Great Italian Festival 2026
A weekend of food, fun and family
Over Columbus Day weekend, the annual Great Italian Festival celebrates Italian culture and traditions. Downtown Reno transforms into Little Italy with a sauce-cooking contest, lots of pasta, grape stomping, an Italian farmers market, food booths, and incredible free live entertainment all weekend long.
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Wine Walk
Sample wines from Tuscany, Sicily, Piedmont, and more. Get your tickets for Saturday, Sunday, or both days!
VIP Tent
The Great Italian Festival’s VIP experience includes all-you-can-eat food and unlimited beverages, within a covered area near the main stage.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy a lineup of live music on both the Rome and Venice Stages.
Family Sauce Cook-Off
Families from across the West Coast bring their recipes to life for attendees to sample. This is a crowd favorite every year!
Grape Stomping
No experience necessary for this fun, free experience! The grape stomp is open to the public on Saturday, starting at noon.
Kiddie Land
Across from Circus Circus on 5th Street, you’ll find games, face painting, and a large slide. The kids can burn off their energy while you sample tasty food and wine.
Festival Hours
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
No ticket or entry fee is required to enjoy this family-friendly weekend.