Arizona’s biggest celebration of Italian food, wine and culture is getting a fresh new setting this fall. The Italian Association of Arizona is bringing back its 11th annual Italian Festival on November 7-8, with a move to the Scottsdale Civic Center that means more ways to experience a taste of Italy.
The two-day festival takes place November 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and November 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., where the 24-acre park will transform into a celebration filled with authentic Italian cuisine, regional wines, live music, shopping and family-friendly activities.
“We are beyond excited to host our festival in a new space that gives guests more room to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, music, wine, vendors and activations,” said Dario Soldan, Italian Association of Arizona founder and event organizer. “We’re also bringing back our popular ‘La Strada del Vino’ theme, or Street of Wine, to transport guests to Italy and celebrate our culture in the heart of Scottsdale.”
New Valley favorites including Sogno Toscano and The Italiano are joining returning restaurants such as Virtu Honest Craft, Pomo Pizzeria, Mamma Lucy and Marcellino Ristorante. Wine lovers will have more to explore with La Strada del Vino, featuring more than 30 wines from regions across Italy.
Guests can choose a wine tasting package that includes six tastings, a commemorative wine glass and a lanyard. Those looking for an elevated experience can reserve the festival’s first-ever De Cecco VIP Lounge that offers perks like three complimentary pasta dishes prepared by chef Francesco Allegro, three wine or cocktail selections available only to VIP guests and admission to La Strada del Vino with six tasting tickets included.
Another first this year is a Saturday bocce ball tournament, where teams of four can compete on two courts. The fun continues Sunday as Italian restaurants face off in their own tournament for bragging rights and a prize.
The entertainment lineup goes all weekend with performances from Italian opera soprano Ripalta Bufo, trilingual pop artist ILIANA, Little Rascal and a variety of street performers, including a 15-member flag-twirling group traveling from Asti, Italy. Visitors can browse Italian-inspired goods, including specialty olive oils, biscotti, skincare, handcrafted bags and accessories that bring a little piece of Italy home.
Tickets are available in several options, from general admission to wine tasting packages and the VIP experience. For more, visit italianassociation.org.
