Entertainment Schedule and New Activities Announced for the free 92nd Festa Italia

 

Entertainment Schedule and New Activities Announced for the free 92nd Festa Italia at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey held on September 5th – 7th, 2025

 

July 2025. Monterey, CA. The 92nd Annual Festa Italia (also known as Monterey’s Santa Rosalia Fisherman’s Festival) invites locals and visitors to celebrate Monterey’s Italian heritage and honor the vital contributions of its local fishermen, both past and present. Enjoy great food, music, dancing, bocce, shopping and more! The 2025 Festa Italia Entertainment Schedule and new food and activities described below will delight attendees of all ages!

 

This beloved, free, family-friendly event offers a full experience of Italian culture, featuring the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions that have made it one of Monterey’s most cherished festivals. Drawing in locals and visitors from across the United States, Festa Italia continues to capture the essence of Italian heritage.

 

Held over three days, the festival presents a wide range of authentic Italian cuisine, lively music, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Guests can indulge in a tempting array of Italian dishes available for purchase, from Calamari and Steak and Sausage Sandwiches to Pasta, Arancini, and Cannoli, representing the rich tapestry of Italian culinary excellence. 

 

There will also be an Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich, a delicious vegetarian dish added to Festa Italia last year. 

 

New this year will be a Smoked Salmon Sandwich with wild caught Alaskan smoked salmon, cream cheese, arugula, capers, and sliced red onion on toasted ciabatta bread. 

 

An assortment of beverages, including wine, beer, sodas, and water, will also be available to complement the culinary experience. 

 

There will also be a Classic Fisherman’s Wharf Cioppino Cooking Demo by Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake. 

 

New this year, there will be Tarantella Dance Lessons in front of the main stage on Sunday.

 

Beyond food, Festa Italia offers Italian-themed and Festa Italia-specific merchandise, plus an array of vendors showcasing unique crafts, clothing, and more, adding another layer of cultural immersion.

 

The roots of Festa Italia date back to 1933, when the Sicilian fishermen of Monterey donated a statue of Santa Rosalia, their patron saint, to the San Carlos Cathedral. Seeking her blessings for safe journeys and bountiful harvests, they established this enduring tradition, which has since become a meaningful celebration of cultural heritage, honoring and preserving the legacy of Monterey’s fishing community.

 

Mark your calendars for the 92nd Festa Italia and join in honoring these rich traditions. Embrace Monterey’s Italian roots and celebrate the spirit of Italy right here in our community, ensuring that our shared heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.

 

At a Glance:

 

What: 92nd Annual Festa Italia held by the Festa Italia Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

 

Festival Entry Cost: Free

 

Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey

 

When: Friday – Sunday, September 5-7, 2025

 

Friday, September 5th – 3 pm – 9 pm

 

Saturday, September 6th – 10 am – 9 pm

 

Sunday, September 7th – 10 am – 6 pm

 

Schedule (see below)

 

Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey

 

Bocce Tournament – Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th at the bocce courts at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park

 

Information: (831) 633-4444 or email [email protected]

 

Additional information and updates will be posted on the website: www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org

 

Entertainment Schedule:

 

Friday Night, Sept. 5th. 6pm to 9pm

 

Dancing under the stars with The Money Band

Voted Best Band in Monterey County for many years.

 

Saturday Day, Sept. 6th. “Opening Ceremony Celebration”

 

10am Mass San Carlos Cathedral/Crowning the Statue of Santa Rosalia

 

11:30am – 12 noon    Custom House Plaza

Opening Ceremony Main Stage

Procession to Wharf & Blessing of the Fleet 

 

12:00 noon -1:00pm  Mike Marotta & Friends perform

 

1:00pm - 1:25pm     Cooking Demonstration

Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake

Classic Fisherman’s Wharf Cioppino

 

1:30pm - 2:30pm        Anthony Lane Band

 

2:15pm Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time) 

 

2:45pm – 3:45pm     Pasquale Esposito 

 

4:00pm - 5:00pm        Anthony Lane Band 

 

4:30pm Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time) 

 

5:15pm - 6:15pm   Pasquale Esposito

 

Saturday Night, Sept. 6th. 6:30pm - 9:00pm

 

Dancing under the stars with Scarlet

Monterey Bay’s High-Energy Dance Band

 

Sunday Day, Sept. 7th. 2025

 

11am-11:30am  Tarantella Dance Lessons in front of main stage “Free” Phyllis Grillo, Master Tarantella Dance Instructor

Everyone is welcome to attend and learn the Tarantella Dance

 

11:45am –12:50pm Anthony Lane Band

 

12:30 Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time)

 

1:00pm - 1:25pm     Cooking Demonstration

Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake

Classic Fisherman’s Wharf Cioppino

 

1:30pm - 2:30pm        Pasquale Esposito

 

2:45pm - 3:45pm        Mike Marotta & Friends

 

3:15 pm Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time)

 

4:00pm - 5:00pm        Pasquale Esposito

 

5:00pm - 6:00pm        Anthony Lane Band

 

Bocce Awards

 

Raffle Announcements

 

Note: Schedule Subject to Change