Dave Knows Portland

August 26-28: Festa Italiana 2010

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Italian FlagThe 19th Festa Italiana turns Pioneer Courthouse Square into an Italian piazza from Thursday, August 26 through Saturday August 28.

This is one of my favorite Portland festivals, and not just because of the strolling accordionists. I recommend arriving early to secure a table in the beer and wine garden at the top of the bowl on the SE side of the square. 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.

Italian and Italian-ish restaurants (including Piazza Italia, Bastas Trattoria, La Bottega, a Cena, Mita’s Italian Ice, and Gelato Maestro) from all over set up shop in the square for the festival, offering gelato, pizza, etc.

The entertainment line up is impressive. Musicians from all over regale the crowds with everything from opera to Sinatra, and plenty of accordion. In addition to the music enjoy the grape stomp competition, cooking and pizza tossing demonstrations, marionette shows, and folk dancers. Check out the whole event calendar here.

Admission is free. Hours are noon until 11pm Thursday and Friday, and 11am until 11pm on Saturday.

Festa Italiana 2009 turns Pioneer Courthouse Square into Piazza Italia this weekend

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ItaliaFesta Italiana takes place Thursday through Saturday, August 27-29th at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

This is one of my favorite Portland festivals, and not just because of the strolling accordionists. I recommend arriving early to secure a table in the beer and wine garden at the top of the bowl on the SE side of the square. 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. Italian and Italian-ish restaurants from all over set up shop in the square for the festival, offering gelato, pizza, etc.

The entertainment line up is impressive. Musicians from all over regale the crowds with everything from opera to Sinatra, and plenty of accordion. In addition to the music enjoy the grape stomp competition, cooking and pizza tossing demonstrations, marionette shows, and folk dancers. Check out the whole event calendar here.

Italian Soccer Viewing in Portland

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In August I posted a list of places to watch English (and world) soccer in Portland. Readers augmented my cursory list in the comments, and now that post has become something of a popular resource for local soccer fans.

But other than a reference to Piazza Italia showing World Cup games in Timberbickle’s comment, the Lega Calcio received nary a mention by me, or by my commenters.

An excellent resource, Live Soccer TV, maintains a list of Serie A broadcasts, but if you want to cheer your team on shoulder to shoulder with people who won’t assault you for wearing a Materazzi kit, where can you go?

Caffe Umbria (303 NW 12th) shows Seria A games Saturday at 11:30am and Sundays at 7:30 and 11:30am.

Any one know of other places in town to watch Italian soccer?

Pioneer Square transforms into Piazza Italia this weekend

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Italian FlagFesta Italiana kicks off Thursday with Opera in the Piazza at 7pm. The festivities continue through Sunday.

Festa Italiana celebrates Italian culture and heritage of Italian-Americans in the Portland metropolitan area. Local Italian-American organizations have united their efforts to produce this unique event with a special invitation to friends of Italy (wannabes) of the local community to share in this celebration. Nearly 300 volunteers along with several generous sponsors provide this “labor of love” and contribute to the success of this outstanding celebration.

This is one of my favorite yearly festivals. If there are strolling accordionists, I’m there!

Grab a table in the beer and wine garden in the SW corner of Pioneer Square and enjoy the entertainment on the stage below. Anthony Rolando, U.S. accordion champion, and singer Valerie Vacco perform at 4:15 on Friday, 6:15 on Saturday, and 2:15 on Sunday.

There are lots of other things going on too though . . .

Each day there is non stop Italian entertainment, food, dancing, vino and beer. We celebrate Italian-American culture and have a lot of fun doing it. Children love our old fashion marionette show, pizza toss, grape stomp and face painters. This year come see beautiful street art by Italian born Cristina Cottarelli ( you will love her work). We also have a fantastic raffle (not cakes) we are offering trip’s to Italy, Hawaii and even a motor scooter in a second raffle. This is a great raffle and it helps support Festa Italiana. See you there.