Festa Italiana

One of Kansas City’s favorite festivals, Festa Italiana, the unique celebration of Italian traditions and Italian-American culture, will be May 29- May 31 2026. 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, Farfalla Events Pop-up Shopping Market, bounce houses for kids and much more.

FREE admission, food & 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, over $60,000 will be awarded during Sunday’s ceremony.

Friday, May 29: 5:00PM – 11:00PM

Saturday, May 30: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

Sunday, May 31: 11:00AM – 5:00PM

The event will be held at Zona Rosa’s North Park (area just South of the Dillard’s building)

Parking:

From Barry Road Entrance — follow NW Prairie View Road & through the intersection of Old Navy & Barnes & Noble. Look for “EVENT PARKING” signs at the Rush Creek Garage and 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)

2026 Kansas City Festa Italiana Entertainment Line-Up

Friday, May 29

5:00 PM Ibsen Dance Theatre. Northland dancers open Festa
5:15 PM Frank Favoroso. Classic rock & country
5:30 PM Frank Cherrito. KC’s smooth Italian crooner
6:00 PM Studio 3V Dance Center. Independence dancers make Festa debut
7:00 PM Flashback. Classic rock, R&B and funk band
8:30 PM UNICO’s Meatball Eating Contest
9:00 PM The Bronx Wanderers. One family, one dream, one amazing rockin’ show!

Pop-up market curated by Farfalla Events. Market open 5pm – 9pm Friday.

Saturday, May 30

11:00 AM Live with Jasper Mirabile. Celebrity Italian chef hosts hour show with guests
11:30 AM Chef Jasper’s Demo. KC favorite Italian Chef’s recipe
12:00 PM UNICO’s Cannoli Eating Contest. Hosted by Jasper Mirable
12:30 PM The Gumba’s. A musical journey through Italy

*Special Appearance – Watch for The Strolling Gumbas from 1:00 – 2:00 on the Festival Grounds *

1:00 PM Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor. Festa’s young dancer returns in 2026
1:10 PM Anthony Manzella. Sinatra by Anthony
1:45 PM The Viviano Brothers. Singing Italian favorites
3:00 PM Cherry Bomb. Kansas City’s hottest party band
5:00 PM Disco Dick & The Mirrorballs. The nation’s number one disco experience
6:30 PM Joseph Vincelli. Internationally acclaimed saxophonist, flautist and jazz artist
7:30 PM Kate Cosentino. Local pop, jazz artist, former contestant on The Voice
9:00 PM The Bronx Wanderers Return

Pop-up market curated by Farfalla Events. Market open 11am – 9pm Saturday.

Sunday, May 31

10:00 AM Catholic Mass. Presiding celebrant – Joseph Cisetti
11:00 AM Chef Chris Canzoneri. Secret recipe from Garozzo’s head chef
11:30 AM Maria Milazzo. Singing Italian arias and classics
12:00 PM The Gumba’s. A musical journey through Italy
1;00 PM The Rich Sisters. Monroe & Marlie — Festa’s youngest dancers
1:30 PM Melrose’s School of Dance. Liberty’s showcase dancers
2:30 PM Musicology Band. High energy premier party band featuring Carl Cherrito
4:00 PM Recognition of UNICO Scholarship Winners

Italian Motor Show: Sunday, May 31, noon – 2 pm

UNICO Wine Tasting Tent: on the west side of the festival grounds, all weekend long.