The way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach and this Father’s Day, FESTITALIA 2025 is serving up a feast of Italian food, music, and culture to make it a celebration to remember.
Back and bigger than ever, Queensland’s favourite Italian festival will transform Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds into a vibrant slice of Italy on Sunday, 7 September.
Whether you’re Italian by blood, by love, or simply by appetite, FESTITALIA invites all to experience a day bursting with tradition, joy (allegria), and plenty of carbs of course!
🎥 Watch the FESTITALIA 2025 preview
“FESTITALIA is more than a festival, it’s a love letter to Italian culture,” says Comm. The Hon. Santo Santoro, FESTITALIA President.
“It’s a day that captures the sights, sounds, and soul of Italy right here in Brisbane.”
From grand opera to folk dancing, wood-fired pizzas to Nonna’s secret recipes, the 2025 program is packed with entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun.
This year’s performers include:
- 🎤 Opera tenor Raffaele Pierno and folk favourites Zumpa
- 😂 Comedian and TV host James Liotta
- 💃 The iconic FESTITALIA Tarantella Dancers, offering dance lessons
- 🍕 World champion pizza acrobat Youssef Ben Touati
- 🎭 Street theatre by Homunculus Theatre’s Pulcinellas
- 🎸 Guitar prodigy Henry Catania
- 🎶 Performers Divina Opera, Latinissima, Diletta & Dan, and more
Food is at the heart of FESTITALIA, with authentic Italian cuisine prepared just like Nonna used to make:
- Fresh wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta
- Regional specialties at the iconic Nonna’s Kitchen
- Italian espresso bars, gelato carts, fine wines, and decadent desserts
- Gourmet stalls showcasing traditional family recipes
There’s plenty of activities for the whole family:
- 🐐 Petting zoo and Roman military camp
- 🏎️ Vintage Italian car displays and fencing demos
- 🧦 Quirky competitions like “Nonna’s Slipper Throw”, “Best Dressed Italian Dad”, and “Dad with the Biggest Pancia (belly!)”
- 🎲 Traditional Italian games like Tira Molla (tug of war) and musical statues
One of the festival’s most beloved traditions returns…. the Tarantella. This high-energy Southern Italian folk dance has roots in ancient healing rituals and is now a celebration of joy and togetherness. Group dance lessons will be held throughout the day, so don’t be shy. Everyone’s invited to join the fun.
FESTITALIA also honours the deep contributions of Italian-Australian communities to Queensland’s cultural fabric.
Mr Santoro said the Italian community has been a vital thread in the social, cultural and economic fabric of Queensland.
“From the post-war migration boom of the 1950s and ‘60s to today’s proud Italo-Australian families, Italian Queenslanders have made enormous contributions to agriculture, construction, cuisine, small business, and the arts.
“Towns like Stanthorpe, Ingham, and Brisbane’s inner north echo with Italian heritage – in the vineyards, the delis, the churches, and the kitchens. But beyond the visible, it’s the values – family, community, hard work, and allegria – that continue to shape the state.
“Events like FESTITALIA don’t just celebrate Italy; they celebrate the strength, legacy and ongoing influence of one of Queensland’s most passionate and tight-knit cultural communities,” he said.
Head to www.festitalia.com.au to get your tickets and explore the full program.
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025 (Father’s Day)
📍 Location: The Marquee, RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
🎟️ Tickets: Available now at www.festitalia.com.au
Get ready to shout “Evviva!” and celebrate Dad the Italian way…. with great food, big laughs, and unforgettable memories at FESTITALIA 2025.
