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Memphis Italian Festival Celebrates 35 Years

Families enjoying the Memphis Italian Festival with food and music in a park.

News Summary

The Memphis Italian Festival will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a weekend of music, food, and family-friendly activities. Taking place at Marquette Park from May 29 to May 31, visitors can enjoy various competitions, culinary offerings, and live performances. Ticket prices range from $15 to $20, with free admission for military members and children under 10. The festival aims to promote Italian-American heritage and support local children, making it a cherished event in the Memphis community.

Memphis

The Memphis Italian Festival is marking its 35th year with a weekend filled with music, food, and various family-friendly activities. The festival will take place from May 29 to May 31, 2025, hosted by the Holy Rosary Parish in East Memphis. This annual celebration aims to promote Italian-American heritage while supporting the children of Holy Rosary Parish School.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities throughout the festival, including competitions such as bocce ball, cornhole, volleyball, and even grape stomping. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, cups, strollers, and sunscreen for a comfortable experience; however, outside food and drink are not allowed on the festival grounds.

The festival will take place at Marquette Park, located at the corner of Mt. Moriah and Park Avenue. Free parking will be available at the Hilton Memphis Headquarters on Crossover Lane and in adjacent neighborhoods, making access convenient for all attendees.

Festival Schedule and Ticketing

The event kicks off on Thursday at 4 p.m. and will continue on Friday and Saturday, opening at 11 a.m. each day and closing at 11 p.m. Ticket prices vary, with $15 admission for Thursday and Friday, and $20 for Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park entrance. Notably, active military members and children aged 10 or younger can enter the festival for free.

Culinary Offerings

A diverse selection of food vendors will be present, offering both on-site dining and take-out options to satisfy a variety of tastes. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase for guests aged 21 and over, who will need to obtain a special wristband to consume alcoholic beverages.

Live Performances

The entertainment lineup is packed with talent. Performers include:

Thursday: Provin’ Ground and Aubrey McCrady Band
Friday: Generation Gap, Amber McCain, and Motel California
Saturday: Area 51 and Almost Elton

This mixture of live music promises to provide energetic and enjoyable evenings for festival-goers.

Weather Forecast

Weather conditions are expected to vary throughout the festival weekend. Thursday’s forecast anticipates thunderstorms and showers, with an 80% chance of precipitation and a high of 81°F and low of 62°F. On Friday, the weather is predicted to be mostly clear, with a high of 77°F and low of 60°F, and only a 10% chance of rain. Saturday promises sunny skies, with temperatures reaching a high of 82°F and a low of 64°F.

Festival Purpose and Community Impact

The Memphis Italian Festival not only celebrates Italian culture but also reflects the values of family, faith, and fellowship, enhancing community spirit and support. By drawing visitors from across the region, it serves as an important event for both attendees and local businesses, fostering connections and traditions in the Memphis community.

As the festival gears up for its 35th iteration, it represents a festive gathering where the flavors of Italy ignite the local culture, making it a cherished event on Memphis’ annual calendar.