Boca Italian Fest parties for 3rd annual festival. When you say “Italian,” and you mean music, food and wine, you have to head to the 3rd Annual Italian Fest in downtown Boca Raton Feb. 3. Head for the many Italian food booths, and stick around for the live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, rides, face painting, a sketch artist and more.

This year the city is introducing a meatball eating contest, so come hungry. Of course, there’s beer and cocktails, too. And best of all, admission is free. Mangia! The free festival takes place at Sanborn Square Park, 72 N. Federal Highway, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is available at City Hall, the downtown library and Building Administration lots.