The delightful scent of roasted garlic and grilled Italian sausage will once again permeate the streets of Chicago’s “Original” Little Italy as the Taylor Street Little Italy Festa returns from Thursday, August 8 through Sunday, August 11, 2024.
This beloved festival will take place on Taylor Street, stretching between Ashland Avenue and Loomis Street, promising a weekend filled with mouthwatering food, lively entertainment, and rich cultural experiences.
Food enthusiasts can look forward to a tempting array of Italian delicacies such as steak and rapini sandwiches, Chicken Vesuvio Ravioli, Neapolitan pizza, and pistachio cream cannoli, just to name a few.
Entertainment will be abundant with five stages showcasing a diverse lineup of performers. Highlights include:
- Always Olivia: A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John
- “Are You Ready For It?”: Taylor Swift Experience
- The Bronx Wanderers from Las Vegas
- Social media sensation Chris Ruggiero
- Tony Ocean
- The Jersey Girls
- The Chicago Hitmen
- Denise Tomasello
- Italian dancers and performers flown in from Italy
- A special Sunday Mass on the Main Stage
In addition to the musical acts, festival-goers can enjoy cultural exhibits, various attractions, children’s activities, and a selection of Italian merchandise to round out the experience.
“Everyone is so excited to come back to the ‘Old Neighborhood’ for this. After a record-breaking attendance in 2023, this classic Chicago Street Festival will once again bring generations-old families and friends back together celebrating the best Italian food and music Chicagoland has to offer.”
Ron Onesti
Event Producer
A highlight of the festival is the traditional Sunday “Morra” contest. This ancient hand game, which dates back three thousand years, combines number predictions and exuberant shouting between two intensely engaged opponents. It’s an event that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
Mark your calendars and come ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy right in the heart of Chicago at the Taylor Street Little Italy Festa.
Hours: Thursday and Friday, 5pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday, Noon until 10 pm. Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $10 is requested to help offset the numerous costs it takes to put on the event.
The festival is produced in cooperation with the Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association (LICNA).
