The Italian Cultural & Community Center will host its 41st Houston Italian Festival from Thursday - Sunday, October 10 - 13, 2019, on the grounds of the University of St. Thomas.

Festa Italiana is an annual festival founded with the mission of celebrating Italian culture and heritage in the city of Houston. Recognized as a significant cultural event, Festa Italiana has numerous activities to offer its guests.

The theme for the 2019 Houston Italian Festival is “Experience Italy in the heart of Houston.” The festival welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life to gather for a weekend connected by a love for Italian culture, traditions, food and maybe a few glasses of wine.

Festival Hours

Thursday, October 10: 5pm - 10pm;

Friday, October 11: 11am - 10pm;

Saturday, October 12: 11am - 10pm;

Sunday, October 13: 11am - 6pm

Festival Music Line-up

This year’s festival features live performances from DJ Italia, the Fab 5 (Beatles Tribute Band), Shades of Gray (classic rock, Blues, Country and Motown style), the Tarantellas Italian Folk dance group, Vince King (multi-award winning “Elvis Tribute Artist”), the University of Houston Moores Opera Center, and the University of St. Thomas Music and Dance Department.

Films, Cooking Classes, Wine & Beer Tastings, Grape Stomp and More

The festival will also showcase film screenings, activities and cooking classes for children, wine and beer tastings, and Italian language classes. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to compete in pasta eating contests, grape stomps, and a Bocce ball tournament as well as viewing submissions and winners of the I Madonnari Sidewalk Art Contest.

For a detailed schedule, visit www.houstonitalianfestival.com

Proceeds Benefit Education

Proceeds from the Houston Italian Festival benefit several local non-profits including the Italian Cultural & Community Center (which provides numerous educational programs, scholarship and events throughout the year for all Houstonians to enjoy).

For more information, visit www.houstonitalianfestival.com.

The Houston Italian Festival is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. A full list of our sponsors can be found on our website.

How to Buy Tickets

Admission ticket prices: admission is free Thursday all day and Friday until 4:00 pm (after 4:00 pm Friday, admission is $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under). Discounted admission tickets are available online for $6. Reservations for festival activities, advance online tickets, and food and beverage packages can be purchased on Eventbrite.