Brisbane’s riverside is set to turn red, white and green once again as Festa Italiana returns to Howard Smith Wharves for its third and tastiest year yet.
Over two vibrant weekends — from May 29 to June 1 and June 5 to 8 — this much-loved Italian food market promises a spectacular celebration of Italian cuisine, culture, and community, all set against the backdrop of the Brisbane River. With free entry and an irresistible lineup of eats, drinks, and entertainment, Festa Italiana is your passport to la dolce vita — no airfare required.
A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup
Headlining this year's festivities is Naples-born chef Orazio D’Elia, making his anticipated return from Bondi Beach’s Da Orazio. Known for his bold and flavour-packed dishes, Orazio is back with his fan-favourite vodka rigatoni and a new showstopper: strozzapreti ai gamberi — twisted pasta tossed with prawns, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Festivalgoers can also savour porchetta-stuffed focaccia and grilled chicken rolls, straight from the lawn-side grill.
Joining him are two more culinary heavyweights: Carmine Guarino, dishing up Roman-style pizza by the slice, and Dean Anning of Ciao Papi, serving stracciatella with grilled leeks and truffled hazelnuts, plus a spicy rigatoni alla amatriciana. Whether you’re craving street food or sophisticated bites, there’s something to delight every palate.
Sip, Spritz, Repeat
It wouldn’t be a proper Italian festa without a toast or two. The spritz bars will be pouring crowd-pleasers with a twist — from frozen white peach Aperol slushies to Lambrusco spritzes that bring a refreshing sparkle. Felons Brewing Co is even crafting a Festa Italiana-exclusive Italian lager just for the occasion.
At Ciao Papi, the festivities continue in the Aperol Garden, where orange-hued blooms meet bubbles and Aperol flows freely. Prefer vino? Natural Italian wines will also be on offer, perfect for pairing with pizza and charcuterie while soaking up the riverside views.
More Than Just a Meal
While the food and drinks are the headline act, Festa Italiana is a full cultural celebration. Roaming performers, live Italo disco beats, and riverfront vibes turn the event into a sensory journey through Italy. At the Italian salumeria, you can watch fresh mozzarella being made before sampling it alongside artisanal meats and fried calamari.
There’s also family-friendly fun on offer and even a chance to win a stylish ROLL’N Moped. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or a date, this is Brisbane’s must-visit event to close out autumn and welcome winter.
Festa Italiana is more than a food festival — it’s a delicious slice of Italy in the heart of Brisbane. With entry completely free and pay-as-you-go food and drink stalls, you can drop in for a quick bite or settle in for an all-day affair. Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready to say ciao to sunshine, spritzes, and sensational food.
To find out more and plan your visit, head to the Howard Smith Wharves website.
