The renamed Little Italy Festa, formerly called Festa Italiana, will take place on Taylor Street east of Ashland Avenue Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 16 through 19. After a hiatus of several years, Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment is returning to produce the festa, which celebrates the historic Taylor Street-Little Italy community. The four-day extravaganza will offer more than 40 food vendors, more than 30 merchandise vendors, cultural attractions, and seven stages of family entertainment. Suggested donation is $5.

“I was born in this neighborhood,” Onesti said. “The Little Italy Festa is an event that underscores the importance of keeping the area alive and true to its roots. Plus, it is one of the best block parties in Chicago.” “We are excited to bring back Ron Onesti at the helm of our event on Taylor Street,” said Joe Esposito, president of the Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association (LICNA). Onesti “really understands what we are trying to accomplish regarding keeping Italian culture alive in Chicago’s Little Italy.”