FESTA ITALIANA — Howard Smith Wharves

CIAO RAGAZZI!

FESTA ITALIANA returns to Howard Smith Wharves for its third year… Bigger, bolder and more delicious than ever!

Across two unforgettable weekends by the Brisbane River, get ready to feast, sip and celebrate with a star-studded culinary lineup featuring Orazio D’Elia, Carmine Guarino, and Dean Anning. Think authentic Italian cuisine, lively spritz bars, live entertainment, family fun and even the chance to ride away on a stylish ROLL’N Moped.

Gather your amici, famiglia and amore, FESTA ITALIANA is your ultimate Italian escape in the heart of Brisbane!

Free entry, endless flavour, sunshine and good times await…

SAVE THE DATE

WEEKEND 1 /
Thursday 29th May – Sunday 1st June

WEEKEND 2 /
Thursday 5th June – Sunday 8th June

OPENING HOURS
THURSDAY/ 3pm – 10pm
FRIDAY/ 3pm – 10pm
SATURDAY/ 11am – 10pm
SUNDAY/ 11am – 10pm

LA DOLCE VITA

Main Lawn will come alive with a vibrant outdoor grill station, serving up mouthwatering porchetta focaccia rolls and succulent Pollo al Mattone chicken rolls… The ultimate festival fare! Feast on Orazio’s much-loved Rigatoni alla Vodka, rich with tomato, chilli, cream and a splash of vodka. Discover new favourites like Strozzapreti ai Gamberi, tossed with prawns, zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Or try Sardinian Shell Pasta alla Campidanese, a hearty mix of pork sausage, saffron and tomato sugo.

Just steps away, our Spritz Bar will be pouring a vibrant collection of bold and refreshing takes on Italy’s most iconic cocktails. From fruity Lambrusco Spritzes to frozen White Peach Aperol Slushies… The lineup is a lively celebration of citrus, sunshine and spritz culture. And to mark the occasion, Felons Brewing Co. has brewed a crisp Italian Lager which will be available exclusively at the festival.

A SLICE OF ITALY

Bringing a true taste of Rome to the riverfront, Napoli-born chef Carmine Guarino will showcase his passion for traditional Italian street food… Think Roman style pizzas served fresh by the slice, paired with natural Italian wines and the feel-good sounds of classic Italo Disco.

For a true Italian deli experience, step inside our authentic Salumeria… This is a celebration of Italy’s rich food culture. Here, you’ll find freshly made mozzarella, hand-stretched and crafted onsite, alongside abundant artisanal charcuterie boards layered with the finest cured meats and cheeses. Crispy calamari, house pickles, and other deli delights round out the offering, with live mozzarella making demonstrations happening daily to bring a little extra theatre to the festival experience.

GIARDINO APEROL

In partnership with Aperol, Ciao Papi Garden will transform into a sun-soaked oasis inspired by the citrus groves and coastal charm of Southern Italy. A dedicated Aperol Spritz Bar will be pouring refreshing spritzes all day long, making it the ultimate riverside spot to sip, snack, and soak up the sunshine with friends.

Adding a touch of indulgence, Gelato Messina will pop up with an exclusive festival dessert crafted especially for FESTA ITALIANA. Inspired by the sweet, sun-drenched flavours of an Italian summer, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy while lounging in the garden, spritz in hand, with the sounds of Italy floating through the air.

F E S T A

Families are in for a treat too, with a dedicated bambino zone featuring children’s entertainment and open play areas, making FESTA ITALIANA a true event for all ages.

Adding to the excitement, FESTA ITALIANA will also feature live music and roaming entertainers, bringing even more vibrancy and atmosphere across both weekends. Visit our Spotify playlist to transport you to the streets of Naples and beyond – LISTEN HERE.

Don’t forget to stop by our merchandise stall where you can pick up limited-edition FESTA ITALIANA keepsakes… From chic apparel to pieces that capture the spirit of FESTA.

F – Famiglia (Family)
E – Euforia (Euphoria)
S – Spritz (Spritz)
T – Tradizione (Tradition)
A – Amore (Love)

WIN A LUXURY TRIP TO ITALY FOR TWO

To celebrate FESTA ITALIANA at Howard Smith Wharves, we’re giving away the ultimate Italian escape, a dream holiday for two to Italy, valued at $20, 000!

From the charm of Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany to the lakeside beauty of Lake Como, enjoy six unforgettable nights in luxury, with return flights and stays in Italy’s most iconic destinations.

Your Italian adventure awaits… See below to enter.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

WIN ROLL’N MOPED

Each weekend you could ride away in style!
Simply register on-site for your chance to win a fully electric, vintage-inspired ROLL’N Moped… perfect for city streets and coastal cruising.

FIND YOUR WAY AT FESTA ITALIANA

Piazza Italiana (Piazza kitchen & bar) – Find guest Chef Orazio D’Elia’s signature pastas including his famous rigatoni alla vodka.
Casa Della Pizza – feast on Roman-style pizzas, paired with flowing drinks and Italo disco sounds.
Bottega Deli – Experience the vibe of an Italian marketplace. Here you can taste Mozzarella that’s hand-crafted on site by Casa Motta.
Dolce Room – Indulge in a haven of sweets from delicate pastries to rich cannoli. Here you’ll find Gelato Messina with their exclusive FESTA flavours.
Giardino Aperol – Want to sip on a spritz by the river? Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, Giardino Aperol is serving refreshing drinks all weekend long.
Bambino Lawn – FESTA ITALIANA is family friendly! Head to the lawn for a relaxing spot with a kids play area. Don’t forget to grab some Valrhona-drenched strawberries while you’re there.

View full map here

FESTA ITALIANA Q&A

Is the event free to attend?

Yes! The event is free to attend with delicious food and refreshing beverages available for purchase.

Is Ciao Papi restaurant open during FESTA ITALIANA?

Yes! Ciao Papi will be serving a delicious Set Menu by Executive Chef, Dean Anning for the occasion. Plus, a reduced à la carte menu is also available during festival dates. See details and make a reservation on the Ciao Papi website to secure a table.

Is the event family friendly?

Yes, Festa Italiana is family friendly.

Can I win anything at FESTA ITALIANA?

Si! There are two epic giveaways to celebrate FESTA ITALIANA.

ROLL’N MOPED
Attend FESTA ITALIANA at Howard Smith Wharves to score the chance to win a ROLL’N moped! There is a moped to be won on both weekends, but you must register in person to enter. Register for the ROLL’N moped giveaway on the main lawn of Howard Smith Wharves during FESTA ITALIANA.

WIN A LUXURY TRIP TO ITALY FOR TWO
You and your travel buddy can win a luxury trip to Italy by following three simple online steps! The total prize is worth up to $20,000! Learn more about the giveaway and see how to enter on this page.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, bring your pooch and relax in good company on the Main Lawn. Please keep in mind, we are a bustling precinct so bring your pet only if they’ll feel comfortable.

How do I get to Festa Italiana?

Festa Italiana will be held on the Main Lawn at the New Farm end of the precinct.

You can visit our location page to plan your journey.

Location

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