Italy comes to Auckland

The Festival Italiano is organised by the Dante Alighieri Society of Auckland in collaboration with the Newmarket Business Association, and with the generous support of the Waitemat? Local Board.

The largest Italian Festival in New Zealand is almost here, bringing a celebration of Italian culture, music, food, design and everything that il Bel Paese can offer in Aotearoa.

Two Italian Chamber Music concerts will mark the opening and closing of this year's Italian Festival Season in Auckland, which will run from September 13 to October 17.

During this time there will be many cultural events with an Italian flavour, while Italian restaurants and businesses in Auckland will promote special festival dishes and drinks.

The apex of the Italian Festival Season will be the annual Italian community street festival, Festival Italiano!

From 11 am to 4 pm Osborne Street and Kent Street in Newmarket will become pedestrian only, hosting al fresco dining with famous Italian restaurants leaving their premises and 'popping-up' in the street, several Newmarket eateries putting their own spin on Italian favourites, an Italian market with over 30 stalls, and live music and entertainment with Italian MC Paolo Rotondo.

Also on offer are activities for children, delicious tastings, workshops, Ferrari cars and Italian motorbikes, spot prizes and the chance to win a trip to Italy.

The Festival Italiano is organised by the Dante Alighieri Society of Auckland in collaboration with the Newmarket Business Association, and with the generous support of the Waitematā Local Board.

Italian festival season: 13 September - 17 October 2015

Festival Italiano Street Festival 27 September 2015, 11am - 4pm

Osborne Street and Kent Street, Newmarket, Auckland - Free entry