Events: La Costa dei Fiori Lodge #2424 Spaghetti Fundraiser Friday, September 25th

 

A North County Italian American Spaghetti Fundraiser in Carlsbad

La Costa dei Fiori Lodge #2424 — Friday, September 25, 2026

For visitors looking for a relaxed Italian American community evening in North County San Diego, the La Costa dei Fiori Lodge #2424 Spaghetti Fundraiser offers a simple, welcoming local event built around food, fellowship, and heritage. Hosted by La Costa dei Fiori, the North County San Diego lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the dinner features spaghetti with meatballs, salad, and bread for $20, with the option to eat in or carry out.

The event takes place Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at La Costa Valley Club, 2280 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009. The lodge’s official website describes La Costa dei Fiori Lodge #2424 as a North County organization that brings together Italian Americans, spouses, friends, and supporters to celebrate Italian culture and community.

About the Host Organization

La Costa dei Fiori Lodge #2424 is part of the larger Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, a national Italian American organization founded in 1905. OSDIA describes its mission as preserving Italian heritage, encouraging cultural connection, supporting charitable causes, and strengthening Italian American identity across generations.

The California Grand Lodge history identifies La Costa Dei Fiori Lodge No. 2424 as having been founded in Encinitas on October 22, 1978, making it a long-standing part of the Italian American community in North County San Diego.

Why Go

This is the kind of event that reflects the heart of Italian American community life: a plate of pasta, a local lodge, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a fundraiser that helps keep cultural organizations active. It is not a large street festival or tourist spectacle. It is a neighborhood-style dinner where visitors can experience Italian American fellowship in a more personal setting.

It also makes a good excuse to build a North County evening or weekend around Carlsbad, La Costa, Encinitas, the beach, shopping, and nearby family attractions.

Event Details

Event: Spaghetti with Meatballs, Salad & Bread Fundraiser
Host: La Costa dei Fiori Lodge #2424, Sons & Daughters of Italy
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: La Costa Valley Club, 2280 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Cost: $20
Dining: Eat in or carry out
Contact listed on flyer: sdilodge2424@gmail.com
Official lodge website: (2) Sons & Daughters of Italy, North County San Diego | Facebook

Before traveling, confirm directly with the lodge, since fundraiser details, payment methods, and meal pickup procedures can change.

Suggested Itinerary

Afternoon Arrival

Arrive in Carlsbad or La Costa by midafternoon. If you are coming from San Diego, Orange County, or Inland North County, give yourself extra time for Friday traffic. Check into your hotel, stop for coffee, or take a short walk around the area before dinner.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Fundraiser

The dinner begins at 4:00 PM, making it convenient for families, retirees, locals, and visitors who prefer an early meal. Arriving earlier may be helpful if you want to eat in, avoid the busiest pickup window, or spend more time meeting lodge members.

After Dinner: Easy North County Evening

After dinner, consider a short drive to Carlsbad Village for coffee, dessert, shopping, or a sunset walk near the coast. Carlsbad Village is one of the area’s most walkable districts, with dining, beach access, and free public parking lots in the Village area, though posted time limits may apply.

Where to Stay

For the closest upscale stay, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is the natural choice. The resort is located at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, close to the La Costa area, and offers golf, spa amenities, restaurants, pools, and a full resort experience. Omni lists the property as having 36 holes of golf, eight pools, and a full-service spa.

For a broader range of lodging, Visit Carlsbad maintains a hotel directory that includes beach hotels, luxury resorts, vacation rentals, and budget-friendly options.

Good lodging areas include:

La Costa / Aviara: Best for staying closest to the fundraiser, resort amenities, golf, spa experiences, and a quieter North County setting.

Carlsbad Village: Best for visitors who want restaurants, beach walks, shops, coffee, nightlife, and a more walkable coastal experience.

Near LEGOLAND / The Flower Fields area: Best for families turning the fundraiser into a weekend trip with children.

Carlsbad beach hotels: Best for visitors who want ocean views and a more vacation-like stay.

