Italian culture will take center stage in the Pacific Northwest when Seattle hosts its 39th annual Festa Italiana, a free two-day celebration of Italian and Italian American heritage at Seattle Center on September 26–27, 2026.
Founded in 1988, Festa Italiana has grown into the largest Italian American event in the Northwest, attracting approximately 25,000 people. The festival is part of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round program of 25 free cultural festivals celebrating the communities that have helped shape the region.
Admission is free. Events will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., primarily inside the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion.
The weekend offers a broad introduction to Italian culture through music, food, language, art and traditions. Visitors can watch the Isernio’s Bocce Tournament, participate in Italian language classes, see Venetian mask painting, enjoy the popular grape-stomping competition and watch pizza-toss demonstrations three times each day.
Live music will include the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra, La Mezzanotte Trio, The RigaTones and the Anthony “Nino” Lane Band, a 6-piece California group returning as the festival’s headliner.
Food is another major attraction. La Cucina Galbani cooking stage will feature chefs demonstrating Italian recipes, while the marketplace will offer Italian food, pastries and other specialties.
On Saturday, the Italian Vehicle Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the International Fountain, displaying Italian cars, scooters and motorcycles, including vehicles from Ferrari, Maserati and Ducati.
This year’s raffle adds another direct connection with Italy: a $20 ticket offers the chance to win a first-class trip for two to Tuscany, including airfare, accommodations, a 7-day rental car and a wine tasting.
Nearly four decades after its creation, Festa Italiana continues to give Seattle an energetic annual celebration of Italy and the Italian American experience in the Pacific Northwest.
