Discover Little Italy’s Signature Summer Events
Category: Stories
Summer in San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a visit to San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Whether you’re a local San Diegan or visiting for a quick weekend getaway, there’s always something to see and do in this bustling 48-square block, urban community! From San Diego County’s largest farmers’ market to a night of lively entertainment from the Marine Band San Diego Summer Concert, Little Italy is a dynamic place with exciting events held throughout the summer season.
Schedule these Little Italy summer events in your calendar now!
In partnership with Cinema Little Italy, we host the Little Italy Summer Film Festival each year starting in the month of June and ending in August. Every Saturday night of the summer, visitors and locals can gather at Amici Park Amphitheater between West Date and State Streets to enjoy classic Italian, films (complete with subtitles) under the bright stars. Guests are welcomed to bring blankets, snacks and snuggle up to enjoy an authentic Italian experience in Little Italy. The film festival is happening now until August 24th. Donations are $8 per person.
Spend a Saturday at the Little Italy Mercato, a weekly farmers’ market that brings visitors from all over the world to the neighborhood. The largest farmer’s market in San Diego County has more than 200 tents that line West Date Street from Kettner Boulevard to Front Street. Mercato vendors offer endless options including farm fresh produce, pastured eggs and poultry, meat, fish, flowers, local artisan food and more. Stroll through the farmers’ market and enjoy live music, the cool breeze blowing from the San Diego Bay and indulge in crepes, paninis or a delicious smoothie!
On Saturday, August 3, from 6 p.m. to dusk, the Marine Band San Diego Summer Concert will make the Piazza della Famiglia come alive as popular rock band and the traditional band, “Sound Strike” performs a live musical acts for the community. Get ready to be on your feet and dance the night away or stand to salute those that have and do serve in the armed forces!
Summer always calls for a good baseball game at Petco Park! In partnership with Convivo, the Italian Cultural Center, and the San Diego Padres we are hosting the 2019 San Diego Padres Italian Heritage Night on Friday, August 9. Celebrate with us for an evening of special guests and programing. Ticketholders will receive a commemorative San Diego Padres Italian Heritage Night hat! The first pitch will be at 7:10 p.m.
Little Italy’s biggest party, Ferragosto, has set sail for its final year with the theme “Pirates Invade Sicily” on Saturday, August 17, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, with a VIP reception starting at 5:00 p.m. You can expect plenty of food, well poured drinks, pirate-themed pageantry, a cigar and rum lounge, live music, a full casino and more! Ferragosto raises money for historical preservation, youth programs and school scholarships. The fundraising event was created in 2008, with its first event being held in 2010. Over the last ten years, Ferragosto raised $2 million for the three non-profit groups, Washington Elementary School Foundation, Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the Little Italy Association. Get your tickets today!
And to round out summer, join us at our Labor Day Stickball Westcoast Invitational to watch top stickball teams from New York, Puerto Rico and San Diego compete for San Diego’s most prominent prize, the Jillie Trophy on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual tournament brings the beloved childhood game to the lively, historic community on one fun-filled weekend.
If you’re looking to make lasting memories with your friends, family and loved ones, San Diego’s Little Italy has you covered. The neighborhood’s signature events and lively atmosphere make it easy to enjoy a jam-packed summer filled with one-of-a-kind experiences!