Dreaming of Italy? Good news—Festa Italiana is BACK for its 3rd Annual celebration, no passport required. Hosted by the Italian American Heritage Society, the Italian Fest will be held at Sloss Furnaces (20 32nd St. N., Birmingham) on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from noon to 9 p.m. Here’s three reasons why you don’t want to miss it:
1. THE FOOD
Vendors* will be serving all types of authentic Italian food, from pasta to gelato to pastries and more. And let me tell you—as someone who lived off a steady diet of gelato when studying abroad, the gelato is worth the line and money. The smells of sausage-and-pepper sandwiches, fried dough, and other Italian favorites might send you straight to heaven. Come hungry!
“The Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham is proud to continue celebrating and preserving our rich Italian culture and traditions through dynamic community events,” shares Tina Verciglio Savas, Chair of Festa Italiana. “As we return for our third year, we’re excited to bring Festa Italiana back to Birmingham—bigger, bolder, and more flavorful than ever. This festival is a joyful celebration of Italian food, music, and culture, and we look forward to sharing the spirit of Italy with the Birmingham community once again.”
2. THE CULTURE
I was surprised to discover that you really do feel transported when you step into the cultural village. The ancestry tent is super cool, because it traces back Italian family genealogies all the way back to the heartland. You’ll also love strolling through the charming replicas that house a museum, church, a bakery, and more while listening to live music—last year there was an accordion player and an opera singer performing too! The twinkling lights and picturesque imagery make the space feel authentic, and you never know what you might walk up on—a live puppet show, for instance.
Performances this year include the Montevallo Jazz Band (playing alllll the Italian faves), traditional Italian ballroom dancing, and beloved Italian songs by The Suteras and Crooner Matt Scalici. Plus, headliner Joe Scalissi will be doing his acclaimed “Dean Martin Happy Hour” tribute on-stage, along with high-energy performances by the Very Ranelli Dance Band.
3. THE FESTIVITIES
Every Italian family has traditions… and so, naturally, so does the Italian festival. If you’ve been before, you’ll be pleased to hear these activities are returning this year:
- Spina Stomp Grape Stomping Competition – People get into this juicy competition—even if you’re not participating, don’t miss watching them compete!
- Live cooking demonstrations under the large white tent.
- Sugo Showdown – The competition will be as saucy as ever as Birmingham’s best pasta sauces are chosen.
- Bocce Ball Tournament – Play to win, or just to have fun. Sign-ups for all competitions are free and open; register here.
- Italian Auto Display – Gotta love a bougie car show.
- Festa Mercato — Shop products from local vendors**—everything from clothes and jewelry to Nonna’s pre-packaged cookies and wooden statues.
- Children’s Village — Because you need something to tire out the kiddos, so they can play in the bouncy houses and participate in hands-on activities while you explore.
- Bonus! You can enter to win a trip for two to Italy! (Sign me up!)
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
Tickets are only $10, and you can snag them on festaitalianabham.com. But be sure to buy in advance, because tickets go up to $15 at the gate! Bring the kids with you to experience the fun—children 10 and under are free!
Whether you’re Italian by heritage or simply Italian at heart, you’re invited to partake in this festive celebration of Italian culture.
*Food vendors include:
Molay Brothers, Tre Luna, Graffeo Brothers Italian Sausage, Villaggio Colafrancesco, Slice Pizza & Brew, Hey Bebe Food Truck, Joe’s Italian, Da Big Italian, Uncle G’s Pizza, Vecchia Pizzeria and Vecchia Cafe, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Arnone’s Italian Sausage, Bertolone’s, Pazzo Big Slice Pizza, Snowie of Alabama, and Feast Catering & Culinary Kitchen will deliver a true taste of Italy to Birmingham.
**Market vendors include:
Designs by GG Decatur, Costa Olive Oil, Stokehold Art, The Italian Cookie Company, Rami Awwad–Bethlehem Shop, Good Leaven Designs, Simply Infused Olive Oil Shop, Riman Korean Skincare, Travel by Dezign, Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski Crystal, and Elemental Designs, with more to be announced.
For more details about each competition, visit festaitalianabham.com. Arrivederci… until April 11!
