By Marco Testa
The 2026 Perth Italian Festival brought Langley Park to life Italian-style on Saturday 11 April, drawing thousands to the Swan River foreshore for a full day immersion of culture, language, cuisine, sport and live entertainment. Running from late morning into the evening, the festival offered a packed and carefully curated program across multiple stages, reaffirming its place as one of Perth’s most anticipated multicultural events. Hosting the main stage was acclaimed comedian and entertainer James Liotta, who returned as Master of Ceremonies for 2026. Guiding the crowd throughout the day, Liotta brought humour, energy and a strong connection to the Italian-Australian community, ensuring a seamless flow between performances on the “Pasta in the Valley” Main Stage. The main stage program featured a dynamic mix of music, dance and entertainment.
Highlights included performances by Stefania Cardile and Etta D’Elia, alongside the ever-popular Tarantella dancers, who brought traditional Italian folk culture to the forefront. Classical flair was delivered by Italian tenor David Marchesi, while comedy took centre stage with a much-anticipated appearance by Joe Avati. Music continued throughout the afternoon and evening with acts such as the Robbie Corvaia Band, Rhythm ‘n’ Groove, and accordion favourites including “Mr Accordion Man” and Julie Accordion. The program also featured the Sound of Italy finalists, showcasing emerging talent within the Italian-Australian music scene. The evening concluded with a raffle draw, live DJ sets and a spectacular fireworks finale. Beyond the main stage, the Bendigo Bank North Perth Community Stage offered a strong lineup of interactive and cultural performances.
Highlights included cooking demonstrations by Valentina Di Filippo and Concetta, alongside the popular Italian Cooking Experience. The Di Filippo Marionette Puppets directly from Italy delighted audiences across multiple sessions, while karaoke, podcasts and dance performances added to the lively atmosphere. A special feature of the festival was “Nonna’s House”, which hosted appearances from celebrity chef Guy Grossi and segments from the Italian Australian Podcast. Cultural performances, including Venetian dancers and traditional ensembles, reinforced the festival’s strong connection to heritage and storytelling. The festival’s family-friendly appeal was evident throughout dedicated zones and activities. The Kids Zone featured pasta-making workshops, face painting, amusement rides and creative activities such as “Colours for Peace”.
The Bocce Zone and grape-stomping activities provided interactive ex periences for all ages, while cultural workshops from the Dante Alighieri Society offered opportunities to engage with language. Food remained a central highlight, with the “Food Piazza – Qui Si Mangia” showcasing an extensive selection of Italian cuisine. Vendors such as Barbaro Brothers, Gnocchi Gnocchi Boys, Il Panzerotto, and a wide range of local operators offered everything from pasta and focaccia to gelato and traditional sweets, ensuring visitors could experience regional flavours from across Italy. Market stalls and community organisations further enriched the festival, with groups including the Milan Club Perth, the Sicilian Association and the Swan Italian Sporting Club contributing to the day’s strong community presence.
As the sun set over the Swan River, crowds gathered for the evening program, culminating in fireworks and a DJ-led celebration that carried the festival into the night.
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