Festa Italia Fisherman's Festival

Celebrate Italian heritage at the 93rd Annual Festa Italia, Monterey's beloved three-day festival honoring the city's Italian-Sicilian community and fishing traditions.

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, live music, dancing, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Festival favorites include Pasquale Esposito, Mike Marotta & the Italian All Stars, The Anthony Lane Band, plus new for 2026, The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis and The Lost and Found Band.

Savor Italian specialties including calamari, steak and sausage sandwiches, pasta, arancini, cannoli, Italian cookies, fried shrimp, eggplant Parmesan, Italian ices, wine, and beer. Don't miss the Tarantella dance lessons, the traditional Blessing of the Fishing Fleet, chef cooking demonstrations, the popular Bocce Tournament, and a variety of Italian-themed vendors and merchandise.

Admission is free, making Festa Italia one of Monterey's favorite annual celebrations for food lovers, music enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to experience the rich traditions of Italy.

Come and celebrate with us, with wonderful Italian food and drink, and amazing entertainment at Festa Italia 2026 at its 93rd edition. Mark your calendars now to attend next year's gathering for three days of Italian cuisine, music, dancing, fun and friendship.

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 11
3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, September 12
10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, September 13
10 am – 6 pm

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, September 11

4:30 – 5:00 PM
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis

5:00 – 9:00 PM
Dancing Under the Stars with The Lost and Found Band
Rock 'n' Roll • Jazz • R&B • Reggae

 

Saturday, September 12 – Opening Ceremony Celebration

10:00 AM
Mass at San Carlos Cathedral & Crowning of the Statue of Santa Rosalia

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Opening Ceremony, Procession to Old Fisherman's Wharf & Blessing of the Fleet

12:00 – 1:00 PM
Anthony Lane Band

1:00 – 1:25 PM
Chef Tene Shake Cooking Demonstration – Classic Italian Calamari

1:30 – 2:30 PM
Pasquale Esposito

2:30 – 2:45 PM
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis

2:45 – 3:45 PM
Mike Marotta & the Italian All Stars

Approx. 3:00 PM
Tarantella Dancers

4:00 – 5:00 PM
Anthony Lane Band

5:15 – 6:15 PM
Pasquale Esposito

6:15 – 6:30 PM
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis

6:30 – 9:00 PM
Dancing Under the Stars with The Money Band

 

Sunday, September 13

11:00 – 11:30 AM
Free Tarantella Dance Lessons with Phyllis Grillo

11:30 – 11:45 AM
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis

11:45 AM – 12:50 PM
Anthony Lane Band

Approx. 12:30 PM
Tarantella Dancers

1:00 – 1:25 PM
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis

1:30 – 2:30 PM
Pasquale Esposito

2:45 – 3:45 PM
Mike Marotta & the Italian All Stars

3:45 – 4:00 PM
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi & Luca DePaolis

4:00 – 5:00 PM
Pasquale Esposito

5:00 – 6:00 PM
Anthony Lane Band

Bocce Awards & Closing Announcements

Bocce Tournament: Saturday & Sunday at the Custom House Plaza bocce courts.

Festival Admission: Free

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