THE DRIVE MAIN STAGE / 2ND AVE
The Drive Main Stage
2ND AVENUE
12:00 – 12:45 pm: Opening Ceremony
1:15 – 2:15 pm: Gustavo Herrera ‘Tenor’ + Ensemble
3:05 – 4:05 pm: Carmelina Cupo
4:55 – 5:55 pm: Jany B Band
6:45 – 8:00 pm: The A–Deez (80s Tribute)
Carmelina Cupo | Photo credit: Brendan-McAlpine
OPENING CEREMONY
12:00 - 12:45 pm
Beginning at noon, featuring guest speakers and special performances.
CARMELINA CUPO
3:05 - 4:05 pm
Award-winning artist Carmelina Cupo brings powerhouse vocals and global flair to the stage, from Italian Day to stadiums of 80,000.
THE A-DEEZ (80'S TRIBUTE)
6:45 - 8:00 pm
The A-Deez have been keeping the ’80s alive for over a decade, with Mark Olexson—king of eighties music—on lead vocals, serving up totally awesome tunes and retro vibes.
GUSTAVO HERRERA ‘TENOR’ + ENSEMBLE
1:15 - 2:15 pm
Gustavo Herrera ‘Tenor’ + Ensemble bring soaring Italian opera, lively Latin beats, and crowd-pleasing pop favourites to the stage in a dynamic, genre-blending performance.
JANY B BAND
4:55 - 5:55 pm
This high-energy six-piece ensemble blends Italian and Latin sounds, delivering vibrant rhythms that are sure to get the dance party started!
CONWEST PARK STAGE / GRANDVIEW PARK AMPHITHEATRE
CONWEST GRANDVIEW PARK STAGE
GRANDVIEW PARK AMPHITHEATRE
12:40 – 1:00 pm: Gruppo Folcloristico (Children’s Choir)
1:20 – 1:50 pm: Langley Ukulele Ensemble
2:20 – 3:20 pm: Luna Rossa
3:45 – 4:30 pm: Opera 101
5:15 – 6:15 pm: Via Castello
7:00 – 8:00 pm: Joe Parente & Legato Music
Luna Rossa
GRUPPO FOLCLORISTICO (CHILDREN’S CHOIR)
12:40 - 1:00 pm
The Children’s Folk Choir represents the Veneto region and brings cherished Italian traditions to life through song and dance — a beloved part of the festival’s cultural celebration.
LUNA ROSSA
2:20 – 3:20 pm
Led by Patrizia Coletta, Luna Rossa is a dynamic trio known for their multilingual mix of Italian, Latin, and international hits, creating a lively and engaging experience for all.
VIA CASTELLO
5:15 – 6:15 pm
Via Castello is a singer-songwriter whose debut album blends acoustic, blues, and folk influences shaped by roots in both small-town BC and rural Italy.
LANGLEY UKULELE ENSEMBLE
1:20 - 1:50 pm
The internationally renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble is considered one of the top ukulele groups in the world, captivating audiences with their vibrant performances and exceptional harmonies.
OPERA 101
3:45 – 4:30 pm
Join Italian Canadian soprano Chloé Hurst, baritone Aaron Durand and pianist Perri Lo for an unforgettable show!
JOE PARENTE & LEGATO MUSIC
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Joey Parente is a classically trained pianist with 30 years' experience, blending Italian, Latin, pop, jazz, and R&B in dynamic solo and ensemble performances.
