The annual Festa Italiana - SSF 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at South San Francisco’s Orange Memorial Park from 11 am to 6 pm. The event showcases Italian history and culture throughout the San Francisco Peninsula. It is a Free, Fun Family event.
Attendees will be treated to on-stage entertainment performances and the Italian cultural dance troop, Tarantella. Attendees can sip Tuscan wines, “Manga” Italian cuisine, view cultural displays, shop among the vendors and stroll amongst Italian exotic vehicles and cars from yesteryear.
The younger attendees can participate in the popular Kid’s Zone, orchestrated by the Le Donne d’ Italia, with face painting, story reading, a salami toss and much more! Youngsters can also participate in the Festa’s Goal Challenge and interact with the players of the South San Francisco Athletic Club soccer squad.
More competitive attendees can choose to participate in the Bordi Memorial Italian Heritage Bocce Ball Tournament that morning (prior sign-ups are required and inquiries can be sent to [email protected]) with the tournament ending in time for participants to enjoy the rest of the Festa.
South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego and Italy’s Consul General for San Francisco Massimo Carnelos will address the crowd to highlight the day’s events and welcome the community.
In addition to the Tarantella Dancers, the entertainment lined up includes Rudy Colombini & The Unauthorized Rolling Stones, Perry Sings Sinatra and Ron Sfarzo & The North Beach Band.
The Festa is a presentation of a partnership between the City of South San Francisco, the Italian American Citizens Club of South San Francisco, and the California Law Enforcement Columbia Association with contributions from several brother and sister Italian organizations throughout the area. It is made possible by our generous sponsors. It is an opportunity to showcase, celebrate and share the rich Italian history and culture of the peninsula.
South San Francisco has a cherished Italian history, and the city has evolved from “The Industrial City” to a biotech hub while not shedding its original identity. It has become a diverse make-up of cultural communities that love to share their history. This is the only Italian Festival on the peninsula.
Inquiries can be sent to [email protected]
