**Italy is coming to town, and everyone's invited! ????????**

The Nelson Italian Festival returns on Sunday 7 March 2027, filling Lower Trafalgar Street and Trafalgar Park with the sounds and flavours of Italy.

After welcoming well over 10,000 visitors in 2026, our annual festa is back for another big day of authentic Italian food and drinks, live music, traditional dancing, and a spectacular display of classic and sports vehicles.

Whether you have Italian roots, have fallen in love with Italy on your travels or simply can't say no to a good plate of pasta, this is one Sunday you won't want to miss.

**WHAT TO EXPECT**
Come hungry, bring the family and make a day of it.

Here's what's waiting for you:
- **An authentic taste of Italy.** Follow the irresistible aroma of wood-fired pizza, tuck into handmade gnocchi, sip a proper Italian espresso and save room for gelato. Buon appetito!
- **Music, dancing and entertainment.** Enjoy live music and traditional Italian performances throughout the day, including the infectious rhythms of the Tarantella.
- **Classic and sports vehicles.** Head to Trafalgar Park for an impressive line-up of Italian cars and motorcycles, from vintage Fiats and iconic Alfa Romeos to gleaming Ferraris, Vespas and Ducatis.
- **Live cooking demonstrations.** Get a front-row seat as our chefs prepare Italian favourites, share their secrets and show you a few tricks to try in your own kitchen.
- **Italian goodies galore.** Browse stalls packed with delicious Italian specialities, artisan products and crafts. Think olive oils, cheeses, truffle condiments and lots of treats to take home.
- **Fun for the little ones.** There's plenty to keep younger visitors busy, with kids' rugby and football tournaments, games and face painting.
- **Our legendary festival raffle.** Feeling lucky? Grab a ticket for your chance to win one of our fantastic prizes.

One day, a whole lot of Italy, right here in Nelson. No passport required!

**WHERE TO PARK**
Parking is available nearby at Trafalgar Centre (Paru Paru Road), Buxton Square and Wakatu Square.

**ABOUT THE FESTIVAL**
Italians have been calling Nelson home since the late 1800s, and the Nelson Italian Festival celebrates that connection. It's a chance for our Italian community to share its food, traditions and heritage with Nelsonians and visitors from further afield.

The Festival is proudly organised by Club Italia Nelson, with the support of the Italian Embassy in Wellington, Nelson City Council, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, Comites Nuova Zelanda, and our generous community partners, sponsors and volunteers.