Celebrate Italian Culture: New Jersey Festivals in 2026

New Jersey Italian Festivals: Discover the vibrant Italian culture through these festive events.

If you enjoy Italian food, lively music, and family fun, you’ll love new jersey italian festivals. Every summer and fall, towns across the state come alive with feasts celebrating Italian heritage and tradition. Locals and visitors gather for food, music, rides, and games, making these festivals a highlight of the year.

Many nj italian festivals are rooted in community and faith, organized by Italian clubs or church groups who want to keep old-country traditions alive. They welcome everyone, whether you have Italian roots or just love a good meal. From church parking lots to large parks, you’ll find laughter, friendly faces, and the best homemade Italian dishes around.

You’ll walk past booths filled with family recipes, hear Italian folk songs or pop on stage, and see kids playing carnival games or dancing along. Whether you want to savor the food, dance to live music, or enjoy time with friends and family, there’s something for everyone at these festivals.

As the 2026 season approaches, italian festivals near me are gearing up for another unforgettable year. Picture warm nights, music in the air, and the wonderful scent of sausage and peppers drifting on the breeze. These gatherings aren’t just events, they’re a celebration of what makes the Italian community special in New Jersey.

The Best Italian Food at NJ Italian Festivals

Come hungry to any new jersey italian festival. The food is always the main attraction. Here are some favorites you can find at most feasts:

Zeppole
Puffy fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar. The best ones are served hot, right out of the fryer.
Sausage and Peppers
Grilled sweet or spicy sausage with sautéed peppers and onions, often tucked into a crusty Italian roll. Extra peppers? Always a good idea.
Arancini
Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside. These rice balls usually have seasoned meat, mozzarella, or peas in the center.
Cannoli
Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream. Find a stand that fills them while you wait for the perfect crunch.
Pasta Dishes
Treat your taste buds to homemade baked ziti, steaming lasagna, or stuffed ravioli, all made from scratch.
Italian Ice
Cool off with this classic frozen treat. Flavors like lemon, cherry, or strawberry are always popular with kids and adults.
Tiramisu
Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, dusted with cocoa—an Italian favorite.
Wine and Drinks
Sip on regional Italian wines, espresso, or even limoncello at the wine gardens many festivals set up.

Food vendors use recipes passed down from grandparents, and the aromas will pull you in from blocks away.

Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.

2026 New Jersey Italian Festivals & Cultural Celebrations Scheduled Across the State

Looking for italian festivals near me? Here are some fan-favorite events scheduled for 2026:

Annual Feast of St. Anthony

Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, 2026
Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption, 113 Chiego Place, Roselle Park, NJ
This annual festival will feature delicious food, non-stop entertainment with live music, amusements, games, and fun for the whole family. It is also a faith oriented celebration focusing on devotion to St. Anthony.
After the Noon Mass on Sunday, there will be a procession through the streets with the statue of St. Anthony accompanied with music.

Italian Festival & Wine Tasting

Saturday, Sunday, July 25th, 26th, 2026
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport NJ
Enjoy mouth-watering Italian favorites from over a dozen of the area's top restaurants, delis, and food trucks. Pair your favorite dish with a sampling of great wines at our Italian wine tasting, presented by Opici Wines & Spirits. Food trucks begin serving at approximately 11am. Live racing begins at 12:50pm. Live music 12-4pm both days.

Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri - The Hoboken Italian Festival

September 10th - 13th, 2026
Sinatra Drive between 1st Street to 3rd Street
Hoboken, NJ
The Hoboken Italian Festival, the premier Italian-American festival in New Jersey is over 80 years old, and is derived from a festival in Italy that is over 600 years old. The Festival is a four day celebration of music food and fun from Thursday through Sunday. On Saturday they celebrate their "Feast" day, when the 800lb statue of Madonna Dei Martiri or Madonna of the Martyrs is carried through the streets of Hoboken.

New Jersey Italian Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions

Question
Where are the most popular Italian festivals in New Jersey?

Answer

Some notable locations include:

St. Ann's Italian Festival (Hoboken)
Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri ( Hoboken)
The Feast of our Lady of Mt Carmel (Berkeley Heights)
The Italian American Association of Ocean Township Festival (Oakhurst)
The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Hammonton)

Question
What types of food are served at Italian festivals?

Answer

Expect a wide variety of Italian dishes, including:

Traditional pasta dishes (lasagna, spaghetti, penne)
Italian street food (zeppole, arancini, sausage and peppers)
Desserts (cannoli, tiramisu, Italian ice)
Beverages (espresso, Italian wines, limoncello)

Question

Are these festivals family-friendly?

Answer

Yes, most Italian festivals in New Jersey are family-friendly, featuring activities like carnival games, rides, face painting, and kid-friendly entertainment.

Question

Do these festivals charge admission?

Answer

Many Italian festivals are free to attend, though some larger events may charge an admission fee or request a donation. Food, drinks, and activities are typically paid separately.

Question

Is there live music or entertainment?

Answer
Yes, live music is a highlight of Italian festivals. Expect performances of classic Italian songs, contemporary music, and sometimes opera or folk dances

Question

Are there any religious components to these festivals?

Answer

Many Italian festivals have religious roots and include traditional elements such as Mass, processions, or blessings. For example, some feasts honor specific saints with processions and ceremonies.