MILWAUKEE -- Festa Italiana is taking place this weekend in Milwaukee on the Summerfest fairgrounds. Here is everything you need to know before heading to the festival.
Dates and times
Festa Italiana begins on July 20 and runs through the 22.
Friday, July 20: Gates open at 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 21: Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, July 22: Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Ticket info
Tickets are $10 online and at the Italian Community Center through July 19. To purchase, click here.
You may also purchase tickets at Sendiks through July 21. For participating locations, click here.
Otherwise, admission tickets are $13.00 at the gate and children ages 12 and under are admitted free for all three days when accompanied by an adult.
Admission deals
Friday, July 20: Free admission from 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, July 21: Free admission from noon to 2 p.m. VIP Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those with physical challenges will be admitted free and get half off two food items. Get tickets at Italian Community Center.
Sunday, July 22: Teachers, police, firefighters and military will receive free admission for them and one guest. Show up to the gate with a valid ID.
Entertainment schedule
There is entertainment on five stages all weekend. Catch comedians, musicians, dancers, flag-throwers, Italian opera and more. For the full weekend schedule, click here.
Italian Food and Cooking Demonstrations
There are 26 food vendors offering authentic Italian foods. To check out the entire menu of all vendors, click here.
Welcome the new food vendors in at 3:30 p.m. Friday. There will be food samples from Albanese’s, Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Dorsia and Trattoria Di Carlo.
On Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. there will be a kid's pizza-making competition.
For a full list of food demonstrations and activities, click here.
Activities and fun for all ages
Learn about Italian history, take part in Italian opera, watch a parade, go to mass and even ride a gondola. To learn more about all available activities, click here.
