La Festa Italiana takes place Aug. 29-Sept. 1
La Festa Italiana will bring four days of food and lively entertainment to Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Scranton over Labor Day Weekend Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Among the many culinary delights you will find is the famous porketta sandwich prepared by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the national Italian-American service organization. Another hot spot – literally – is the Cappuccino Café, where you can sip a creamy cup to go with your favorite Italian pastry.
In between bites, people of all ages will enjoy Italian vocalists, artists and local bands as well as dancers performing on three stages.
In addition, crafts, Italian-themed clothing and novelties, a Heritage Park, bocce games, bounce rides for the kids and more will be available.
The Alfredo’s Main Stage opening act on Friday (Aug. 29) will feature a tribute to recently deceased Paul LaBelle, leader of the Exact Change Band. Later that evening is the popular band Picture Perfect.
The lineup on Saturday (Aug. 30) includes a new featured entertainer this year, Scranton native Lorenzo Pugliese, who will perform a tribute to Frankie Valli on Saturday at 8 p.m. Lorenzo is an actor and singer/songwriter who, as an actor, has appeared in two national tours as SpongeBob in “The SpongeBob Musical” and Sonny Bono in “The Cher Show.”
He has also appeared several times in various Scranton Shakes seasons, most notably as Ren in “Footloose” and Roger in “Rent.” Most recently, he played Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys” at Village Theatre in Seattle. He is excited to be bringing some of his performance back home. You can check out Lorenzo’s music under the stage name “Valerian” on Spotify and Apple Music. IG: lorenzo_m_pugliese
Saturday also features The Cameos, New Jersey’s Favorite Oldies Group, and a Billy Joel Tribute. Also on Saturday there will be a car show, sponsored by Kost Tire & Auto Service, from 1-4 p.m.
Sunday (Aug. 31) begins with the annual Mass in Italian at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, located one block from the festival site. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.
The entertainment on Sunday includes La Festa’s premiere Italian vocalist,T.J. Capobianco from The Met, a Connie Francis tribute and a Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show featuring Chris DiMattio and Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino with Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Big Band and several special guests such as “Marilyn Monroe.”
On Monday (Sept. 1) there will be a 100th birthday celebration for WWII Veteran Gene “Dempsey” Passarella, maestro of his namesake Orchestra. Popstar Drive will be the closing act.
La Festa Italiana will hit the ground running with the 13th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. The race is sponsored by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, and proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania Christmas Party and college scholarships for students at Captain Minicozzi’s alma mater, West Scranton High School. To register in advance ($25) go to: runsignup.com/Minicozzi or on race day ($35) from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at corner of North Washington Avenue and Linden Street.
For news and updates, including the festival entertainment schedule, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org, Facebook: La Festa Italiana di Lackawanna County, Instagram: lafestascranton.
La Festa Italiana Daily Schedule
Alfredo’s Main Stage
Friday August 29
5 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
5:30 p.m. The Exact Change Band, Tribute to Paul LaBelle
7 p.m. Scranton Civic Ballet Company: The Story of Pinocchio
8 p.m. Picture Perfect Band
Saturday August 30
10 a.m. Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race/Walk
Noon Andrea Amoroso Sings Italian
1:30 p.m. 5 Star Dance Academy
2 p.m. The Luongo Brothers with special guest Mike Lanza
3:30 p.m. Paci Band performs on The Square
4 p.m. Old Friends, Celebrating 50 Years
5:30 p.m. Arts in Movement Dance
6 p.m. The Cameos, New Jersey’s Favorite Oldies Group
8 p.m. Scranton’s Lorenzo Pugliese performs a Frankie Valli Tribute
8:30 p.m. Billy Joel Tribute featuring Frank Provinzono and Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Band
Italian Car Show Saturday afternoon – North Washington Avenue
Sunday August 31
10 a.m. Mass in Italian at St. Peter’s Cathedral
Noon Andrea Amoroso Sings Italian
1:30 p.m. Rob Smith, Juggler
2 p.m. The Untouchables Band
3:30 p.m. Lynnette’s Twirlerettes
4 p.m. Nikki Rasmus, Connie Francis Tribute Show
5 p.m. T.J. Capobianco from The Met, La Festa’s Premier Tenor
5:30 p.m. Ballet Theatre of Scranton, Italian Folk Dancing
6 p.m. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show featuring Chris DiMattio and Las Vegas performer Andy DiMino plus special appearance by “Marilyn Monroe” with Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Big Band
8:30 p.m. Daddy-O and The Sax Maniax
Monday September 1
Noon The Gene Dempsey Orchestra, World War II Veteran Gene Passarella Celebrates His 100th Birthday!
1:30 p.m. Al Grout, Juggler and Magician
2 p.m. Nino & Mike, The Italian Serenaders from New York
3:30 p.m. Al Grout, Juggler and Magician
4 p.m. Frank Gervasi & Toby Naro
5:30 p.m. Popstar Drive, Premier Dance Band
Damian the Magician on The Square
Wayne Bank Stage at La Festa’s Cafe’ – Adams Avenue
Friday August 29
5 p.m. Meet Me on Marcie
8 p.m. Big King Moose
Saturday August 30
Noon Corey Kizer
2 p.m. Fuzzy Park Band
4:30 p.m. Joe Baress, Tribute to Sarah Marie
7 p.m. Andrea Amoroso, Italian Hits
Sunday August 31
Noon Tony Vergnetti
2:30 p.m. Janice Gambo-Chesna
4:30 p.m. Massimo Brutto, Italian Singer
7 p.m. Mike & Billy
Monday September 1
Noon The Wanabees
2:30 p.m. East Coast
Paolo & Felice, Italian Strollers from New York throughout The Square
Dining and Cooking