The Italian Festival Hosts Grape Stomp, Bocce Tournament, Dog Show, and More

Seattle Center Festál continues with The Italian Festival Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion. The festival is family oriented, free and open to the public.

"The Italian community is very excited that The Italian Festival at Seattle Center will return in all its glory in its 35th year," said Dennis Caldirola, Festa Italiana director. "Last year, we were the only festival to stage an in-person event, but due to social distancing, etc., it was pretty subdued. This year, everything is back: the pizza toss, the grape stomp, the Saturday night concert and dance, the cooking demos, the wine gardens, everything!"

The Italian Festival offers a variety of activities over the course of the weekend. From the car show, bocce tournament and Italian dog breeds show to musical performances and face painting, the Italian Festival has something for everyone.

"Our vision of One Seattle is a city that comes together to celebrate its various cultural communities and their traditions," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. "Now in its 35th year, Italian Fest is a chance for our city to honor the unique cultural roots of Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest through lively music, delicious food and wine, and so much more."

The Grape Stomp will take place on the Fisher Pavilion Rooftop both days between 12:40 and 5 p.m. with emcee "famous dude from Ballard," Doc Bailey. Performances include Doc Bailey as well as Anthony "Nino" Lane Band, Seattle Mandolin Orchestra and Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band.

A robust program of kids' activities will be held at Tino's Cortile, or the Children's Courtyard, upstairs in the Armory. There will be hands-on art activities and a kids pizza toss while face painting will be at the bottom of the stairs.

"Seattle Center is happy to host the Italian Festival on its grounds," said Robert Nellams, director of Seattle Center. "We are excited to welcome all visitors to campus for a festival that is sure to entertain everyone who participates."

A complete schedule of events can be found here.