Music

Our Headliner this year 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 evening, the night of the “All-Star Italian Jam.”

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 for our return to Seattle Center 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 – 5:00pm.

Rossella Rago

Festa Bocce Tournament

Moving back to the main floor of the Armory, this Italian version of lawn bowling is one of our most popular events. Featuring a Masters division for professionals and a Recreational division for occasional players, the bocce tournament is fascinating to watch.

Tino’s Cortile

Featuring many of our traditional children’s activities plus the “All Breeds” Italian Dog Show. And it’s all 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).

Exhibits

An Italian Car and Vehicle Show, “35 Years of Festa Posters” Art Show, and the Historic Photo Exhibit about Seattle’s earliest Italians plus booths of Italian organizations, arts and crafts, imported housewares, and lots of merchandise and souvenirs.

Food & Wine

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