THE DRIVE GIARDINO / GRAVELEY STREET
THE DRIVE GIARDINO
GRAVELEY STREET
12:00 – 4:00 pm: DJ Peter Allgood
2:00 – 6:00 pm: The Golden Owls
2:15 – 3:00 pm: David Morin
4:00 – 8:00 pm: DJ Sydney Gee
4:15 – 5:00 pm: David Morin
DAVID MORIN
2:15 pm - 3:00pm | 4:15pm - 5:00 pm
David Morin’s music is pure, authentic and from the heart. Self-taught and passionately committed to being a career artist, he’s blessed with the ability to turn strangers into fans. This guitar (and loop-pedal) virtuoso makes a solo performance sound like an entire band
THE GOLDEN OWLS
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Gold Carpet. The Golden Owls. It’s all happening as the Owls make a special appearance at The Drive Giardino on the Gold Carpet. Take a moment or two to have your pic with the Owls from the Golden Owl Hospitality Awards
DJ Peter Allgood
12:00 – 4:00 pm
Peter Allgood has been packing dance-floors internationally for almost two decades and has held residencies and appeared at many of Vancouver’s finest bars, clubs and lounges. From summer vibes to international hits, Allgood will be delivering the jams that you want to hear
DJ Sydney Gee
4:00 – 8:00 pm
IL CENTRO GRANT STAGE / GRANT STREET PIAZZA
IL CENTRO GRANT STAGE
GRANT STREET PIAZZA
12:00 – 2:00 pm: DJ Storm (Jeff Gentile)
2:00 – 4:00 pm: Giovani Talenti (Youth Talent Contest)
4:00 – 6:00 pm: MRZ DJ Dance Party (Maurizio Margari)
6:00 – 6:30 pm: Giovani Talenti (Finalist Performances)
6:30 – 8:00 pm: MRZ DJ Dance Party (Maurizio Margari)
Photo credit: Herman Kwok
DJ STORM (JEFF GENTILE)
12:00 – 2:00 pm
DJ Storm brings the beats and the energy, spinning crowd-favourite tracks that blend classic Italian vibes with modern party anthems to keep the festa going strong.
MRZ DJ DANCE PARTY (Maurizio Margari)
4:00 – 6:00 pm | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
MRZ DJ Dance Party, led by Maurizio Margari, brings infectious energy and Italian flair to not one but two epic dance parties, blending classic hits and modern favourites to keep the crowd moving all day long.
GIOVANI TALENTI (YOUTH TALENT CONTEST)
*2:00 – 4:00 pm | *6:00 – 6:30 pm
Giovani Talenti is Il Centro’s youth talent show for ages 15–30, celebrating Italian culture through music, language, and performance. Finalists earn a spot on stage at Italian Day on The Drive.
*Talent Contest: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
*Final Performances: 6:00 – 6:30 pm
Photo credit: Brendan-McAlpine
CONWEST PIAZZA MODA STAGE / 3RD AVE
CONWEST PIAZZA MODA STAGE
3RD AVENUE
12:00 – 1:05 pm: DJ Nick Fazio
1:15 – 1:35 pm: Jany Barucci (solo)
1:45 – 2:05 pm: JAC / Atelier GRANDI / Kalena Shoes
2:15 – 2:45 pm: Stephen Scaccia with Lenny Pallerstein
2:45 – 3:20 pm: DJ Nick Fazio
3:20 – 3:50 pm: Designer Collections from Puglia, Italy
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Special Guest Artist from Puglia, Italy
4:30 – 5:10 pm: DJ Nick Fazio
5:10 – 5:30 pm: JAC / Atelier GRANDI / Kalena Shoes
5:30 – 7:00 pm: DJ Nick Fazio
STEPHEN SCACCIA WITH GUITARIST LENNY PALLERSTEIN
2:15 – 2:45 pm
A Burnaby born vocal phenom who has worked and performed along side Michael Bublé and members of Soul Decision. Catch his performance this year at Italian Day with guitarist Lenny Pallerstein!
STEPHEN SCACCIA | Photo credit: HERMAN KWOK
DJ NICK FAZIO
12:00 – 1:05 pm | 2:45 – 3:20 pm | 4:30 – 5:10 pm | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
DJ Nick Fazio brings smooth mixes and feel-good energy to the decks, spinning a crowd-friendly blend of classic tunes and contemporary hits with an Italian twist.
FASHION SHOW: JAC / ATELIER GRANDI / KALENA SHOES
1:45 – 2:05 pm | 5:10 – 5:30 pm
Atelier GRANDI, JAC by Jacqueline Conoir, and Kalena Italian Shoes come together for two stylish fashion shows, featuring artful designs, feminine Euro-inspired looks, and Italian-made shoes and handbags with nearly 60 years of heritage on The Drive.
Fashion shows produced by: Rozemerie Cuevas - Otero
Fashion Show Designer: JAC by Jacqueline Conoir
JANY BARUCCI (SOLO)
1:15 – 1:35 pm
Jany Barucci captivates with an angelic voice and heartfelt passion, delivering themed performances that move audiences to the core.
REGIONE PUGLIA FASHION SHOW: DESIGNER COLLECTIONS FROM PUGLIA, ITALY
3:20 – 3:50 pm | *4:00 – 4:30 pm
Experience the elegance of southern Italy with a special fashion show featuring designer collections from Puglia, showcasing timeless style, artisanal craftsmanship, and Mediterranean flair.
