Everyone knows what August in Pittsburgh means – Little Italy Days!
For the 16th year in a row, the region’s largest heritage festival is returning to the streets of Bloomfield. Little Italy Days 2018 will run August 16 through August 19.
One of Pittsburgh’s most popular events all year (it draws thousands of visitors from around the region), Little Italy Days is an all-out extravaganza of food, contests, live music, and fun.
Spread out over four days, the festival includes three stages of entertainment, tons of tasty food and wine, bocce tournaments, Italian Idol, and much more.
While you’re busy munching on tasty food and sipping Italian wine, here are a few things you don’t want to miss at the festival this year…
What to See and Do at Little Italy Days 2018:
La Cucina Galbani Cooking Demonstration Stage
If you’re interested in learning how to cook Italian food, stop by the La Cucina Galbani cooking stage at the corner of Liberty Ave and Mathilda Street. Local chefs and food personalities will be presenting demonstrations Friday- Sunday. A full schedule can be found online.
Comedy Sauce at Pleasure Bar
@ 9:00 P.M.
Stop by the Pleasure Bar on Liberty Ave on Friday and Saturday night for live local comedy. There is no cover for the event and Pleasure Bar will be offering $2 drink specials. More information can be found online.
Thursday, August 16
Celebrity Bocce Tournaments Pittsburgh
@ 6:00 P.M.
For this annual event, local politicians, athletes, and media personalities compete on the bocce court. This year, Roberto Clemente Jr and Franco Harris are two of the celebrities in attendance. There is also a bocce tournament that is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The bocce court is located on Cedarville Street next to the Pleasure Bar.
Friday, August 17
Jimmy Sapienza (Music)
@ 12:00 P.M.
Jimmy will be performing a tribute to Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Prima & more on the Penn Mac Stage at Cedarville & Liberty.
Magic Moments (Music)
@Â 6:00 P.M.
See Pittsburgh’s #1 Oldies Band on the Penn Mac Stage at Cedarville & Liberty.
Saturday, August 18
Italian Idol
@Â 1:30 P.M.
This competition is your chance to showcase your talent on our stage! Everyone is welcome at this fun event. Italian Idol will be held at the Cedarville Stage on Saturday afternoon. If you’re interested in singing, let the organizers know beforehand.
Pizza Stretching Demonstration
@Â 3:30 P.M.
Learn how Caliente Pizza & Draft House stretched their pizzas with this live demonstration.
Tambellini’s Pasta Eating Contest
@Â 4:00 P.M.
Pasta lovers, this one is for you! The winners of the contest will receive a $100 Tambellini catering gift certificate (also good for food from Tambellinis at the festival), a Little Italy Days T-Shirt, and bragging rights. Sign up at the Little Italy Days info booth next to First National Bank.
John Lupone (Music)
@Â 4:30 P.M.
The Italian opera vocalist will perform at the Penn Mac Stage at Cedarville & Liberty.
Sunday, August 19
Miss Little Italy
@ 12:00 P.M.
Various age groups (4-17 years) will engage in friendly competition for the title of Miss Little Italy. Winners receive a beautiful gold “Miss America” style crown, sash, large trophy, and get to ride in the Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade and the Kennywood Italian Day Parade. All contestants receive a Beauty Trophy. Everyone is welcome to enter!
East End Kids
@ 1:00 P.M.
Pittsburgh’s premiere teen song & dance ensemble will perform at the Penn Mac Stage at Cedarville & Liberty.
Marco Fiorante (Music)
@Â 2:30 P.M.
Marco, an opera singer from Italy, will perform on the Penn Mac Stage at Cedarville & Liberty.
Mirella the Musician (Music)
@Â 3:30 P.M.
This authentic Italian accordionist will perform on Penn Mac Stage at Cedarville & Liberty.
A full Little Italy Days entertainment schedule can be found online.
Little Italy Days began in 2002 as a way to celebrate Bloomfield’s Italian heritage and Italian-themed entertainment and food. The event has grown over the years and is now the region’s largest heritage festival.
Visit the event website for more information on the festival.
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