Festa Italiana celebrates their 21st Anniversary by expanding the Italian food and culture festival across two days! The event began in the Spring of 1997 celebrating Italian food and culture, with all proceeds benefiting The Italian Club of Tampa. Marathon Petroleum Corporation is now presenting Tampa's Festa Italiana, with the kickoff Wines of Italy event on April 5th, and the rest of the festival taking place on Saturday, April 7th, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday, April 8th, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Ybor's Centennial Park.
The weekend kicks off with Wines of Italy, the official opening party taking place at the historic Italian Club in Ybor City. Tickets are just $35 before March 18th, but rise to $60 after that date so purchase now! Attendees will have access to over 80 wines from both California and Italy, savory Italian cuisine from Carrabba's Italian Grill, live entertainment and a silent auction with over 100 items. Following the tasting you can buy your favorite bottles of wine! Proceeds from opening night benefit The Italian Club Restoration Fund.
When the weekend comes, Tampa's 21st Annual Festa Italiana weekend features entertainment, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, handcrafted Italian cocktails, grape stomping and a children's area with games and attractions for the younger guests to enjoy this Italian cultural festival.
The main stage performances on Saturday will be headlined by Sal "The Voice Valentinetti," from Season 11 of America's Got Talent, and on Sunday comedic legend and musical performer Joe Piscopo will be headlining. On both days of festivities, the main stage entertainment will include talented performances by singer-songwriter Angelo Venuto, "The Voice of Romance" Franco Corso, and jazz vocalist Vannessa Racci. Pack some folding chairs to jam alongside with some Italian talents!
Guests can also enjoy a mouth-watering Italian meal during the action-packed festival with food vendors serving delicious Italian cuisine! Not only will guests be allowed to eat Italian cuisine, but they can learn some luscious recipes from cooking demonstrations in La Cucina Galbani Cooking Pavilion! Handcrafted-Italian cocktails will also be served at a party lounge in Franklin Manor's Club Italia Party Tent! And younger guests can immerse themselves in a diverse assortment of activities in their own "party lounge," at a designated Children's Area.
Wine is of course an Italian staple, and at Tampa's Festa Italiana Weekend guests will have the opportunity to create some of their own in the Grape Stomping Area!
The annual Bocce Invitational - honoring Italian traditions, cultures, and heritage in the Tampa Bay area and the Ybor's Got Talent singing competition will take place at Saturday's event at Centennial Park. Another Saturday-only activity is the Homemade Vino Competition at the Italian Club of Tampa, where numerous homemade wines will vie for the title of 2018's Best Homemade Wine!
Tickets are available for advanced online purchase at Festa Italiana website website for $10 to be admitted to both days. VIP tickets can also be bought online for $75 and include extra food and beverage options. Pets on leashes can celebrate as well, and all proceeds will benefit the Italian Club Building and Cultural Trust Fund, a functioning memorial to the working class Italian immigrants who aided in building and growing our beautiful city!
For more exciting and cultural events in Ybor City, like Tampa's 21st Festa Italiana weekend, register for free with 813area to stay up to date with all things happening in Tampa.
