FESTA ITALIANA OFFERS MUSIC, FOOD, CRAFT FAIR
One of Kansas City’s favorite festivals, Festa Italiana, the unique celebration of Italian traditions and Italian-American culture, will be May 31 – June 2.
This longtime local ethnic festival draws visitors from across metropolitan Kansas City and beyond. Enjoy an amazing assortment of Italian food favorites, great entertainment on the main stage all weekend, an Italian Motorsports Show, Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair, bounce houses for kids and much more.
Free admission, food and beverages available for purchase.
Festa Italiana is the largest fundraiser for UNICO KC. UNICO is an Italian-American service organization that raises funds for college scholarships for area high school students. This year, $56,000 will be awarded during Sunday’s ceremony.
Hours for the celebration are:
Friday, May 31: 5-11 p.m.
Saturday, June 1: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, June 2: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The event will be held at Zona Rosa’s North Park, which is the area just south of the Dillard’s building.
Parking:
From Barry Road Entrance — follow NW Prairie View Road and through the intersection of Old Navy and Barnes & Noble. Look for “EVENT PARKING” signs in the lots to the East of Dillard’s.
From Congress entrances, there are two parking garages available. 86th Street Garage (walk north on N. Stoddard to the event) or the Northwest Parking Garage (just west of Dillard’s)
2024 Kansas City Festa Italiana Entertainment Line-Up
Friday, May 31
5 p.m. Miller Marley Entertainers. Overland Park’s premier dance troupe
5:30 p.m. Frank Cherrito. KC’s smooth Italian crooner
6:30 p.m. Flashback. Classic rock, R&B and funk band
8:30 p.m. UNICO’s Meatball Eating Contest
9 p.m. The Bronx Wanderers. One family, one dream, one amazing rockin’ show.
NEW: Pop-up market filled with local makers and artists curated by The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair. Market open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday.
Saturday, June 1
11 a.m. Live with Jasper Mirable. Celebrity Italian chef hosts hour show with guests.
12 p.m. UNICO’s Cannoli Eating Contest – Hosted by Jasper Mirable
12:30 p.m. Chef Jasper Mirable – Chef’s Demonstration. Jaspers and Marco Polo Secret Recipe!
1 p.m. The Gumba’s, A musical journey through Italy.
*Special Appearance – Watch for The Strolling Gumbas from 1:30 – 2:30 on the Festival Grounds *
1:30 p.m. The Viviano Brothers. Singing Italian Favorites
2:30 p.m. Michael Donze. The Italian Elvis Tribute.
3:30 p.m. Dolewite. KC’s Classic Hip Hop Experience.
5 p.m. Disco Dick & The Mirrorballs. The nation’s number one disco experience.
6:30 p.m. Joseph Vincelli. Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist, Flautist and Jazz Artist
7:30 p.m. Kate Cosentino. Local Pop, Jazz Artist, Former Contestant on The Voice
9 p.m. The Bronx Wanderers Return
Pop-up market filled with local makers and artists curated by The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair. Market open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday.
Sunday , June 2
10 a.m. Catholic Mass. Presiding celebrant – Fr. Joseph Cisetti
11 a.m. Chef Chris Canzoneri. Secret recipe from Garozzo’s head chef
11:30 a.m. Maria Milazzo. Singing Italian arias and classics
12 p.m. The Gumba’s. A musical journey through Italy
1 p.m. Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor. Festa’s young dancer returns in 2024
1 p.m. Guilana Cuccia. Festa’s youngest dancer
1:15 p.m. Frank Favoroso. Classic Rock and Country
1:30 p.m. Melrose’s School of Dance. Liberty’s Showcase Dancers
2:30 p.m. Four Fried Chickens and a Coke. Upbeat, fun rock band since 1997
4 p.m. Recognition of U.N.I.C.O Scholarship Winners
Italian Motor Show: Sunday, June 2, noon – 2 p.m.
UNICO Wine Tasting Tent: on the west side of the festival grounds, all weekend long.