Brisbane’s favourite celebration of Italian culture, FESTITALIA Italian Festival returns to the RNA Showgrounds on Sunday 20 September, bringing fresh food, live entertainment and a program that blends much-loved traditions with a few new experiences for 2026.
The cannoli have built quite the following over the years, with more than 10,000 expected to be made throughout the day. Once you’ve made your way past those, you’ll find handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, gelato, espresso and Italian wines representing different regions of Italy.
This year’s program also introduces Ancient Roman cooking classes with pastry chef Andreas Lachman from Mare Nostrvm, while Alessandro Motta will be sharing the craft behind fresh mozzarella. Pizza acrobat Youssef Ben Touati also returns, ready to send plenty of dough spinning above the crowd once again.
Opera performances, Italian music and Tarantella dancing will bring the festival to life throughout the day, with plenty of opportunities to join in, while colourful Venetian performers and stilt walkers weave their way through the grounds.
Families will find plenty to keep everyone busy, from Roman historical displays and Prima Spada fencing experiences to Kidzclub Australia’s Italian games, the famous Nonna’s Slipper Throw and Tira Molla tug of war.
Whether you’re heading along for the food, the entertainment or a taste of Italian culture, FESTITALIA is shaping up to be another memorable day on Brisbane’s events calendar.
WHAT: FESTITALIA Italian Festival 2026
WHEN: Sunday 20 September 2026
WHERE: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
TICKETS: On sale now at www.festitalia.com.au
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
