Welcome to Italian Day on The Drive 2025
Italian Day on The Drive Overview
Italian Day on The Drive, Vancouver’s largest and arguably most eagerly awaited cultural street festival, returns to Commercial Drive on Sunday, June 8, 2025, and will feature a number of street participants, including food vendors and trucks, as well as artisanal merchants, live entertainment, and much more, promising an unforgettable celebration of Italian heritage and community spirit, which kicks off at noon at The Drive Main Stage on 2nd Ave with the Opening Ceremony.
In the style of Italy’s vibrant streets and piazzas, tutti festeggiando la dolce vita, the Drive will come alive with attendees feasting on food and drink offered by merchants, vendors and al fresco patios throughout the 14-block festival. Paired with the banquet are cultural attractions, animating intersections and Grandview Park in piazza style, drawing attendees to live music, dancing in the streets, the love of fashion and design, as well as welcoming distractions where family fun and artisan gems are discovered. All delivered with amore!
Savour the Best of Food & Drink
Enhance your Italian Day experience with an extraordinary array of food and beverages! This year’s festival features multiple beverage gardens, each offering full-pour alcoholic drinks alongside irresistible Italian cuisine.
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!
Fun for the whole famiglia!
An unforgettable celebration of Italian heritage and community spirit!
A Festival of Entertainment Awaits
This year, the festival features seven stages, including three dedicated to live music and four showcasing DJs. Some stages will alternate between DJ sets, fashion shows, pasta-eating contests, and performances by solo and duo artists. There is no doubt the streets will come alive with dancing and celebration!

Activities for the whole famiglia!
Don’t miss these festival highlights. While enjoying the festival, be sure to check out these exciting activities:
- Children’s Zone: Fun for the whole family with games and face painting.
- Pasta-Eating Contests: Test your skills in this fan-favourite competition.
- Human Foosball: A lively and interactive game for participants of all ages.
- Interactive Game: Join in the action with this engaging soccer experience.
- Carnival Games: Classic carnival fun with games for all to enjoy.
Make sure to visit these activities and create unforgettable memories at the festival!

Carnival Atmosphere
The festival atmosphere will be alive with vibrant sights, sounds, and activities to captivate all ages. Beyond carnival games, music filling the air, and dancing in the streets, you’ll encounter:
- Roaming Stilt Walkers: Towering performers bringing an added touch of magic and wonder to the streets.
- Living Statues: Stunningly realistic and interactive displays that will leave you doing a double take.
- Vancouver Street Opera Performers: Experience the beauty and drama of live opera as talented artists serenade festivalgoers throughout the day.
- Jugglers: Dynamic displays of skill and coordination sure to entertain and amaze.
Wherever you turn, the streets will be buzzing with energy and excitement, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates the joy and diversity of Italian Day.

Exciting Raffle Returns This Year
Get ready to win big! This year, raffle tickets will be available online and through multiple convenient options, including our raffle booths, website, and QR codes on raffle posters placed throughout the festival. Last year’s raffle featured over $14,000 in incredible prizes, plus an exciting 50/50 jackpot that grew to over $13,000, with half going to the lucky winner!
Stay tuned for the official announcement on when this year’s raffle tickets will be available. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun and take home amazing prizes!

Seating Areas
Besides the many restaurant patios and two of the beverage gardens, seating areas can be found at:
- 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)

Bike Vallet
Park your bikes at 6th Ave on Commercial Drive (West side).
Phone Powering Station
We will be offering services for attendees needing to juice their devices.
