Festa Italia to be held September 5-7,. 2025 in Monterey
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
August 29, 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 plus delicious fried shrimp.
New this year, there will also be refreshing cherry, watermelon and lemon Italian Ices.
An assortment of beverages, including wine, beer, sodas, and water, will also be available to complement the culinary experience.
New for Festa Italia 2025, on the upper Custom House Plaza level, is our Italian Dessert Court. Enjoy Italian cookies and coffee, fresh filled Cannoli’s and new this year Italian ice cups. Enjoy the entertainment from the professional musicians and take a “Sweets” break sitting at our new cafe tables. Look for the World Traveler’s Directional Sign post and remember to have fun and take a photo at one of our painted Photo Walls to commemorate your day at Festa Italia, Monterey California.
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.
There are fun activities for the kids including a bungee activity and an inflatable slide.
Vitalba Gammicchia, Vice Council Commerce, Commercial and economic attaché' at the Consulate General San Francisco, will be on site this year.
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.
Join us 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
Vitalba Gammicchia, Vice Council Commerce, Commercial and economic attaché at the Consulate General San Francisco, will be on site this year.
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)
1:30pm - 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