Festa Italiana

Each year, a little bit of Italy descends onto the Virginia Beach oceanfront for two days of Italian dining, wine, beer and world-class entertainment. Plus, they have family fun such as grape stomping! Children, youth and adults are encouraged to step into the grape vat for a little grape stomping, hosted by the hosts “Pinot and Grigio.”

The event is held at the BeachStreetUSA Starfish Pavillion at 17th Street. The pavilion seats 400 and people from all walks of life are invited to join in for this two-day Italian celebration. There is a $2 admission fee.

LaBella Italia restaurant provides a full menu of pasta, sandwiches, pizza and desserts. Dining, wine and beer are offered at reasonable prices, with table seating offering the best atmosphere for dining and enjoying the entertainment. Strolling musicians wander the aisles, providing diners personal serenades of Italian tunes. In addition, entertainment also includes a variety of bands and the YNot Pizza Olympics.

In 2010, the event offered a pasta making class offered by the faculty and students of the Culinary Institute of Virginia, School of Culinary Arts of ECPI College of Technology. The class included all ingredients, instruction, chef hat and free glass of wine.