93rd Annual Festa Italia
Event Date:Sep 11 - Sep 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location:
Please note the event hours that differ each day! This fun event is right next to Old Fisherman's Wharf!
Additional New Entertainers Announced for The 93rd Festa Italia at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey to be held on September 11th – 13th, 2026 – Free Admission
June 2026. Monterey, CA. The award-winning 93rd Annual Festa Italia, also known as Monterey’s Santa Rosalia Fisherman’s Festival, invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate Monterey’s rich Italian Sicilian heritage while honoring the enduring contributions of Monterey’s local fishermen, past and present. The festival is proud to add even more great entertainment to its line-up.
This beloved, 3-day free, family-friendly festival offers fun for all ages with great food, live music, dancing, bocce tournament, shopping, networking and more. Drawing attendees from across the United States, Festa Italia remains one of Monterey’s most cherished cultural traditions, capturing the sights, sounds, flavors, and spirit of Italy in a welcoming community setting celebrated at 20 Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey adjacent to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Festa Italia is proud to be the First Place winner for “Best 2025 Community Event” in the annual Monterey Herald’s Readers' Choice Awards.
Festa Italia Entertainment 2026:
Along with Festa Italia Festival favorites entertainers, Pasquale Esposito (https://pasqualeesposito.com), Mike Marotta and the Italian Allstars, The Money Band (Saturday, September 12 only - https://www.moneyband.org/) , The Anthony Lane Band (https://www.anthonylaneband.com/) , there will also be two new additions to the entertainment schedule: Lost and Found and The Musica of Jimmy Rossi and Luca DePaolis.
The Musica of Jimmy Rossi and Luca De Paolis
Luca de Paolis lives in Rome, Italy and began playing the traditional folk accordion (organetto) at the age of three. Jimmy Rossi lives in Carson City, Nevada and plays multiple instruments; including the mandolin. Luca and Jimmy met 10 years ago at the Salt Lake City Festa Italiana. The two of them performed in separate acts, but over the years, they often shared the stage in impromptu performances. Their love for performing together and their energy on stage was infectious and before you knew it, the SLC FESTA committee began working their collaborations into the festa schedule. This year, Jimmy asked Luca to fly out 10 days before the Salt Lake City Festa for a 10 day California/Nevada Tour, beginning at the famous Monterey Santa Rosalia Festival and culminating at the Salt Lake City Festa Italiana. Luca and Jimmy's repertoire consists of traditional Italian songs and dances, Italian/American songs arranged by Jimmy, singer songwriter originals, lots of sing-alongs, and some really fun stories. Come on out and enjoy some of this international collaboration's infectious energy. It's guaranteed FUN!
Lost and Found Band
Blending authenticity with a bold, modern edge, The Lost and Found Band brings timeless songs to life with rich grooves, dynamic brass, and soulful energy—crafted for audiences who appreciate musical precision and an electrifying live performance. Here’s a sample of their performances: https://youtu.be/wcHkOA1jIn0
Food and Drink at Festa Italia
Held over three days, Festa Italia features an abundant selection of authentic Italian cuisine available for purchase, including calamari, steak and sausage sandwiches, pasta, arancini, cannoli, Italian cookies, fried shrimp, as well as a vegetarian eggplant Parmesan sandwich. Guests can also enjoy refreshing Italian ices, along with wine, beer, sodas, and water. Adding to the cultural experience, lively music and dancing is included all 3 days, with Tarantella dance lessons offered in front of the main stage on Sunday plus performances. Another highlight of the weekend will be a Classic Fisherman’s Wharf calamari cooking demonstration led by Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake as well as the Dessert Court on the Upper Custom House Plaza plus fun new kids’ activities.
Festa Italia Merchandise and Vendors
Beyond the food and entertainment, Festa Italia offers Italian-themed and Festa Italia-exclusive merchandise, along with a variety of vendors showcasing unique crafts, clothing, and specialty items.
Festa Italia History
The festival’s roots trace back to 1933, when Sicilian fishermen in Monterey donated a statue of Santa Rosalia, their patron saint, to the San Carlos Cathedral in gratitude for safe voyages and abundant harvests. That act of faith and community gave rise to a tradition that continues today as a meaningful celebration of Monterey’s Italian and fishing heritage. Join us for the 93rd Annual Festa Italia and be part of a living legacy that honors the past while keeping these cherished traditions vibrant for generations to come.
At a Glance:
What: 93rd Annual Festa Italia held by the Festa Italia Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Festival Entry Cost: Free
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
When: Friday – Sunday, September 11-13, 2026
Friday, September 11th – 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, September 12th – 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, September 13th – 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
Bocce Tournament – Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th at the bocce courts at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park
Information: (831) 633-4444 or email [email protected]
Additional information and updates will be posted on the website: www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org
FESTA Italia 2026 Entertainment Schedule
Friday Night, Sept. 11th. 2026
4:30 to 5pm The Musica of Jimmy Rossi and Luca DePaolis
5:00pm to 9:00pm Dancing Under the STARS with
The Lost and Found Band
Dance Music from
Rock n Roll - Jazz - R & B - Reggae
Saturday, Sept. 12th. “Opening Ceremony Celebration”
10am Mass San Carlos Cathedral/Crowning the Statue of Santa Rosalia
11:30am – 12 noon Custom House Plaza
Opening Ceremony Main Stage
Procession to Wharf & Blessing of the Fleet
12:00 noon -1:00pm Anthony Lane Band
1:00pm - 1:25pm Cooking Demonstration
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