Avon's La Festa Italiana Returns This Weekend With Food, Music And Free Admission

AVON, CT — Italian food, live music, traditional demonstrations and some decidedly messy competitions are returning to Avon this weekend for the sixth annual La Festa Italiana.

Prince Thomas of Savoy, the Italian American Club in Avon, will host the two-day festival at 32 Old Farms Road. The event runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, and from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.

Admission is free, and the festival is open to families.

“La Festa Italiana is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of food, family, tradition and the community spirit that brings people back year after year,” event co-chair Carmelo Mangiafico said. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to share in the music, flavors and fun.”

Festival organizers are promising a broad menu of Italian favorites, including pizza from E&D Pizza, fried dough, cannoli, Italian pastries, sausage and peppers, chicken parmesan and meatball grinders. PTS Italian dipping oil, Italian ice and coffee from Dom’s Coffee will also be available.

Saturday's schedule includes several returning competitions, including a meatball eating contest, cheese roll contest, and grape stomping contest.

Cultural demonstrations will feature limoncello and ricotta cheese making, while an Italian car showcase is also planned.

Live entertainment begins Friday with Shout, followed by The Savage Brothers Band.

Saturday's lineup includes performances by Sorelle D’Italia in America, Night Shift and Michael Nigretti. Johnny Six Gun, a 10-piece classic rock band, will close out the weekend's entertainment.

“From the first song to the last bite, La Festa Italiana is all about bringing people together for a joyful weekend of music, food and community,” event co-chair Dean Zappalorti said. “We’re excited to welcome families, friends and neighbors to celebrate with us and enjoy the festive spirit of Italy right here in Avon.”

Beer, wine and Italian specialty cocktails will also be available, according to festival organizers.

All parking will be off-site. Festival parking will be available in the back parking lot of the Residence Inn on Ensign Drive in Avon, with shuttle buses taking visitors to the festival.

Shuttle service will operate from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The final bus will leave Prince Thomas of Savoy at 9:45 p.m.

Pets are not permitted at the event.

What To Know

• What: Sixth annual PTS La Festa Italiana
• When: Friday, Sept. 18, 4-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19, noon-9:30 p.m.
• Where: Prince Thomas of Savoy, 32 Old Farms Road, Avon
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Off-site at the Residence Inn back parking lot on Ensign Drive, with shuttle service to the festival
• Highlights: Italian food, live music, Italian dancing, cultural demonstrations, Italian cars, grape stomping, meatball eating and cheese roll contests
• Pets: Not permitted