It’s no surprise that Pittsburgh houses a large Italian community with a passion for both the “Old Country” as well as the Steel City. That combination helps pack the neighborhood streets when Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days rolls around every year. Enjoy three stages of live performers, kid’s fun zone areas, vendors, activities, and plenty of Italy’s finest dishes…and a great sense of community.
Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days
Four days from August 14-17 gifts Pittsburgh a chance to head to Italia all without leaving the Three Rivers. The festival got its start back in 2002 with now producer Sal Richetti running the festivities since 2012. It’s a look-forward-to event not only for its attendees but its businesses as well. With around 120,000 people heading through the grounds in 2023, the large crowd means that vendors receive exposure to citizens both inside and outside of Pittsburgh.
Come with your stomach empty to fill up on all your Italian favorites. Savor dishes and beverages like pizza, pasta, canollis, wine, meatballs, sausage, and aperol spritzes. Some of the vendors even include local businesses like DiAnoia’s who make their own homemade pasta as well as Angelo’s Pizzeria and Caliente Pizza. But if you’re not craving Italian food, you can still pick up carnival staples like funnel cake, fried oreos, hot dogs, French fries, and more.
Fun Beyond the Food
Besides the eats, the fun takes to the stages and beyond in a line-up of events. In true Italian fashion, an annual bocce tournament between the Pittsburgh Irish and Italians brings some friendly competition to the festival. There’s also an annual Miss Little Italy Pageant for young girls wishing to showcase their Italian heritage. But, if you’re looking for a little more action, make sure to stop by the Best Pizza in Bloomfield Competition and Pizza Acrobatics that prove why pizza is such a popular buy in the city.
While the kids spend their time running around inflatables in the kid’s fun zone, meeting their favorite movie characters, and riding dinosaurs, parents can enjoy acts from over 30 entertainers. Maybe you’ll tap your foot along with Tony Guarino’s Sinatra covers. Or, you’ll get lost in authentic melodies from Italian trios and musicians. Just be sure not to miss exclusive performances from opera singers that embody the spirit of Italy.
Bloomfield’s Appeal
The best part about Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days is that admission is free. This means you can swing by on your way home from work to get delicious take-out for dinner or plan to spend the whole evening listening to live music. Plus, there are plenty of local businesses situated around the festival grounds which you can help support on top of the vendors. Grab a drink at Pleasure Bar or Lot 17 before you leave the city and take a moment to unwind from the large crowds. You can even pick up a sweet treat from Paddy Cake Bakery in case the lines at Little Italy are a little too long.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days
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