Where to Eat

Since the fundraiser itself is centered on spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and bread, you may not need a full restaurant meal the same evening. Still, Carlsbad has plenty of options if you want to make a full day of it.

Near La Costa, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa lists several on-site dining options, including Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Bar Traza, VUE, Marketplace, Spa Café, and other resort dining choices.

For shopping-center dining, The Shoppes at Carlsbad lists a variety of restaurants and eateries, while Visit Carlsbad notes full-service options there such as The Cheesecake Factory, Yard House, Texas de Brazil, and Beshock Ramen & Sake Bar.

For a more local coastal feel, head into Carlsbad Village, where the Village dining directory includes options ranging from casual meals to fine dining.

Other Attractions Nearby

Carlsbad Beaches

Carlsbad is known for its coastal setting and beach access. Visit Carlsbad describes the city as having seven miles of Pacific coastline, with beaches suited for walking, surfing, fishing, birdwatching, and relaxing.

The City of Carlsbad notes that many of the beaches are managed by California State Parks, with lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas, and parking lots provided through the state park system.

Carlsbad Village

Carlsbad Village is a good add-on before or after the dinner. It offers restaurants, cafés, shops, coastal access, and a more traditional beach-town atmosphere.

LEGOLAND California Resort

Families can turn the fundraiser into a weekend trip by adding LEGOLAND California. Visit Carlsbad lists LEGOLAND California Resort and SEA LIFE Aquarium among the city’s major attractions.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

The Flower Fields are seasonal, so they will not be in peak spring bloom during late September, but the surrounding area remains a major Carlsbad visitor district with shopping, restaurants, and family attractions. Visit Carlsbad lists The Flower Fields among the city’s well-known attractions.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Even for visitors not staying overnight, the La Costa area is strongly associated with resort culture, golf, spa experiences, and relaxed North County leisure. Omni notes that the resort is near attractions including The Flower Fields, LEGOLAND, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

Transportation, Getting There, Getting Around, and Parking

The fundraiser location is in Carlsbad’s La Costa area, which is easiest to reach by car. Visitors coming from San Diego can take I-5 north or I-15 north to Highway 78 / local roads, depending on their starting point. From Orange County or Los Angeles, the most direct route is usually I-5 south.

For visitors planning to spend time in Carlsbad Village, the Village is accessible by car from Interstate 5 via Carlsbad Village Drive or from the coast along Carlsbad Boulevard. Carlsbad Village Association notes that on-street parking and public lots in the Village are free, though three-hour limits are enforced where posted.

For the fundraiser itself, check the lodge or venue for event-specific parking instructions. Since the event is at a community club location rather than a large festival site, arriving early is wise, especially during the dinner rush.

Weather and What to Pack

Late September is usually one of the more comfortable times of year in coastal North County. Visit Carlsbad lists September averages around 73°F for the high and 61°F for the low, with light average rainfall.

Pack:

A light jacket or sweater for the evening
Comfortable shoes
Casual dinner clothes
Sunglasses if arriving earlier in the day
Cash and card, in case payment options vary
A cooler bag if carrying out multiple dinners

Practical Tips

Confirm the event directly with the lodge before traveling, especially if you are coming from outside North County.

Arrive early if you want to eat in, socialize, or avoid the busiest pickup period.

Bring small bills, even if digital payment is available, since community fundraisers sometimes use multiple payment methods.

Make a full evening of it by pairing the dinner with Carlsbad Village, a beach walk, or dessert nearby.

For families, the 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM time window is convenient because it allows for an early dinner and an easy drive home.

Final Thought

The La Costa dei Fiori spaghetti fundraiser is more than a pasta dinner. It is a small but meaningful expression of Italian American community life in North County San Diego. Events like this keep local lodges visible, bring people together around the table, and preserve the warm, informal traditions that have always been central to Italian American culture: food, family, friendship, service, and a good plate of spaghetti.

