Italian Festa & Expo 2026

17–18 October 2026 · Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton · Free entry

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What's On

No passport or ticket needed. Just step in, and you are in Italy.

Vendor at an Italian delicatessen stall with hanging cured meats

MARKET STALLS

Shopping

For one weekend, the Royal Exhibition Building becomes Australia's largest Italian marketplace. Wander through hundreds of exhibitors showcasing gourmet food, wines, fashion, homewares, artisan products and unique gifts. It's the perfect place to discover authentic Italian excellence and take a little piece of Italy home.

Step inside

EXPLORE & LEARN

Discovery

Beyond the marketplace lies the Gallery - the most unique experience of the Italian Festa & Expo. Discover premium wine and food tastings, Bar Italia, art exhibitions, the 80th anniversary Vespa display, Meet & Greets your idols and our incredible raffle prizes. It's a journey that simply can't be missed.

Step inside

Crowd in front of the main stage at the Italian Festa

LIVE MUSIC

Entertainment

From morning until late evening, the Italian Festa & Expo comes alive. Enjoy bands and vocal groups on the Verrocchi Stage, dance at the Discoteca Italiana, relax to live music in Il Giardino, celebrate young performers on the Indoor Stage and experience the Italian Jazz Festival. Every performance is live, bringing to you the authentic spirit of Italy.

Step inside

Italian cured meats and breadsticks on wooden serving boards

STREET FOOD

Eat & Drink

Nowhere else in Melbourne will you find such an incredible celebration of Italian street food and drinks. Explore three vibrant piazzas - La Piazza, La Discoteca and Il Giardino - and discover regional specialities, traditional favourites and contemporary flavours. Every piazza offers something unique, so be sure to experience them all.

Step inside

WATCH THE PREVIEW

This is the Italian Festa & Expo

One weekend, four worlds of Italy, captured in 30 seconds.

/ Programme

Shopping

For one weekend only, the Royal Exhibition Building becomes the largest Italian shopping experience in Australia.

EXPO SAPORI

Premium Wines & Specialties

A must for wine and food lovers. EXPO SAPORI brings together close to a hundred Italian wines and gourmet delicacies in an exclusive Gallery experience. Limited tickets available online and at the door.

Browse the stalls

GOURMET PANTRY

Your Italian food shopping

Discover authentic Italian food, from artisan pasta and sauces to cheeses, sweets, olive oils and regional specialties. Taste before you buy.

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SHOP ONLINE

Italian Festa Collection

Take home a piece of the Italian Festa & Expo. Shop our exclusive merchandise online before the event or at the festival - but don't wait, stocks are limited.

Browse the stalls

ITALIAN CELLAR

Liquors & Spirits to buy & taste

Browse an exceptional selection of Italian spirits and liqueurs from boutique producers and iconic brands, ready to discover and take home.

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LOCALLY MADE

Deli & Sweets

Discover the best of Italian gourmet retail, from artisan cheeses, salumi and fresh pasta to cannoli, gelato, pastries and other authentic regional specialities to enjoy or take home.

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READY FOR THE GAME

Sportswear and accessories

Explore the latest Italian fashion, casual wear, football jerseys and sports merchandise inspired by Italy's passion for style and sport.

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CASA BELLA

Homewares & Decor

Bring Italian style home with artisan décor, ceramics, candles, home accessories and handcrafted gifts inspired by Italy's timeless elegance.

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

Services & Education

Connect with Italian organisations and institutions offering language courses, travel, migration advice, professional services, freight and logistics, and cultural programs.

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Enter to WIN

10 amazing prizes at the Italian Festa & Expo 2026! Buy a ticket for your chance to score a Vespa, Flights to Italy, professional Kitchen Pans, a Coffee Machine & coffee, a year's worth of Pasta & Sauce…and more!

Enter here

/ Programme

Discovery

Wander deeper into Italy — its regions, flavours, sounds and stories, all under one roof.

EXPO SAPORI

Wine & Food Tastings

A premium tasting experience where sommeliers pour imported and locally produced Italian wines while producers share their stories. Discover rare gourmet specialities seldom found in Melbourne. Masterclasses and workshops included.

Explore

SIT DOWN DINING

Bar Italia Restaurant

Take your festival experience to the next level at Bar Italia. Overlooking the Festa from the Gallery, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, premium wines, table service and exclusive delights including freshly made granita and Lavazza tiramisù.

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RIDE OR FLY TO ITALY

Raffle Prizes Display

Think the prizes sound too good to be true? Come and see them for yourself in the Gallery! From a Limited Edition Vespa 300 to return flights from Melbourne to Rome and many more premium prizes, every $10 ticket gives you a chance to win.

Explore

Saxophonist performing under stage lighting

EXCLUSIVE FEELING

IF Jazz Club

No other festival celebrates Italian jazz quite like this. Experience an exclusive program of concerts inspired by Italy and created especially for the Italian Festa & Expo, also promoted by the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

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A cooking demonstration on stage at the Italian Festa

IN THE GALLERY

Meet & greet your idols

Meet your favourite performers up close. Thanks to our Cocktail Lounge experience, enjoy exclusive opportunities for photos, autographs and unforgettable moments with artists straight from the stage.

Explore

80TH ANNIVERSARY

The Vespa Heritage Collection

Step into the world of Vespa un in the Gallery. Explore an extraordinary display celebrating 80 years of the world's most iconic scooter, from its first model in 1946 to the latest generation.

