All in the community are encouraged to mark the calendar and join the fun at Festa Italiana. Get into the spirit of Italy on Sunday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds. This grand event brings the community together with the finest food, activities and entertainment of the Italian culture.

Renowned Italian Tenor Pasquale Esposito will once again dazzle the audience as headliner on the Morada Produce Main Stage. Nino, d’Italiano, and The Trucco Band will perform. The Balliamo! Italian Folk Dancers will headline in the Pavilion while the Stockton Garage Band and other local entertainment will welcome festival attendees on the Benevenuti Stage.

The Bambini Zone is designed to delight little ones - enjoying Sparkles and Ravioli the clowns, Rhymosaurs, and the Bambini Dancers who will also teach Italian Dance lessons. Also strolling through the venue, adding to the fun, will be the Funambulus Italian Stilt Walkers.

It wouldn’t be a true celebration without cuisine. Festa offers delicious Italian food from local Italian chefs, including new local restaurants. Feast on all kinds of traditional Italian favorites from raviolis to gelato. Festa also features a Mercato Marketplace where you can shop and enjoy cooking demonstrations, Italian art and history, bocce ball, salami toss, the automobili show, wine tasting, olive oil and local product tastings, and much more.

The “Boss of the Sauce” contest is back, and the Pavilion will have an Italian history display.

Festa Italiana is a family-friendly event for all ages. You’ll get to taste food from the most esteemed Italian restaurants and chefs in the area, participate in authentic Italian activities and games and enjoy live music.

Tickets are $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. Parking is free. For ticket locations and more information, visit festa-italiana.com.