Save the date: FESTA ITALIA 2023 is set for June 2-3-4 at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg.

The detailed 2023 schedule will be posted here soon, but here’s a preview of FESTA’s culture, food and entertainment for you to enjoy.

Celebrating the Greenbush Italian neighborhood, our collection of old photographs, documents and history are displayed in the Culture Tent. Cooking demonstrations, speakers and videos fill the afternoons.

Tasty food is a FESTA highlight. Enjoy our popular pasta dinner, meatball, Italian beef & sausage sandwiches, pizza, gelato, soft pretzels and kettle corn—plus traditional Italian favorites arancini, calamari and sfinge. Be sure to save room for a cannoli or Italian cookies as dessert!  Food service begins at 4:30 on Friday and 11:00 on Saturday and Sunday.  A variety of beer, wine and soft beverages will also be available.

The music gets started on the main stage on Friday evening with Cherry Pie playing the very best of ‘80’s rock.  Saturday’s main stage offering starts off nice and easy with the smooth jazz sound of Gerri DiMaggio followed by classic soul from Don’t Mess With Cupid.  Saturday’s feature band is Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press with an amazingly diverse repertoire of classic hits.  Joe Scalissi kicks things off on Sunday afternoon performing his renowned “Happy Hour” impersonation and tribute to Dean Martin.  The main stage entertainment concludes with the irresistible, gotta get up and dance disco/funk party band, VO5.

Children’s activities on Saturday and Sunday afternoons include balloon sculptures, face painting, magic shows and a variety of fun toss games with prizes. Soccer activities both days. Kids can also enjoy Saturday’s Pasta Eating Contest—no hands allowed!

The Bocce competition continues all three days, featuring the Fitchburg City Challenge, firefighters vs. police on Friday evening, and singles and doubles tournaments Saturday and Sunday.

Lots of activities and entertainment included with your gate admission.  Children 12 and under free.

 Fun for the whole family at FESTA ITALIA at McKee Farms Park, with plenty of free parking and complimentary shuttle. Follow us on Facebook @iwcmadison. See you at FESTA, June 2-3-4.