That’s amore on Commercial Drive! Entering its 10th year, Italian Day on the Drive (June 9) raises a toast to Italian culture and heritage with more than 130 merchants, vendors, partners and community organizations collaborating to stage the buzziest block party of the year for upwards of 300,000 attendees.
Festival-goers can look forward to 14 blocks jam-packed with Italian-inspired entertainment. Piazza-style intersections showcase cultural mainstays, including three music stages hosting performances by local and international Italian artists; a tantalizingly aromatic “Authentic Italian Table” section dedicated to food and wine samples; a fashion show staged by local designers; 14 extended patios; food trucks dishing up meatballs, pizza, cannoli, gelato, fried Italian donuts and other traditional delights; flashy displays of Italian cars and motorcycles; and plenty of activities for young ‘uns.
This year, the festival’s theme is Comunità, representing celebration and support of community, and recognizing the power of communities banding together. Through partner and business donations, the Italian Day Festival Society aims to raise $10,000 for The East End Boys and Girls Club, which provides assistance for at-risk youth.
In addition to joining the party at Italian Day, don’t forget to check out events taking place all month long for Italian Heritage Month in June. Part of the festivities include Little Italy crosswalks, positioned at three intersections along Commercial Drive. Visitors to Italian Day can also enter to win one of two trips to Italy!
Italian Day on the Drive takes place June 9, between noon and 8pm along Commercial Drive. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or transit to the event. Now don your best green, white and red and let’s raise a glass to la bella Italia!