Explore

Exhibition inside the Royal Exhibition Building

ARTE & STILE

Art & Design

Immerse yourself in a celebration of Italian art, design and creativity. Discover works by Italian artists based in Australia alongside selected pieces from Italy, complemented by inspiring design installations and interactive experiences that invite you to see, explore and engage.

Explore

Families and children enjoying activities at the Italian Festa

CULTURE & HERITAGE

CO.AS.IT. - Community & Kids

Celebrate the people who keep Italian culture alive. Meet community organisations and regional associations, discover cultural initiatives and services, while CO.AS.IT.'s dedicated indoor Kids' Area entertains and inspires the youngest visitors.

Explore

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EXPO SAPORI

A premium ticketed tasting experience. Sample premium wines, gourmet food and regional specialties while connecting directly with the passionate producers behind them.

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Entertainment

One festival. Five stages. Countless unforgettable live performances.

Main stage performance at the Italian Festa

VERROCCHI MAIN STAGE

Live Performances

From your favourite Italian bands performing live all day to the Student Talent Show each morning, the Verrocchi Stage celebrates the best of Italian music all weekend long.

What's on

ALL DAY LONG

Discoteca Italiana

From afternoon until late, the Discoteca Italiana keeps the party alive with top DJs, iconic Italian hits and non-stop beats to dance, eat and celebrate.

What's on

Crowd chatting and drinking at an outdoor festival

MORETTI BEER GARDEN

Music in the Garden

Relax in Il Giardino, proudly presented by Birra Moretti. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music and beach-style seating in the perfect place to gather, unwind and celebrate the Italian way of life.

What's on

Drinks poured for guests at the Italian Festa

IN THE GALLERY

Italian Jazz Club

Experience Australia's only Italian Jazz Festival. Enjoy exclusive concerts created especially for Italian Festa & Expo, perfectly paired with exceptional Italian wines.

What's on

OUTDOOR & INDOOR STAGE

Students Live Performances

The future of Italian culture takes centre stage. Enjoy the Student Talent Show and Piccole Voci Geniali, where talented secondary students and primary school choirs celebrate music, language and community.

What's on

Racing bicycles lined up outdoors at the festival

IL GIARDINO

Play, Sport & Games

Think you've got what it takes? Challenge your family and friends to football, table foosball, bocce and more. Friendly competition, interactive games and plenty of surprises await kids and adults alike.

What's on

A classic white car inside the Royal Exhibition Building

CULTURE & TASTE

Cooking Demonstrations

Prepare to be left a bocca aperta. Join Guy Grossi and outstanding Italian chefs from across Australia for live cooking demonstrations that celebrate the artistry, flavours and passion of Italian cuisine.

What's on

Children enjoying activities at the Italian Festa

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Activities & Amusements

A world of fun awaits young visitors, with live performances, amusement rides, the animal farm, face painting, magic shows, CO.AS.IT.'s Kids' Area in the Gallery, interactive experiences and plenty of surprises all weekend long.

What's on

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Festa Shop

MAKE THE MOST OF IT WITH SPECIAL DEALS ON OFFICIAL FESTA 2026 MERCH AND ENTER TO WIN AMAZING PRICES.

Shop the merch

Large crowd gathering at Melbourne Italian Festa with white tents, historic building backdrop

Roman legionnaires and festivalgoers pose together with decorative red shields at Melbourne Italian Festa

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Eat & Drink

The most authentic celebration of Italian food and drinks ever brought together in Australia.

MADE FRESH

Pizza Galore

Discover Italy's incredible world of pizza, from authentic Neapolitan pizza and crispy Roman pinsa to calzoni and many more regional favourites. Freshly baked, just as they should be.

On the menu

RESTAURANT

Bar Italia

Escape to Bar Italia for a premium dining experience overlooking the Festa. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, carefully selected wines and attentive table service in a relaxed setting.

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PRIMI PIATTI

Pasta & Gnocchi

From silky fresh pasta to pillowy gnocchi and treasured regional recipes, experience the authentic flavours of Italy's most loved dishes.

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MADE TO DRINK

Cocktail & Bars

Sip your way through Italy with premium beers like Birra Moretti, wines, spritzes, handcrafted cocktails and the original Bellini by Canella — the world's first Prosecco aperitivo since 1947.

On the menu

MEAT & FISH

Italian BBQ & Fritto

Follow the irresistible aromas of Italy's street kitchens. Savour flame-grilled arrosticini, traditional salsicce, crispy calamari, fritto di mare and other freshly prepared Italian favourites.

On the menu

MAKE IT SWEET

Italian Desserts

Save room for dessert! Indulge in artisan gelato, tiramisù, cannoli, cartocci, pastries and other authentic Italian sweet treats from every corner of Italy.

On the menu

FILLED WITH FLAVOUR

Panini & Focaccia

Fresh bread, exceptional ingredients and authentic Italian flavours. Enjoy panini and focaccia filled with premium cheeses, cured meats and regional specialities from across Italy.

On the menu

AROMA OF ITALY

Coffee Drinks

Italy invented espresso. Melbourne perfected coffee culture. Experience the best of both with authentic Italian coffee and milk-based favourites served throughout the festival.

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Jazz Club

Sink into the IF International Jazz Club. Five concerts, two nights of Italian jazz, paired with fine wine for an unforgettable experience.

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Plan your weekend

Two days, eleven zones, hundreds of moments. Build a path that works for your group — solo, family, foodie, or first-time visitor.

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