Italian Festival

Calgary’s Taste of Italy Festival is a community event dedicated to celebrating Italian culture, cuisine, and achievements in Calgary. Organized by Taste of Italy Festival Society, the annual festival brings together local residents, businesses, restaurants, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers for a lively Italian-inspired experience at the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association. Visitors can enjoy food, live music and entertainment, dancing, and family-friendly activities, including games, contests, pizza-making, and grape stomping.

Festival features may also include a classic Italian car show, a fashion showcase, and Speaker’s Corner, where Italian-Calgarians share stories of immigration and success. The event highlights Italian art and local businesses while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the community. In addition to welcoming attendees, the festival invites vendors with Italian or vintage Italian products to apply, and offers sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for those who want to contribute.

Festival merchandise, contests, and raffles add to the program. With its roots in founder Lonny Balbi’s Italian heritage and inspiration from Calgary’s Little Italy, the festival offers an engaging way to experience Italian culture locally