The Ulster County Italian Festival will return to Kingston, New York, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, bringing together food, music, traditions and community pride for one of the Hudson Valley’s largest celebrations of Italian American culture.
Organized by the Ulster County Italian American Foundation, the free festival will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring dozens of food and craft vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment and cultural programming.
Opening ceremonies and awards begin at 11 a.m. The Main Stage lineup includes the Vanaver Caravan, Orchestra Di Napoli, the Kingston High School Choir, the Steven Maglio Quartet and the TS Ensemble. A spaghetti-eating contest is scheduled for 1:25 p.m., while a second stage will offer music ranging from world music and folk to funk and country rock.
Italian traditions will have their own dedicated space in the Cultural Barn. Programs include a discussion of Southern Italian folk beliefs, a presentation about the Albany Italian American Heritage Association and Museum, a live demonstration of homemade cheese ravioli and a conversation about traditional home winemaking.
The festival will also recognize members of the community. Dr. Philip DiNovo will receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. Ron and Marie Ardizzone have been named Signore and Signora of the Year, while Jenny Bella and Maria DePippo will receive Italian Pride Awards. Joanne Arcadipane will receive the Nina Postupack Community Service Award, and Brenden Campise and Chase Chapman will be honored with the Youth Award.
With music, food, education and community recognition sharing the same stage, Kingston’s annual celebration offers a lively snapshot of how Italian heritage continues to thrive in New York’s Hudson Valley.
