Italian Heritage Festival
July 27 @ 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
One event on July 26, 2025 at 11:00 am
One event on July 27, 2025 at 11:00 am
The Galbani Italian Heritage Festival on Hertel Avenue is a vibrant, three-day celebration of Italian culture nestled in the heart of North Buffalo’s “Little Italy.” This year marks its 50th anniversary, taking place from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025, with free admission. The festival runs from 11 AM to 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday and ends at 7 PM on Sunday. Stretching between Delaware and Lovering Avenues, the event transforms the street into a colorful, sensory-rich experience, lined with dozens of food vendors offering traditional Italian and Italian-American specialties. Sponsored by Galbani®, highlights include live cooking demonstrations, the popular grape‐stomping contest, the Sicilian puppet shows, and more, all designed to delight all ages.
Beyond food and entertainment, the festival offers meaningful cultural immersion. At the Centro Culturale Italiano- located at Delaware and Hertel- visitors can explore the Russell Salvatore Piazza with its ornate Sicilian mosaic benches and an Italian espresso bar, browse heritage crafts, and even trace their roots with onsite genealogists. Spiritual and family traditions are celebrated with an Italian Mass and St. Anthony’s procession, key moments that unite the community in reflection and pride. Additions like face-painting for kids, bocce games, and exclusive VIP stage seating make this festival a full-service cultural event-perfect for families, foodies, and anyone looking to connect with Buffalo’s Italian-American legacy. Buon appetito e viva l’Italia!