A brand-new Italian celebration is set to take over downtown Phoenix on March 1 and 2. The Galbani® Italian Heritage Festival, organized by the nonprofit Bliss Planet, will be a vibrant two-day event at Heritage Square. Attendees can immerse themselves in the flavors, traditions, and artistry of Italy, enjoying everything from mouthwatering food and wine to exciting car showcases and live entertainment.
Bliss Planet, a nonprofit focused on promoting well-being and creating a harmonious world through community collaboration and wellness initiatives, is the force behind this unique cultural celebration. The organization aims to bring people together through experiences that inspire positive change, and the Italian Heritage Festival is a perfect example of this mission in action.
The festival will open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., transforming downtown Phoenix into an authentic Italian piazza. Attendees can look forward to a dozen food vendors offering traditional Italian dishes from local favorites like Corso Italia, Mamma Lucy, Costantino’s Italian Kitchen, and Fabio on Fire Pizzeria. The Italian marketplace will feature imported goods like olive oils, pasta, jams, and more, alongside merchandise tents filled with Italian leather bags, clothing, jewelry, and other unique items.
The festival’s cooking stage will host live food demonstrations, where top local chefs will showcase how to make Italian fan-favorites. A second stage will feature live entertainment from musicians and bands, while street dancers – including performances from the Sicilian-style folk group Tradizione Vivente – will bring the streets to life with traditional dances.
Car enthusiasts will also enjoy the festival’s exotic vehicle showcase, which will feature classic motor vehicles from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Vespa, as well as the historic 1913 Bugatti, the oldest-running Bugatti in the world.
For those looking for a VIP experience, tickets are available for $145, offering exclusive access to a lounge with premium seating, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and gourmet food samplings curated by some of Phoenix’s top chefs. General admission tickets are just $10, with children 13 and under able to attend for free.
In addition to the delicious food and exciting entertainment, the festival also includes a raffle for a chance to win a seven-day all-inclusive tour in Tuscany for two. The grand prize includes wine tastings, authentic cooking classes, and other exciting Italian excursions. Raffle tickets are available for just $5 each, with the option to purchase up to $100 worth. For more information, visit italianfestivalphoenix.com/home.
