FESTITALIA 2026
📍 RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
📅 Sunday 20 September 2026
🎟 Tickets available now
Tickets on sale now at www.festitalia.com.au
MARK SEPTEMBER 20: FESTITALIA RETURNS IN A CELEBRATION OF ITALIAN CULTURE, FOOD, FAMILY and 10,000 CANNOLI!!
Brisbane, La Festa e’ Tornata! Brisbane, the party is back! The sights, sounds and flavours of Italy are set to take over Brisbane once again, with FESTITALIA returning to the RNA Showgrounds on Sunday, September 20 for one unforgettable day of food, music, culture and community. Images here
One of Queensland's most beloved cultural festivals, FESTITALIA will bring together thousands of people from across South East Queensland to celebrate the rich traditions, heritage and enduring influence of Italian culture in Australia.
More than 10,000 cannoli are expected to be made for and on the day for fans of the Italian sweet. Staying on the food theme, new for 2026 will be Ancient Roman cooking classes hosted by pastry chef Andreas Lachman from Mare Nostrvm, and mozzarella making hosted by Alessandro Motta, and the famous pizza acrobat Youssef Ben Touati returns much to the delight of fans.
From the aroma of wood-fired pizza and freshly brewed espresso to the sounds of opera, popular Italian music and the Tarantella, FESTITALIA offers a true taste of Italy without ever leaving Brisbane. This year's program will transform the RNA Showgrounds into a bustling Italian piazza, featuring:
• Acclaimed opera performers Raffaele Pierno and Divina Opera
• Traditional Tarantella dancers, with opportunities for festivalgoers to join in
• Pizza acrobatics by world-renowned Youssef Ben Touati
• The colourful and interactive stilt walker performances from Homunculus Theatre, roaming Venetian ladies and performances by Latinissima, Goodbye Charlie; Pink Martini, and Sydney DJ Melo
• Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with authentic Italian cuisine from across the regions of Italy, including handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, cannoli, gelato, espresso, and Italian wines.
• Pink Martini and DJ Mel will keep the feet moving
The festival's much-loved family activities will also return, including demonstrations of ancient Roman cooking and mozzarella making, as well as:
• Nonna's Slipper Throw
• Kidzclub Australia will host a range of fabulous Italian games and activities
• Tira Molla tug-of-war contests
• Italian-style musical games
• Roman historical exhibitions and military displays
• Prima Spada fencing experiences
• Vintage Italian vehicle displays
Commendatore OMRI The Hon. Santo Santoro said the festival remains an important celebration of both Italian heritage and Queensland's multicultural identity. "The greatest joy Festitalia brings me is witnessing the light that crosses the faces of Italy's original migrants, a light that travels all the way back to cobblestone villages and the traditions born there.”
“But what truly moves my heart is seeing the second, third and even fourth generations still reaching across time, still holding on to the spiritual thread that connects them to their parents’ and grandparents' world. Whether you're Italian by heritage, by friendship or simply by your love of great food, FESTITALIA promises a day filled with music, laughter, tradition and plenty of reasons to say Evviva!”
FESTITALIA 2026
📍 RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
📅 Sunday 20 September 2026
🎟 Tickets available now
Tickets on sale now at www.festitalia.com.au
FESTITALIA is staged with thanks to generous support from Brisbane City Council, Merthyr Village and Epoca Constructions.
10 Italian Words You Need to Know for FESTITALIA
(because shouting “evvai!” with confidence is part of the fun)
1. Ciao (chow) – Hello and goodbye. Say it like a local – with flair and a little wave. You’ll hear this every five seconds at Festitalia.
2. Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh) – Thank you. Say it to Nonna when she hands you pasta. Say it again when she gives you seconds.
3. Evviva! / Evvai! (ev-VEE-vah / ev-VAI) – Hooray! / Let’s go!
The perfect thing to yell with a wine in hand.
4. Nonna (NON-nah) – Grandma. The real boss of any Italian family (and kitchen). Respect.
5. Mangia! (MAHN-jah) – Eat! You’ll hear it. You’ll do it. You’ll love it.
6. Gelato (jeh-LAH-toh) – Ice cream, but fancier. Smoother, richer, and definitely not “just ice cream.”
7. Tarantella (tah-rahn-TEL-lah) – Traditional Italian dance.
Fast footwork, clapping, and absolute joy. Join in – or just admire. See below for it’s crazy origin story!
8. Amore (ah-MOH-ray) – Love. What you’ll feel after your second slice of woodfired pizza.
9. Bravo/Brava (BRAH-vo / BRAH-vah) – Well done!
10. Pancia (PAN-chah) – Tummy or belly. As in: “Who’s got the biggest one?” (Yes, that’s an actual competition.)
Things You Must Try at FESTITALIA
1. Watch the Pizza Acrobatics - You’ve seen pizza tossed – but not like this. Catch Youssef Ben Touati flipping dough like a circus act. It’s fast, it’s flying, and it is harder than you think!
2. Dance the Tarantella (or at least clap along) - Jump in and learn Italy’s most iconic folk dance – no talent required! The Festitalia Tarantella Dance Troupe will teach you the moves in 5 minutes flat. Skirts will swirl. Joy will erupt.
4. Say Ciao to the Stiltwalkers - Keep an eye out for these performed by Homunculus Theatre
5. Soak up the live Italian vibes - Opera, bands and roaming musicians – it's a musical feast! Make time for performers like Raffaele Pierno, and Divina Opera – and shout “Bravissimo!” with gusto.
Contact details:
Kath Rose
0416 291 493
