Festa Italiana returns to Howard Smith Wharves for its third year in 2025, bringing Brisbane two weekends of Italian-inspired food, drinks and entertainment.
Taking place in one of Brisbane’s most scenic riverfront locations, this popular free event is now bigger than ever.
With a strong focus on food and cultural celebration, it’s a standout on the Brisbane events calendar. Whether you’ve just moved to Brisbane or have lived here for years, it’s a great way to enjoy the city at its best.
Festa Italiana 2025 Dates, Times, Location & Entry Info
Location: Main Lawn, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane
Dates:
- Weekend 1: Thursday 29 May – Sunday 1 June 2025
- Weekend 2: Thursday 5 June – Sunday 8 June 2025
Opening Hours:
- Thursday & Friday: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Entry: Free
The event runs across two full weekends, giving plenty of opportunity for locals and visitors alike to drop in for a drink, a meal, or the full Italian experience.
What to Expect at Festa Italiana Brisbane – Food, Drinks & Entertainment
Food Highlights
The 2025 edition of Festa Italiana will feature well-known chefs including Orazio D’Elia, Carmine Guarino, and Dean Anning.
On the Main Lawn, you’ll find:
- Porchetta focaccia rolls and Pollo al Mattone cooked over a live-fire grill
- Rigatoni alla Vodka by Orazio, a rich tomato and chilli pasta with cream and vodka
- Strozzapreti ai Gamberi – pasta tossed with prawns, zucchini and cherry tomatoes
- Sardinian Shell Pasta alla Campidanese, combining pork sausage, saffron and tomato sugo
At Ciao Papi, Executive Chef Dean Anning will offer a refined menu featuring stracciatella with grilled leeks, truffle and hazelnuts, as well as a classic Rigatoni all’Amatriciana.
Drinks & Spritz Culture
The dedicated Spritz Bar will serve a range of Italian-inspired cocktails, including:
- Lambrusco Spritzes
- White Peach Aperol Slushies
- Classic Aperol Spritz
The Ciao Papi Garden will be transformed into a Southern Italian-style courtyard, ideal for relaxing with friends. Plus, Felons Brewing Co. has brewed a limited-edition Italian Lager exclusively for the event.
Entertainment
Live music and entertainment run throughout both weekends, including:
- DJs spinning classic and contemporary Italian music
- Roaming performers bringing movement and energy to the crowd
- A curated Spotify playlist available to stream outside the event
Chef Carmine Guarino will serve Roman-style pizza by the slice, paired with natural wines in a riverside setting, bringing a casual street-food flavour to the festival atmosphere.
An authentic Salumeria will also be operating in the Green House venue. Here you’ll find:
- Fresh mozzarella made onsite
- Charcuterie boards with Italian cured meats and cheeses
- Calamari, pickles and other Italian deli staples
Live mozzarella-making demonstrations will occur daily.
A Family-Friendly Festival in Brisbane: What’s on for Kids at Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana is suitable for all ages. The bambini zone offers:
- A safe, open space for kids to play
- Entertainment designed for children
- Easy access to family-friendly food options
It’s an easy choice for a family weekend outing in Brisbane.
Who Should Attend Festa Italiana Brisbane 2025
The event caters to a wide audience:
- Couples looking for a relaxed, cultural experience
- Families with young children
- Groups of friends looking for a casual catch-up
- New Brisbane residents exploring local events
- Food and wine lovers
With no entry cost and a riverside setting, it’s an accessible and welcoming event for all.
How to Get to Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves is centrally located and accessible by:
- Walking: from the Brisbane CBD or New Farm via the Riverwalk
- Public transport: Fortitude Valley and Central train stations; multiple city bus routes
- CityCat ferry: Stop at Riverside and walk across the Story Bridge
- Bike and e-scooter: Ample paths and parking
- Car: Paid parking available, but spaces are limited during peak times
Things to Do Around Howard Smith Wharves During Festa Italiana
While visiting Festa Italiana, consider making a full day or evening of it by exploring the local area:
- Grab a beer at Felons Brewing Co.
- Stay overnight at Crystalbrook Vincent
- Take city skyline photos from Wilson’s Outlook
- Walk to New Farm Park or along the Kangaroo Point cliffs
- Enjoy breakfast the next day at Ciao Papi
Local Insight: Why Festa Italiana is a Must-Do Brisbane Event
Having lived in Brisbane for more than two decades, I see Festa Italiana as one of the city’s best lifestyle events. It combines high-quality food and drink with Brisbane’s laid-back charm and world-class river views.
It’s accessible, affordable, and genuinely fun—especially for anyone wanting to experience more of what Brisbane has to offer. If you’re new to town, it’s a great introduction to the culture and energy of the city.
Save the Date: Don’t Miss Brisbane’s Best Italian Festival in 2025
Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves offers some of the best food, drink, and entertainment Brisbane has to offer—all with a distinctly Italian flair.
Whether you’re a foodie, a family, or simply looking for a reason to enjoy the outdoors, this festival is one not to miss.
Free entry, a beautiful riverside setting, and two full weekends of flavour and fun—make sure it’s on your calendar.
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