The 2026 DFW Italian Festival is adding a special sporting presence to its celebration of Italian culture in North Texas. Italy’s national women’s rugby team, known as Le Azzurre, will take part in the festival on Sunday, October 11, ahead of their international match against the United States.
The Italian players are expected to be at Levy Event Plaza from approximately noon to 1 p.m., giving festival visitors an opportunity to meet one of Italy’s national teams in an informal community setting.
Their visit will begin in the Northwestern Mutual Kids’ Zone, where members of Le Azzurre will offer rugby demonstrations and introduce children to the sport through hands-on activities. The players will then trade the rugby field for another Italian tradition, volunteering to help serve the festival’s Sunday Spaghetti Dinner.
The festival raffle will also feature a special prize for rugby fans – an official Le Azzurre jersey signed by members of the Italian national team.
The appearance comes just 6 days before Italy faces the USA Women’s Eagles on October 17 at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. Festival organizers are offering attendees an exclusive 20% discount on tickets for the Italy–USA match, creating a direct connection between the Italian celebration and international sports.
The DFW Italian Festival itself will take place Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Levy Event Plaza in Irving, TX.
With Le Azzurre joining the festivities, this year’s event brings together Italian heritage, community and sport – while offering North Texas families a memorable introduction to international rugby.
