What We Do

West Michigan Italian Festival is more than just a festival; it’s a mission to celebrate Italian heritage while fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses.

We strive to:

Preserve Culture

Highlight Italy’s music, art, and cuisine

Build Community

Create a welcoming space for all to gather and celebrate

Empower Local Businesses

Provide a platform for local artisans and vendors to thrive.

Join us on July 24 and 25, 2026, from 11 AM to 9 PM at Tanger Outlets

A Celebration of Italian Culture and Community

Agenda

Thursday

Set up

Friday

11:00AM — Festa Opens
12:00PM — Blessing of the festival led by Fr. Peter Damion of St Paul & ribbon cutting ceremony in order.
11AM-9PM — The Peter Secchia Memorial Bocce Cup practice. Free practice and volunteer coaching
5:30PM-7:30PM — Live music Shawn Moulenbelt (country)
7:30PM-9PM — Live music Diego and Kevin, Italian & Ratpack hits
11AM-3PM — La Familigia Cup – soccer tournment

12:00PM-6:00PM — Live radio remotes 100.5 The River, Mix 95.7 & 97.9 WGRD

Saturday

11:00AM — Festa Opens
11AM-9PM — The Peter Secchia Memorial Bocce Cup
11:00AM-3PM — La Familgia soccer cup

3:00PM — The Russo Resturant and Market spaghetti eating contest hosted by Greg Russo and 97.9 WGRD
3:30PM-9PM — Right Side Up – pop & classic rock
1PM-4PM — 97.9 WGRD Tommy Carroll 1pm-4pm (competing in spaghetti eating contest)
4:30PM-6PM — Free comedy show side stage!
7:00PM — Leo’ & Gabby’s raffle with Greg Russo – 50/50 winner announcement

Radio Live Remote Schedule:

7-24 100.5 The River Andy Rent The River: Noon-2

7-24 95.7 The Mix Nathan Meyers 2-4pm

7-24 97.9 WGRD Jenna Hoke 4pm-6pm

7-25 97.9 WGRD Tommy Carroll 1pm-4pm ( Competing in Spaghetti Eating Contest)

Live Italian Music and Entertainment

Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Italy with live music performances throughout the day. From traditional Italian melodies to lively modern tunes, our festival stage brings together talented artists who capture the spirit of Italian culture. Dance, sing along, and experience the energy that makes Italian music so beloved.

Wine and Beer Garden Featuring Italian Imports

Savor the taste of Italy with a selection of fine wines and refreshing beers in our exclusive wine and beer garden. Featuring authentic Italian imports, this is the perfect spot to relax, mingle, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Raise a glass and toast to a day of culture and community!

Authentic Italian Food from Local Vendors

Indulge in a culinary journey through Italy with a wide array of delicious dishes prepared by local vendors. From creamy pasta to wood-fired pizza and decadent desserts, every bite is a celebration of authentic Italian flavors. Don’t forget to try regional specialties and handmade treats for a truly memorable dining experience.

Artisan Market and Kids’ Activities

Explore the creativity of local artisans at our vibrant market, featuring handcrafted goods, unique crafts, and Italian-inspired items. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts. For families, we offer engaging kids’ activities to ensure fun for attendees of all ages. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Spaghetti Eating Contest

Think you have what it takes to be crowned Spaghetti Eating Champion?

Join us Saturday at 3pm to find out!

Sponsored by our friends at Russo Restaurant + Market in the Tanger Outlets.

The Peter Secchia Memorial Cup

Get ready to roll! The Peter Secchia Memorial Cup is your chance to showcase your bocce ball skills, enjoy friendly competition, and celebrate Italian tradition. Gather your team and compete for bragging rights (and maybe a prize or two)!

Entry Fee: $25 per person
Team Size: 2-4
When & Where: Tanger outlet July 24th and 25th 12:00 pm
Prizes & Fun: Great competition, community spirit, and plenty of Italian festival excitement!

(Kids bocce tournament free!)

Friday will be a practice/play/learn day for anyone interested and the actual competition would be on Saturday. Tournament starts at 11 am. Whether you’re a seasoned bocce player or a first-timer, this tournament is all about having fun and embracing the spirit of Italy. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!

Special thank you to Silva GR & Kip for supporting the Bocce Tournament!

Looking to sharpen your skills before tournament day? Join us for free bocce play every Wednesday night at Silva GR in Grand Rapids. It’s a great chance to practice, connect, and prepare for the tournament in a fun, relaxed setting.

When you sign up you will be automatically be added to list and invoiced with in 30 days.

Be A Part of the Celebration!

Partner with the West Michigan Italian Festival and showcase your brand to thousands of attendees while supporting a vibrant cultural event. Sponsorships offer unmatched visibility, community engagement, and a chance to align your business with a celebration of heritage and tradition.

Join the Fun – Volunteer With Us!

Join the West Michigan Italian Festival as a volunteer and help bring this incredible celebration to life! From assisting with event setup to welcoming guests and supporting vendors, volunteers play a vital role in making Fiesta Italia an unforgettable experience. This is your chance to engage with the community, celebrate Italian heritage, and be part of the excitement—all while having fun!