From Nonna’s Kitchen and roaming folk bands to pizza dough flying through the air, FESTITALIA is more than just a festival. It is a love letter to Italian culture, delivered with flavour, flair and a whole lot of fun.
A Festival of Italian Sights and Sounds
The entertainment lineup reads like a greatest hits of Italian-style performance. Expect opera stars such as Raffaele Pierno, folk favourites Zumpa, and roaming acts from Homunculus Theatre’s cheeky Pulcinellas. Rising talents like young guitar prodigy Henry Catania will take the stage, alongside ensembles Divina Opera, Latinissima, and many more.
And do not miss world-class pizza acrobat Youssef Ben Touati – because nothing says spectacle like dough tossed sky-high.
Nonna Would Approve – The Food!
It would not be FESTITALIA without the food. Think wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, espresso bars, fine Italian wines, and gelato carts on every corner. Nonna’s Kitchen will be the beating heart of the festival, serving recipes that have been passed down through generations. If you leave hungry, you did it wrong.
Fun and Games for Everyone
There is something for the whole famiglia. Dads can test their mettle in competitions like Best Dressed Italian Dad, Nonna’s Slipper Throw, and the legendary Dad with the Biggest Pancia (belly). Kids can dive into a petting zoo, games, and even a Roman military camp, while the whole family can admire vintage Italian cars or learn fencing with Prima Spada.
A Father’s Day Like No Other
This year’s FESTITALIA lands on Father’s Day, Sunday 7 September 2025 – which makes it the perfect gift. Swap socks for spaghetti and give Dad a day packed with flavour, fast cars, fine wine, and plenty of family fun. Whether he is competitive, stylish, or simply hungry, there is something at FESTITALIA to make him shout perfetto!
A Celebration of Italian Legacy in Queensland
Since the post-war migration boom, Italian communities have been a vital part of Queensland’s story, shaping industries, neighbourhoods, and of course, the state’s food culture. FESTITALIA is a joyful reminder of that heritage and the values of family, community, and hard work that continue to enrich Brisbane today.
Things You Must Try at FESTITALIA
Yes, Nonna insists:
Watch the Pizza Acrobatics
Youssef Ben Touati turns dough-tossing into an artform. It is fast, flashy, and it smells incredible.Visit Nonna’s Kitchen
Traditional recipes, rich sauces, garlic in the air – and Nonna making sure you finish every bite.Say Ciao to the Pulcinellas
These masked theatre characters from Homunculus Theatre are cheeky, mischievous and completely unmissable.Soak up the Music
From opera to folk to guitar, FESTITALIA is a feast for the ears. Make sure you cheer “Bravissimo!”Cheer on the Dad-with-the-Biggest-Pancia Comp
It is Father’s Day, after all. May the fullest belly win!
FESTITALIA 2025
📅 Sunday 7 September 2025 (Father’s Day)
📍 RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
🎟 Tickets: www.festitalia.com.au
Brisbane: bring your appetite, bring your family, and bring your loudest cheer. FESTITALIA is ready to serve up a slice of Italy, right in the heart of our city.