The Italian Association of Arizona moves its 11th annual Scottsdale Italian Festival to Scottsdale Civic Center this weekend, making room for more food vendors, two bocce courts and a new VIP lounge. The festival runs Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. in Old Town.
At the center of the festival is La Strada del Vino, or “Street of Wine,” with more than 30 wines from regions across Italy. Sogno Toscano and The Italiano join this year’s food lineup alongside returning Valley restaurants including Pomo Pizzeria, Virtù Honest Craft and Marcellino Ristorante. The new De Cecco VIP Lounge offers three pasta dishes prepared by chef Francesco Allegro and four premium wine tastings.
Italian opera soprano Ripalta Bufo and pop artist ILIANA are among the performers, and a traditional flag-throwing troupe from Asti, Italy, will also appear. Saturday features a bocce tournament for teams of four; on Sunday, local Italian restaurants take to the courts. A children’s area will offer face painting and balloon twisting.
General admission is $30, and children 12 and younger enter free. The $75 wine package includes festival admission and six tastings.
