Celebrate Italian history and heritage in the historic Little Italy neighborhood at the annual Taylor Street Little Italy Festa on August 13-16, 2026. Savor the flavors, sounds and traditions of Italy at this beloved festival.
Photo courtesy of Little Italy Festa
Discover the vibrant essence of Italian culture while enjoying traditional food, music and traditions. Dance and sing along to live entertainment on five stages as well as a Bambini Corner for kids with face painting, carnival games and balloon tracks.
This year’s exciting performers include Vince Amore and his tribute to Tony Bennett, Antonio Bevaqua from Calabria, Eros the Opera Star and Joe Martino from Italy with Love.
Expect meatball and cannoli eating contests, cooking demos and lots of Italian-flavored fun. Learn Italian card games and browse art and crafts from Italy. Iconic Little Italy food spots like Rosebud, Scafuri Bakery and Carm’s Little Italy will serve up essential dishes like Italian beef sandwiches, meatballs and cannolis.
Photo courtesy of Little Italy Festa
One of the highlights of the free fest is a traditional procession from the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (1224 W Lexington St)to the Little Italy Festa event site on Sunday, August 16.
A traditional Italian marching band will lead flag-bearers and worshipers from the 11 a.m. mass through the streets of the neighborhood, up Taylor Street to the Peroni mainstage for a short enactment of centuries-old Italian song.
The fest kicks off on Taylor Street between Ashland and Loomis Street. The events run from 5-10 pm on August 13-14, 5-10 pm and noon- 10 pm on August 15- 16. Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation.
Little Italy Festa
August 13-16, 2026, 5-10 pm and noon 10 pm
On Taylor Street between Ashland and Loomis
Free with a $10 donation
