Sarah Toce
Festa Italiana is an all-volunteer community organization that produces an annual series of events the last week of September, culminating in a free Italian Festival.
Since 1988, the festival has celebrated the cultural roots of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest by promoting the arts, the food, and the culture that are uniquely Italian.
Celebrate the rich traditions of Italy at the 38th annual Italian Festival from 10 a.m.–8p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion, Armory Food & Event Hall, and surrounding grounds.
The free, family-oriented event is part of the Seattle Center Festál year-round series of cultural festivals.
The Italian Festival has long been a celebration of all things Italian, bringing together authentic food, lively music, art, and community activities for all ages. With an approximate annual attendance of 20,000 people, it is the largest Italian-American event in the Pacific Northwest, honoring both the old country and Italian immigrants who helped shape Seattle’s history.
This year’s festival includes the return of audience favorites such as the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, Tutta Bella Grape Stomp, Isernio’s Bocce Tournament, and Festa Classic Italian Vehicle Show.
Festival highlights:
Live Music (Fisher Pavilion): Hourly performances on the Peroni Main Stage in the Fisher Pavilion from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. both days, including headliner the Anthony “Nino” Lane Band from Salinas, CA. This six-piece ensemble mixes Italian classics, ballads, Tarantellas, hip-hop, and rock, with headline shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Art & Culture (Armory & Fisher Pavilion):
- Images of Civita di Bagnoregia photo exhibit by artist Gregg Krogstad.
- Festa Historical Photo Exhibit featuring over 1,000 images of Seattle’s earliest Italian immigrants.
- Six free Italian language classes hosted by the Dante Alighieri Society (Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.).
- Kids’ hands-on art activities including face painting, Venetian mask painting, and the Tutta Bella Pizza Toss.
Community & Exhibitors: Explore a wide array of booths offering olive oils, biscotti, jewelry, cultural resources, and more, including 11 Olives Olive Oil & Vinegars, Panarello Biscotti, Robbie’s Giardiniera, Casa Italiana Italian Cultural Center, Bella Lulli Jewelry, Flame & Fable Candles, il Punto Cultural Center, and the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association.
“With an approximate attendance of 20,000 people, the Italian Festival is the largest Italian-American event in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the largest ethnic festivals in Seattle,” said Dennis Caldirola, the Italian Festival organizer. “It features art, music, food, dance and participatory activities for the entire family. Come for the food and stay for the fun!”
This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 cultural festivals presented by community groups and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year.
In 2025, Seattle Center is projected to generate over $900 million in visitor spending, contribute more than $2 billion in total regional economic impact, and support more than 18,600 jobs. With the support of their Official Partners—Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi, Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank— Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest.