Fashion show produced by: Irena Demarco
*4:00 – 4:30 pm: Special performance by Ivana Pantaleo, Fashion Designer + Singer, Puglia Italy
Puglia Fashion Week | Presented by the Federation of Puglia Social Club of British Columbia, in partnership with the Regione Puglia and the Consulate General of Italy
PARKER STAGE / PARKER STREET PIAZZA
PARKER STAGE
PARKER STREET PIAZZA
12:45 – 1:45 pm: Lou Morocco & Stefanie Artuso
2:15 – 3:00 pm: Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Band
3:15 – 3:35 pm: Via Castello
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Lou Morocco & Stefanie Artuso
5:30 – 7:30 pm: Luna Rossa
Photo credit: Clarence Chan
LOU MAROCCO & STEFANIE ARTUSO
12:45 – 1:45 pm | 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Lou Marocco and Stefanie Artuso bring charm and vocal flair to the stage, blending Italian classics and crooner favourites into a timeless, feel-good performance.
VIA CASTELLO
3:15 – 3:35 pm
Via Castello is a singer-songwriter whose debut album blends acoustic, blues, and folk influences shaped by roots in both small-town BC and rural Italy.
VANCOUVER FIRE RESCUE SERVICES BAND
2:15 – 3:00 pm
The Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services Band has been performing since 1927, featuring firefighters and civilians from across B.C. with a repertoire of swing, jazz, pop, and ceremonial music.
LUNA ROSSA
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Led by Patrizia Coletta, Luna Rossa is a dynamic trio known for their multilingual mix of Italian, Latin, and international hits, creating a lively and engaging experience for all.
PASTIFICIO DI MARTINO PASTA EATING CONTEST +
DJ STAGE / 7TH AVE PIAZZA
PASTIFICIO DI MARTINO PASTA EATING CONTEST + DJ STAGE
7TH AVENUE PIAZZA
12:00 – 2:00 pm: DJ Vick Mazzei
2:00 – 2:45 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Adults)
2:45 – 3:30 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Children)
3:30 – 5:00 pm: DJ Vick Mazzei (Dance Party)
5:00 – 5:45 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Adults)
5:45 – 6:30 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Children)
6:30 – 7:30 pm: DJ Vick Mazzei (Dance Party)
Photo credit: Clarence Chan
DJ VICK MAZZEI
12:00 – 2:00 pm | *3:30 – 5:00 pm | *6:30 – 7:30 pm
DJ Vick Mazzei is a veteran of the local Italo-Canadian DJ scene, bringing generations together with a mix of Italian classics and contemporary favourites — and a long-time favourite at our pasta-eating contests!
*Dance Party: 3:30 – 5:00 pm
*Dance Party: 6:30 – 7:30 pm
PASTA EATING CONTEST (CHILDREN)
2:45 – 3:30 pm | 5:45 – 6:30 pm
The Youth Pasta Eating Contest brings fun and friendly competition to the table, as young participants dig into pasta with enthusiasm and plenty of sauce-covered smiles.
PASTA EATING CONTEST (ADULTS)
2:00 – 2:45 pm | 5:00 – 5:45 pm
A crowd favourite, the Adult Pasta Eating Contest serves up big laughs and even bigger appetites as contestants race to finish their plate of pasta—no hands allowed!
Photo credit: Clarence Chan
JULIAN TILE SALSA PIAZZA / NAPIER STREET
JULIAN TILE SALSA PIAZZA
NAPIER STREET
1:00 – 7:30 pm: DJ MIXXX (Nick Guarna)
DJ MIXXX (NICK GUARNA)
1:00 – 7:30 pm
DJ MIXXX turns up the heat with a flavourful blend of Latin rhythms, transforming the street into a sizzling salsa piazza where hundreds dance in a vibrant swirl of music and movement.
Photo credit: Herman Kwok
VANCOUVER STREET OPERA / ROAMING OPERA
VANCOUVER STREET OPERA
ROAMING OPERA
2:30 – 3:15 pm: Kitchener Street (West)
4:30 – 5:15 pm: 6th Avenue (East)
ROAMING OPERA | KITCHENER ST (WEST)
2:30 – 3:15 pm
Vancouver Street Opera brings roaming performances to life with powerful vocals and theatrical flair, delighting audiences.
ROAMING OPERA | 6TH AVENUE (EAST)
4:30 – 5:15 pm
Catch the magic of opera in the streets as Vancouver Street Opera pops up with surprise performances.
