Festa Italia 2026 – Cultural Picnic & Music Festival

Where can you find a delectable selection of Italian foods, live musical entertainment, insight into Italian culture, cooking demonstrations, a variety of kids activities and unique sporting events?

The answer is Festa Italia 2026!

What started over sixty years ago as a small Greenbush neighborhood block party has grown to become one of Dane County’s premier ethnic festivals.

Planned, organized and staffed by members of the Italian Workmen’s Club of Madison (IWC), this celebration of all thing’s Italian offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to share a nice meal with your family, enjoy live music with friends, or simply sip a glass of wine in the sun, Festa Italia is the place to be.

FOOD

Food options start with a spaghetti and meatball dinner, complete with salad and bread. Other offerings from area restaurants and food providers range from Italian sausage, roast beef and meatball sandwiches to pizza, calamari, arancini, sfingi, mozzarella sticks, olive salad, gelato, cannoli, ice cream, a variety of home-made Italian cookies, kettle corn, cheese curds and snack chips.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

The music gets started on the main stage on Saturday afternoon with Marisa Balistreri performing a wonderful variety of international folk-jazz tunes. That’s followed by a mix of rock, blues and pop from John Masino Band. On Saturday night, get ready to enjoy some great classic rock by Generation Jones. Joe Scalissi kicks things off on Sunday with his renowned “Happy Hour” impersonation and tribute to Dean Martin. Then, get up and dance to the irresistible sound of the disco/funk party band VO5.

ITALIAN CULTURE, KIDS ACTIVITIES & SPORTS

A Culture Tent filled with historical pictures of the old Greenbush Neighborhood comes alive with cooking demonstrations and presentations with an Italian flare. A “Flags of Italy” parade and presentation on Saturday afternoon honors and educates. Wayne the Wizard fascinates children of all ages with his magic act and balloon animal skills, while Karen delights young and old with her face painting artistry. A variety of children’s games will challenge and entertain kids all weekend long. There’s also a pasta-eating contest on Saturday afternoon and bocce (Italian lawn bowling) tournaments on Saturday and Sunday.

Festa Italia begins on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 AM and runs through 6:30 PM Sunday, May 31st.

Check out www.iwcmadison.com for specific hours and more details. You can also find Festa Italia on Facebook.