South San Francisco Festa Italiana

The South San Francisco Festa Italiana 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Orange Memorial Park in South San Francisco.

Presented by the Italian American Citizens Club of South San Francisco, the California Columbia Association, and the City of South San Francisco, the Festa is a true grassroots community celebration. The event is planned, organized, and staffed entirely by volunteers representing the presenting organizations as well as local Italian and community associations.

The Festa celebrates the rich Italian heritage of South San Francisco through live music, traditional dancers, cultural and historical exhibits, an Italian car show, artisan and specialty vendors, and the annual bocce tournament. Food trucks, beer and wine gardens, and family activities create an experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Last year’s event was a tremendous success thanks to the support of our community, sponsors, vendors, musicians, car enthusiasts, bocce players, and volunteers. Their generosity made it possible to share Italian culture, history, and traditions with thousands of attendees from South San Francisco and throughout the Peninsula.

As with any volunteer-driven community event, sponsorship support plays an essential role in bringing the Festa to life. Contributions of every size help fund entertainment, family activities, cultural exhibits, event operations, and community programming.

The Festa is a free, family-friendly event with a special emphasis on activities for children and young families. The Kid’s Zone features face painting, pasta making, games, a salami toss, and the South San Francisco Youth Soccer Goal Challenge. Guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, sample Tuscan wines, relax in the beer garden, and stroll among classic Italian automobiles and vintage vehicles. This year will also feature a special exhibit from Museo Italo Americano.

South San Francisco has a proud Italian heritage and has evolved from “The Industrial City” into a thriving biotechnology center while maintaining strong connections to its cultural roots. Today, the city is a diverse community that values and celebrates its many traditions. Festa Italiana has become an important opportunity to honor those roots while sharing them with future generations. The event is also celebrated in partnership with South San Francisco’s Sister City, Lucca, Italy.

Sponsors not only support the success of the festival but also invest in the cultural vitality of our community. Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable exposure through event signage, printed materials, online promotion, and day-of-event recognition.

We invite you to join us in making the South San Francisco Festa Italiana 2026 another memorable celebration.

Grazie in advance.

On behalf of the South San Francisco Festa Italiana 2026 Committee,

Leo Pierini
Festa Chairman