Mamma mia!
Taking place on the weekend of October 5 and 6, the Melbourne Italian Festa is a whirlwind celebration of everything that makes Italy special.
This year, the event will be happening over two days at the Royal Exhibition Building, giving visitors an extra day to check it out. Hosted across both indoor and outdoor stages and featuring a huge selection of Italian food and stallholders, it’s the perfect Sunday experience for those who like to eat, drink and be merry.
Melbourne Italian Festa 2024
- Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6
- Royal Exhibition Building
- Entry is free
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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This year’s program is packed to the rafters with more than 150 vendors and plenty of fun and quirky entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. While the entertainment program is yet to be announced, expectations are high – last year’s festival featured an Italian Zumba fitness class, vocal performances, fire dancing, a tarantella show and music of all different genres.
And what would an Italian celebration be without the wine? Upstairs, find the dedicated wine section, with more than 20 vendors selling wine imported straight from the homeland. Think robust nebbiolos, zippy proseccos and smoky chiantis.
There will also be a whole area dedicated to live cooking demonstrations, where celebrity chefs will be running classes on beloved Italian dishes.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, peruse the endless pizza, gnocchi, panzerotti, pasta and risotto offerings (check out the full list of food available here). There will be MANY options, so bring your friends and share.
There will also be plenty of take-home goods including favourites like prosciutto and other cured meats from local butchers, decadent spreads and preserves and plenty of panetonne for any occasion.
To find out more about the Melbourne Italian Festa happening on the weekend of October 5 and 6 head here.
