Over two weekends — from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1 and Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8 — Howard Smith Wharves will transform into the home of the very best Italian dishes, drinks and entertainment with FESTA ITALIANA.
This year’s festival promises even more flavour, fun and festivities by the Brisbane River, with authentic Italian cuisine, lively entertainment, spritz bars, and even the chance to win a stylish Rolln Moped, so you can truly feel like you’re roaming the busy streets of Rome.
With different areas set up, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Main Lawn will take centre stage with a lively grill station serving up succulent Pollo al Mattone chicken rolls and porchetta-stuffed focaccia layered with marinated, grilled eggplant.
You will also, of course, get the chance to tuck into renowned chef and culinary icon Orazio D’Elia’s much-loved pasta dishes, with his signature flair and flavour. Think strozzapreti ai gamberi, twisted pasta tossed with prawns, zucchini and cherry tomatoes, and musts like rigatoni alla vodka.
Just steps away, a bespoke Spritz Bar will be pouring a vibrant collection of bold and refreshing takes on the most iconic and summery of Italian cocktails. Citrussy flavours will be first in line, with cocktails that taste like sunshine in a glass, such as frozen White Peach Aperol Slushies. It’s not just cocktails though. If you’re a person of simpler tastes, Felons Brewing Co. has brewed an Italian Lager for the occasion, and it will be available exclusively at the festival!
The queen of all Italian food will be taking centre stage as Napoli-born chef Carmine Guarino will showcase his passion for Her Majesty: the humble yet delicious pizza. The Roman-style slices will be paired with natural Italian wines and the feel-good sounds of classic Italo Disco. The definition of good vibes.
Ciao Papi Garden will be transformed into a vibrant Aperol Garden — a sun-soaked escape inspired by the citrus groves and coastal charm of Southern Italy. Serving, of course Aperol Spritz, Ciao Papi will also be serving a special set menu curated by Executive Chef Dean Anning, with dishes like creamy
stracciatella with grilled leeks, hazelnut and truffle, and rich rigatoni alla amatriciana, celebrating the simplicity and down-to-earth quality of traditional Italian cooking.
In Green House, an authentic Italian Salumeria will bring the true flavours of Italy to life with artisanal charcuterie, freshly made mozzarella and deli-style goods. You can even experience a live mozzarella-making demonstration as you graze on the most incredible charcuterie boards you can think of.
Dessert will make an appearance too, in the form of gelato. And not just any: beloved Gelato Messina will be serving an exclusive festival collaboration that will satisfy any sweet tooth. And, if you’ve got bambini with you, worry not! There will be a dedicated kids zone, making FESTA ITALIANA a true family-friendly event!
This year, attendees have the chance to win a Rolln Moped each weekend. Simply head down and register on-site for your chance to win, so you can roll in style! And, if you can’t wait to gather your amici, famiglia and amore for the festival, you can start getting in the mood with their curated playlist.