Seattle Center Festál: The Italian Festival, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, in Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion, features plentiful music, food, displays and delight, Italian-style. The festival began in 1988 as a five-year quinquennial celebration of the Columbus voyage to the New World. However, the Italian community insisted that the annual effort continue.

In 2017, the hugely popular two-day event celebrates the 30th Annual Festa Italiana/The Italian Festival with a two-day program that includes:

· Two concerts starring New York tenor Aaron Caruso;

· Celebrity Chef Rossella Rago headlining a full schedule of cooking demos;

· Puppetry by the Olde World Puppet Theatre;

· Grape stomping competition;

· An expanded food court and vendor market;

· Cultural and educational opportunities;

· A wide range of children's activities.