The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Festival is sailing into West Haven, this year’s host community. The free festival will take place on the city’s historic Green from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 13. The cultural event celebrates the region’s deep-rooted Italian heritage with food trucks, live music, children’s activities, craft vendors and more.

It is presented by the Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee. To coincide with the festival, at 1 p.m. on the Green, the West Haven Italian Heritage Committee will hold its 25th annual Italian Heritage Celebration honoring its Italian American of the Year, the first time the city has combined the celebration with another event.