Italian American communities across the country will celebrate their heritage next week with religious processions, regional foods, live music, carnival attractions, and family activities. Here are five festivals scheduled for July 13–19, 2026.
The 151st Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival runs July 13–18 at 1 Mount Carmel Lane in Hammonton, New Jersey. Founded by Italian immigrants in 1875, this historic feast combines Catholic observances with food, rides, entertainment, and fireworks. On July 16, ceremonial “bomba” salutes begin at 8 a.m. and continue hourly. The procession is expected to start around 4 or 4:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. A second fireworks display is scheduled for July 18 at 10 p.m. Complete daily operating hours have not been published in accessible text. Official details
Newton, Massachusetts, hosts the 91st St. Mary of Carmen Italian-American Festival July 15–19 at Pellegrini Park, 11 Hawthorn Street. Carnival rides operate from 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday. Opening musical acts begin at 6 p.m., with headliners at 8 p.m. Admission is free. Sunday includes an 8 a.m. Italian-language Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, a 2 p.m. procession, and a second procession leaving the park at 10 p.m. The evening concludes with the traditional Flight of the Angel. Full schedule
In Ohio, Festa Italiana fills downtown Cuyahoga Falls’ River Front District July 17–19. Hours are 5–11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday. Performers will appear on three stages, including Italian groups Oro Vero, Le Fiamme, Valletta Band, I Campagnoli, Tuscan Trio, and A Glass of Wine. Saturday’s fireworks are expected around 9:45 p.m. Sunday also features a traditional morra match at 6 p.m. City parking garages are available near Front Street. Festival program
Festa Italiana in Schererville, Indiana, takes place July 17–19 at Villa Cesare, 900 Eagle Ridge Drive. Hours are 5–11 p.m. Friday, noon–11 p.m. Saturday, and noon–8:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. The outdoor celebration includes Italian cuisine, live entertainment, a beer and wine garden, bocce, grape-stomping, pasta-making classes, eating contests, and children’s activities. Event information
Finally, Metro Detroit’s Festa Italiana returns July 17–19 to Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The free festival opens Friday at 6 p.m.; complete weekend hours have not yet been published. Attractions include Italian food, wine and beer, live music, Friday-night fireworks, bocce, a zip line, bounce houses, rock climbing, Italian American Idol, and cannoli and meatball contests. On-site parking costs $10. Macomb County listing