Facebook page: (2) Sons & Daughters of Italy, North County San Diego | Facebook

Events: 2026 National Education and Leadership Awards Gala: Washington, D.C. May 28th

Events: 2026 National Education and Leadership Awards Gala: A Washington, D.C. Italian American Event Worth Watching

For readers of The Italian Californian, most of our coverage naturally centers on California’s Italian American neighborhoods, museums, churches, restaurants, festivals, and community organizations. But some events are important enough to look beyond the Golden State.

The 2026 National Education and Leadership Awards Gala, hosted by the Sons of Italy Foundation, is one of those events.

Although the gala will take place in Washington, D.C., it remains highly relevant to California’s Italian American community because the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America has a large national presence, with more than 400 lodges across the United States and Italy, and active California lodges in cities including Antioch, Clovis, Fresno, Hanford, Modesto, Pleasant Hill, San Francisco, San Mateo, Tulare, Visalia, and Watsonville.

Event Overview

The 2026 National Education and Leadership Awards Gala will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and awards at 7:00 p.m., with the program expected to conclude around 10:00 p.m.

This year’s gala celebrates the Region of Umbria, one of Italy’s most historically rich and culturally beautiful regions. Located in central Italy, Umbria is known for its hill towns, religious heritage, medieval architecture, olive oil, wine, and deep artistic traditions.

The gala will also honor leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Italian American life, education, philanthropy, business, and culture. According to the Sons of Italy Foundation, the 2026 event includes Stefania Proietti, President of the Region of Umbria, as Honorary Chair, and Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, as Honorary Co-Chair.

Why California Readers Should Care

Even though this gala is not in California, it speaks directly to the same themes that matter to Italian American communities across our state: heritage, education, leadership, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.

California has long been home to active Sons of Italy lodges and Italian American families whose roots connect to every region of Italy. Events like the NELA Gala remind us that Italian American identity is both local and national. What happens in Washington, D.C., can still matter to Italian Americans in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno, and beyond.

The Sons of Italy Foundation is the charitable arm of OSDIA and supports Italian heritage and culture through philanthropic initiatives, including scholarships. The Foundation notes that since its founding in 1959, it has awarded tens of millions of dollars in scholarships, and the 2026 gala will honor scholarship recipients in person.

For California readers involved in Italian clubs, chambers of commerce, heritage organizations, parish communities, museums, or cultural festivals, this event offers a window into the broader national Italian American network.

Honorees and Special Guests

The 2026 gala features a notable group of Italian American and Italian cultural figures. Listed honorees include Comm. Joseph Sciame, Vice President Emeritus of St. John’s University and President of the Sons of Italy Foundation; Mary Naccarato, Chair Emeritus of the OSDIA Grand Lodge of New York Gift of Sight Committee; Cav. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D., Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute at Queens College, CUNY; and Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank.

The evening is also scheduled to feature Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti as Master of Ceremonies and Christopher Macchio as entertainer.

Location

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004

The venue is one of Washington’s major event centers and is located near Pennsylvania Avenue, Federal Triangle, the National Mall, the White House area, and many major museums and monuments. The building’s official site lists its address as 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and its main phone number as 202-312-1300.

Transportation / How to Get There / Getting Around / Parking

For visitors flying in from California, the most convenient airport is usually Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, because it is close to central Washington, D.C. Travelers may also use Washington Dulles International Airport, which is connected to Metro’s Silver Line through the Dulles Airport station and a pedestrian tunnel linking the terminal to the station.

For those arriving by train, Washington Union Station is the main Amtrak hub for the city. Amtrak lists Union Station at 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, with access to downtown Washington, D.C., and nearby attractions such as the National Mall and U.S. Capitol.

Once in the city, Metro is one of the easiest ways to reach the venue. The Ronald Reagan Building’s visitor information states that Federal Triangle Metro Station is located on-site and connected to the building by a covered passageway. Metro Center Station is about two blocks away.

For those driving, the building has a public parking garage. The official parking page lists garage entrances at 13½ Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and on 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Travel tip: because this is a formal evening event in downtown Washington, D.C., visitors should allow extra time for traffic, security, parking, walking, and check-in.

