FESTIVAL OVERVIEW
FESTIVAL OVERVIEW
What to Expect
Italian Day on The Drive — Vancouver’s largest and most eagerly anticipated cultural street festival — returns to Commercial Drive on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The 14-block celebration will feature an array of street participants, including food trucks, artisanal vendors, live entertainment, and more, all in honour of Italian heritage and community spirit. Festivities kick off at noon with the Opening Ceremony at The Drive Main Stage on 2nd Avenue.
In true Italian style — tutti festeggiando la dolce vita — the streets will come alive as festival-goers feast on delicious food and drink from Drive merchants, vendors, and al fresco patios. Cultural attractions will animate intersections and Grandview Park in classic piazza style, inviting attendees to enjoy live music, dance in the streets, admire fashion and design, and discover artisan treasures and family fun — all delivered with amore.
SEATING AREAS
In addition to the many restaurant patios and two beverage gardens, festival seating can be found at the following locations:
• Grandview Park (West Side)
• Parker Piazza (East Side)
• Napier Street (East Side)
• Il Centro Grant Piazza (East Side)
• Piazza Moda (East Side)
• Pastificio Di Martino 7th Ave Piazza (East Side)
Take a break, grab a bite, and soak in the atmosphere from one of these vibrant piazza-style seating spots!
PUBLIC TRANSIT TO ITALIAN DAY
Planning your trip to Italian Day on The Drive? There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to get here!
The 14-block festa runs along Commercial Drive from Venables Street to Grandview Highway. With road closures in effect for the day, we encourage you to use alternative transportation options:
• Bike Valet: Secure bike parking is available at 6th Avenue (west side of Commercial Drive).
• Bike Sharing: Mobi bike share offers convenient pay-per-ride and 24-hour passes.
• Transit: Hop on the SkyTrain and get off at Commercial–Broadway Station — just steps from the heart of the festival.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMIGLIA!
A FESTIVAL OF ENTERTAINMENT AWAITS
Live Acts, DJs, and Delicious Distractions
This year’s festival brings the energy with seven dynamic stages — three dedicated to live music and four spotlighting DJs. Several stages will rotate programming throughout the day, featuring DJ sets, fashion shows, pasta-eating contests, and performances by solo and duo artists. From beats to ballads, there’s no doubt the streets will be alive with dancing, celebration, and la dolce vita.
Get ready for an unforgettable lineup that blends sound, style, and spirited fun all day long.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
An unforgettable celebration of Italian heritage and community spirit!
There’s something for everyone at Italian Day! While exploring the festival, be sure to check out these exciting attractions:
• Children’s Zone: Games, face painting, and family-friendly fun.
• Human Foosball: Step into the game in this hilarious and interactive crowd-pleaser.
• Interactive Soccer Game: Kick it with a hands-on experience for sports lovers of all ages.
• Carnival Games: Classic fun with prizes and smiles guaranteed.
Make the most of your day — and create unforgettable memories along the way!
CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE
Step into the vibrant world of Italian Day, where the streets come alive with colour, sound, and celebration for all ages.
Beyond the classic carnival games, live music, and dancing, you’ll discover magical moments around every corner:
• Roaming Stilt Walkers: Towering performers bring whimsy and wonder to the streets of Little Italy and Grandview Park.
• Living Statues: Striking, lifelike figures that captivate with unexpected movement and interactive charm — located in front of Grandview Park.
• Creative Face Painting: Transform into a colourful character or festive creation — fun for all ages in Grandview Park.
• Jugglers: High-energy displays of skill and flair that wow the crowd — catch them at 6th Avenue.
• Vancouver Street Opera: Experience powerful live opera performances as roaming artists serenade festivalgoers at Kitchener Street (West) and 6th Avenue (East). Check the entertainment schedule for set times.
Wherever you wander, the Drive will be buzzing with joy, artistry, and the spirit of la festa — a true celebration of Italian Day’s rich culture and community.
SAVOUR THE BEST OF FOOD & DRINK
FOOD AND BEVERAGE OFFERINGS
Mangia, Bevi, Festa! (Eat, Drink, Celebrate!)
Take your Italian Day experience to the next level with an incredible lineup of food and beverage offerings! This year’s festival features multiple beverage gardens serving full-pour drinks and irresistible Italian fare.
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TABLE
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Italy!
Savour exquisite Italian bites perfectly paired with a curated selection of wines, specialty cocktails, and refreshing beverages. This is your destination for an authentic taste of Italian culinary excellence.
Italian Tapas and Craft Cocktails: Treat yourself to authentic Italian tapas and elevate your experience with craft cocktails, premium beers, and fine Italian wines. Every bite and sip is crafted for pure indulgence.
Local Beer and Italian Wine on Tap: Discover a variety of local beers and Italian wines on tap in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and toast to the spirit of Italian Day!
PASTIFICIO DI MARTINO PASTA EATING CONTEST
7th Avenue Piazza
Pasta-Eating Contests: Test your skills in this fan-favourite competition:
• 2:00 – 2:45 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Adults)
• 2:45 – 3:30 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Children)
• 5:00 – 5:45 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Adults)
• 5:45 – 6:30 pm: Pasta Eating Contest (Children)
