The 20th Festa Italiana turns Pioneer Courthouse Square into a piazza Thursday through Saturday, August 25 through 27, 2011.
This is one of my favorite Portland festivals, and not just because of the strolling accordionists. Arrive early to secure a table in the beer and wine garden! You’ll have an excellent view of the stage in the middle of the square. Wine is available by the bottle or the glass; and you’ll find the Festa Italiana drink prices to be more reasonable than at most festivals. Beer is available too.
Festa favorite, Ray Massa’s Eurorythms will be back by popular demand. This year we are adding a second full band, Diamanti (Diamond in Italian), a great band from Chicago. Tenor Moreno Fruzzetti, a native of Pisa, Italy will entertain with a selection of Italian and American classics. John English, “The Voice” will sing Sinatra in a super smooth performance. And there is nothing like a little opera on a summer night. The Portland State University Opera Group will perform on Thursday night.
Visit the festa website for the full entertainment schedule. In addition to musical entertainment, enjoy the pizza toss, grape stomp, face painting, and The Carter Family Marionettes!
Fantastic food, mostly Italian, will be available from Ristorante Roma, Bastas Trattoria, a Cena and The People’s Pig. And of course gelato, dolce and Italian ice treats will also be available.
The fest runs from 11am to 11pm each day, and entry is free! Visit the Festa Italiana website or Facebook page for more details.
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