian face painter Reese Scales.

Plus on the skirt of the Fisher Pavilion, the “All Italian-Breeds” Dog Show (Sunday only). And, except for the face painting, everything for all these kids is free!

From left, Bosco the Lagotto Romagnolo and his pals Romeo the Italian Greyhound, and Cece the Cirneco dell’ Etna all can’t wait to see you!
(Photo by Sarah Evans).

Food & Wine

Pizza, Pasta, Italian Sausage, Salami, Meatballs, Focaccia, Gelato, Birra, Vino, Prosecco, Limoncello, Cannoli, Espresso, Italian Sodas, and three Wine & Beer Gardens!