Where to Stay

The Sons of Italy Foundation event page recommends several nearby hotels within walking distance of the venue. These include:

Willard InterContinental
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-628-9100

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
806 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-730-8800

Morrison Clark
1011 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-898-1200

These hotels are listed directly on the gala page as nearby accommodations for attendees.

For California travelers making a longer trip out of the gala, staying near Pennsylvania Avenue, Federal Triangle, Lafayette Square, Penn Quarter, or Downtown D.C. would make the most sense. These areas provide easy access to the gala venue, museums, restaurants, monuments, and public transportation.

Where to Eat

Because the gala itself includes dinner, visitors may only need dining options before or after the event. Still, Washington, D.C., offers many convenient choices near the Ronald Reagan Building.

The venue itself has dining options, and the Ronald Reagan Building’s official site maintains a dining page for restaurants and food options inside the complex.

Nearby casual and group-friendly options include restaurants around Penn Quarter, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, and Chinatown/Gallery Place. One nearby example is Elephant & Castle, located at 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House, National Mall, Freedom Plaza, Ford’s Theatre, and the Warner Theatre.

For an Italian American-themed trip, visitors may also want to seek out Italian restaurants in central D.C. before or after gala day. Since restaurant hours, menus, and availability can change, travelers should check current reservations before visiting.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Washington, D.C.

Arrive in Washington, D.C., and check into a hotel near the venue. If you arrive early enough, take a relaxed walk around Pennsylvania Avenue, Freedom Plaza, the White House area, or the National Mall.

For California visitors, this is also a good time to adjust to the East Coast time difference and keep the evening light.

Day 2: Gala Day — Thursday, May 28, 2026

Start the day with breakfast near your hotel. Spend the late morning visiting one or two nearby landmarks, such as the National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, or the monuments along the National Mall.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon to rest and prepare for the evening. Since the reception begins at 6:00 p.m., plan to arrive early. The gala dinner and awards program begins at 7:00 p.m. and is expected to conclude around 10:00 p.m.

Day 3: Italian American and Cultural Washington

After the gala, consider using the next day to explore more of Washington, D.C.’s cultural side. Italian American travelers may enjoy pairing the trip with visits to historic churches, museums, embassies, or cultural institutions.

This is also a good day to reflect on the larger meaning of the event: Italian American identity is not only preserved in Little Italies and family kitchens, but also through scholarships, leadership programs, philanthropy, and national organizations.

Weather

Late May in Washington, D.C., is usually warm, humid, and springlike, though rain is possible. WeatherSpark notes that in May, Washington’s average daily high temperatures rise from about 71°F to 79°F, with cloud cover remaining fairly consistent through the month.

Another D.C. travel weather guide describes May as one of the city’s most springlike months, with an average high around 76°F and an average low around 54°F, while also noting that May can be one of the rainier months.

For gala attendees, the best packing strategy is simple: bring formal evening attire, comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, a light jacket, and an umbrella.

What to Wear

This is a formal awards gala, so guests should dress accordingly. Men may want to wear a suit or tuxedo-style formalwear, while women may choose cocktail attire, evening dresses, or formal business attire.

Because the event celebrates Italian American leadership and the Region of Umbria, guests may also choose subtle Italian-inspired touches, such as red, white, and green accessories, tasteful lapel pins, or elegant classic styling.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 National Education and Leadership Awards Gala is more than a formal dinner in Washington, D.C. It is a national gathering that highlights the ongoing work of Italian Americans in education, philanthropy, culture, and public life.

For readers of The Italian Californian, the event is a reminder that our local Italian American communities are part of something much larger. From California lodges and Little Italy neighborhoods to national foundations and scholarship programs, the Italian American story continues to be written through service, leadership, and cultural pride.

Even if you cannot attend in person, this is an event worth knowing about, supporting, and following.

Learn more: 2026 NELA Gala - Sons of Italy Foundation

Get Tickets: Story