San Diego's Little Italy Festa Takes Place Sunday, Oct. 11

October may mean Oktoberfest in San Diego, but that doesn't mean every local festival this month is about bratwurst and Germany. In fact, the Italian community might have something to say about that when they celebrate the 15th annual Little Italy Festa, Sunday Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free event is known as the largest single-day Italian American festival west of the Mississippi and is expected to attract more than 120,000 to the hip and historic Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego. This year, there are more ways the public can learn about the history, experience live entertainment and get inspired by the united community enthusiasm for Italian heritage.

More than 150 food, art and retail vendors will participate in Festa. All local restaurants will be open serving up Italian cuisine and the beer and wine garden will provide guests with a venue to mix and mingle. Two entertainment stages will feature musicians and performers throughout the day. And the Gesso Italian Chalk Painting Contest takes place in the heart of the neighborhood on India Street (between Fir and Grape Streets). More than 150 artists representing 40 teams from across the nation are expected to participate in the event, drawing crowds to enjoy viewing the creation of their masterpieces.

Read more about San Diego's Little Italy Festa on the official website.

Learn more about Little Italy in my neighborhood profile here.