FESTIVAL OVERVIEW
FESTIVAL OVERVIEW
What to Expect
Italian Day on The Drive — Vancouver’s largest and most beloved cultural street festival — returns to Commercial Drive in 2026 with the theme Campione: The Spirit of Champions.
The annual celebration transforms Little Italy into a lively, 14-block festa featuring delicious food, live entertainment, artisanal vendors, and cultural showcases — all in honour of Italian heritage and community pride.
In true Italian style — tutti festeggiando la dolce vita — the streets will come alive as festival-goers feast on authentic Italian flavours, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy music and celebration from morning until evening. Cultural attractions will animate intersections and piazzas in classic Italian fashion, with food, fashion, music, and art filling The Drive with energy, colour, and amore.
SEATING AREAS
Take a break, grab a bite, and soak in the atmosphere from one of our vibrant piazza-style seating areas located throughout the festival.
In addition to countless restaurant patios and beverage gardens, you’ll find public seating and gathering spaces that bring people together to relax, eat, and enjoy the show — each one inspired by the piazzas of Italy.
GETTING HERE
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 walk, cycle, or take public transit:
• Bike Valet: Secure bike parking available near the centre of the event.
• Bike Sharing: Mobi bike share offers convenient pay-per-ride and day passes.
• Transit: Hop on the SkyTrain and get off at Commercial–Broadway Station — steps from the heart of the festival.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMIGLIA!
A FESTIVAL OF ENTERTAINMENT AWAITS
An unforgettable celebration of Italian culture, music, fashion, and community awaits!
Enjoy live entertainment, DJs, fashion shows, cultural performances, and street activations that bring The Drive to life all day long. From family-friendly activities and games to interactive experiences and creative showcases, there’s something for everyone — young or old, local or visiting.
This year’s festival captures the Campione spirit through music, art, style, and community — a joyful expression of what it means to come together and celebrate like champions.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
An unforgettable celebration of Italian heritage and community spirit!
There’s something for everyone at Italian Day on The Drive. As you explore the festival, you’ll find lively attractions and hands-on experiences that bring people together in the true Campione spirit — playful, passionate, and full of energy.
Enjoy family-friendly games, creative activities, and interactive experiences for all ages — from soccer-inspired fun and carnival classics to art, music, and moments that spark joy at every turn.
Make the most of your day and create unforgettable memories — because at Italian Day, everyone’s part of the celebration!
CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE
Step into the vibrant world of Italian Day, where the streets burst with colour, sound, and excitement. From roaming performers to live music, dance, and art, surprises await at every corner.
Look for stilt walkers, jugglers, living statues, and spontaneous performances throughout the day — all designed to capture the magic and wonder of la festa italiana. Wherever you wander, The Drive will be buzzing with joy, artistry, and connection — a true celebration of Italian spirit and Campione energy.
From live stages to hands-on attractions, Italian Day offers endless entertainment for all ages. Expect a dynamic mix of music, art, games, and surprises throughout the day — all set against the joyful backdrop of Vancouver’s historic Little Italy.
Each experience, performance, and gathering adds to the collective heartbeat of The Drive — a celebration of culture, community, and the spirit of champions.
SAVOUR THE BEST OF FOOD & DRINK
FOOD AND BEVERAGE OFFERINGS
Mangia, Bevi, Festa! (Eat, Drink, Celebrate!)
Italian Day is known for its irresistible culinary experiences — from Drive restaurants and patios to food trucks and beverage gardens serving authentic Italian fare. Sip, savour, and celebrate with wine, cocktails, craft beer, and mouthwatering dishes that transport you straight to Italy.
Whether you’re indulging in a classic pasta, sampling Italian tapas, or toasting with a glass of prosecco, every flavour celebrates the Campione spirit of passion, pride, and togetherness.
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TABLE
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Italy!
Savour exquisite Italian bites perfectly paired with a curated selection of wines, craft cocktails, and refreshing beverages. The Authentic Italian Table invites you to experience the joy of gathering, tasting, and celebrating together — just as it’s done in Italy.
Indulge in small plates inspired by regional traditions, enjoy handcrafted drinks, and raise a glass to la dolce vita. Whether you’re sharing antipasti with friends or discovering a new favourite vintage, every bite and sip captures the essence of Italian hospitality.
PASTA EATING CONTEST
A fan-favourite tradition!
Join us for the Pasta-Eating Contest — a lively showdown celebrating Italy’s love of food and friendly competition. Cheer on youth and adult contestants as they go head-to-head to see who can twirl, taste, and triumph their way to victory.
It’s messy, hilarious, and always a crowd-pleaser — a true highlight of Italian Day on The Drive.
