PORT ST. LUCIE — The Galbani Taste of Little Italy returns to Tradition Square Feb. 13–15, marking its 19th anniversary with a Valentine’s Day weekend celebration of Italian culture, cuisine and music.
Produced by Via Productions Inc., the three-day festival is the Treasure Coast’s largest Italian event and continues its tradition of free admission and free parking as a thank-you to the community.
Festival hours are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Presented by Galbani Cheese, Taste of Little Italy features national and regional Italian-American entertainers, authentic Italian food, cooking demonstrations, family activities and a relaxed piazza-style atmosphere designed to appeal to multiple generations.
New this year is a Wine Garden, offering curated wine flights, alongside returning favorites such as the Spritz Del Conte Bar, Voga Prosecco, and other Italian-inspired beverages.
The La Cucina Galbani® Cooking Stage will host live demonstrations throughout the weekend. Headlining chefs include YouTube favorite Anthony Acampa of “Fats Where the Flavor Is,” along with local standouts Francesca Di Fede of La Forchetta, Kyle Greene of Amore Italian Chophouse, Chef Thomas Op’t Holt, and Gia Caiozzo Gilchrist of Oliver Branch Markets and Lasagna Love. Voga wine experts will also be on hand to provide tastings and share the history of Italian wines.
Entertainment fills the Mattamy Homes Stage all weekend, featuring classic Italian songs, romantic ballads and popular hits.
• Friday: Tony Quaranti’s “The Sinatra Songbook” and Tres Bella performing opera and classics.
• Saturday: Daniela Martino; Vince and Emily; Vanessa Racci with Italian jazz; DJ Anthony Mangini; and headliners The Atlantic City Boys with a tribute to Frankie Valli.
• Sunday: Vanessa Racci returns alongside Philippe Harari, Franco Corso — The Voice of Romance — and tenor Anthony Nunziata.
Food vendors throughout Tradition Square will serve traditional Italian favorites, including fresh pasta, pizza, sausage and peppers, and more. Dessert options include zeppole, sfogliatella, gelato and cannoli.
Families can enjoy festival rides, games and children’s activities, along with the Wallace Hyundai Ft. Pierce Family Picnic Area, offering space to relax and enjoy the festivities.
The event also supports Maddie’s Fight Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting children battling cancer and their families while funding osteosarcoma research.
For an elevated experience, guests can reserve VIP Villas, pod seating or bistro tables, all with waiter service, through Eventbrite.
Sponsors include Galbani, Hyundai Ft. Pierce, Mattamy Homes, Beachside Golf Cars, Amore Italian Chophouse, Birra Moretti, Pulcinella, Pastaio, and numerous local and regional partners.
For more information, visit tasteoflittleitaly.net.
About the Taste of Little Italy
It began 19 years ago with a dream and a vision to create an experience rich in Italian culture to share. With family tradition and values at the core of its mission, the Taste continues to serve as the signature event at Tradition, bringing together generations to celebrate the significant contributions of great Italians.
Through food, music, art and history, the three-day festival brings the community together around family traditions, while honoring the hardships faced by ancestors who journeyed to this country and celebrating Italian American heritage.
Dining and Cooking