Naper Settlement is often a place to go back in time to visit the early days of the city’s development. But for Festa Italiana, to be held Aug. 5-7, visitors will be making a trip across the Atlantic to celebrate Italian food, culture and entertainment.
Hours are 5-10 p.m. Aug. 5, noon-10 p.m. Aug. 6, and noon-8 p.m. Aug. 7.
“We try to create a little bit of Italy,” said Michelle Krage, president of StarEvents, which organizes the festival. “I’m 100% Italian, but I’m third-generation here. Our roots are a little hard to keep alive when you’re in this country for so long. So we’re doing our best to keep that culture alive here. We’re Italian-Americans now, but we still like to stay connected to Italy.”
The three-day festival taps into that connection primarily through food and music. The main stage will be filled throughout the weekend with both traditional Italian singers and bands throughout the day, in addition to more mainstream headliners in the evening.
The event kicks off on Friday evening with a performance by a familiar name in Chicago — the Wayne Messmer Big Band, which takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. The well-known anthem singer at Chicago sporting events also leads a traditional big band with favorites from the Italian-American songbook. He’s followed on Friday by 16 Candles, which focuses mostly on ’80s covers.
“During the day, we focus more on the traditional Italian music,” Krage said. “And we close the day with more of a party band.”
On Saturday, this means performances by La Tosca Mambo Italiano, the Stevie Swing Duo, Austin Giorgio and The Four C Notes before the headliner Hi Fidelity closes the entertainment with a show at 8 p.m.
“Austin Giorgio was a fan favorite last year, and we’re flying him back again,” Krager said. “He’s this young singer that may not be as well known yet, but he’s amazing. I feel as if he is like a young version of Andrea Bocelli.”
Sunday’s lineup includes Jersey Girls, the Sam Fazio Quartet, Paul Mariano and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. The final show of the evening is the Boy Band Night at 6 p.m.
For those looking for a more intimate setting, the festival also will feature an area it refers to as the piazza,”with a wine bar and acoustic music being performed in a more intimate setting.
Of course, the food is also one of the major attractions, with all kinds of Italian fare available.
“Who doesn’t love Italian food?” Krage said. “We’re working with the same food vendors we’ve had here the past couple of years, and they’re wonderful. Italian food is a family favorite, no matter what nationality you are.
You may have to hold off on the pizza and pasta if you decide to enter the meatball eating contest at 5 p.m. Saturday, something that has become a tradition at the festival.
“It’s a fun little contest that people get a kick out of,” Krage said.
There will also be a children’s area with a bounce house and other kids’ activities and rides, plus a section for vendors offering Italian goods.
But for Krage, the biggest part of the festival’s appeal is connecting with others in the Italian-American community.
“What I love about this event is that I see so many Italian-Americans coming out from the different communities, whether they’re coming from the city or the local suburbs,” she said. “It’s a place to reconnect and share old stories. My mom comes out and she sees so many people that she knows from where she grew up, back in the old neighborhood, right?”
Of course, even if you don’t come from an Italian neighborhood — or have any Italian heritage — the festival is still a welcoming place to enjoy a summer day.
“It’s a festival that attracts everyone,” Krage said. “We all love Italian food and music. It’s just a great place to hang out and enjoy life.”
Festa Italiana
More Top Picks Best Chew Necklaces For Sensory Needs
When: Aug. 5-7
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Tickets: $5-$10; children 12 and under are free
Information: 773-665-4682; starevents.com
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.