Italian Community Services 110th Anniversary - San Francisco November 8th

 

Celebrating 110 Years of Community: Italian Community Services Anniversary Gala

For more than a century, Italian Community Services has stood as a pillar of strength, culture, and compassion in the heart of San Francisco’s Italian American community. Now, as the organization reaches an extraordinary milestone—its 110th anniversary—it invites the public to join in a meaningful evening that honors its legacy while investing in its future.

On Sunday, November 8, 2026, this landmark celebration will take place at Casa Fugazi, a historic venue nestled in the iconic North Beach neighborhood—long regarded as the cultural soul of Italian San Francisco.

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A Night of Heritage, Culture, and Purpose

This anniversary event is more than a celebration—it is a tribute to generations of service and a call to action for the next century. Guests will enjoy:

• Live Italian Entertainment
  A vibrant showcase of music and culture, bringing the spirit of Italy to life in the heart of North Beach.
• Authentic Fare & Hosted Bar
  Guests can indulge in heavy hors d’oeuvres, fine Italian wines, and classic cocktails in a warm, festive atmosphere.
• Legacy Auction & Fund-a-Need
  An opportunity to directly support the organization’s mission, helping fund essential programs that serve individuals and families in need.

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A Legacy That Matters

For 110 years, Italian Community Services has been far more than a cultural hub. It has served as a lifeline—offering trusted social services, preserving Italian heritage, and fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging for Italian and Italian-American families throughout the Bay Area.

From supporting seniors and immigrants to providing vital community programs, the organization continues to evolve while staying rooted in its founding mission: ensuring the Italian community not only survives, but thrives.

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Your Presence Makes an Impact

Attendance at this milestone celebration directly supports the continuation and expansion of critical services. Every ticket, every bid, and every donation contributes to sustaining programs that have uplifted the community for generations.

Add to Calendar.

For those unable to attend, the organization encourages supporters to still make a difference through a tax-deductible donation via their official website. Every contribution—large or small—helps carry this legacy forward. Donate here.

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Looking Ahead to the Next 110 Years

As Italian Community Services reflects on its remarkable history, this anniversary marks not just a moment of pride, but a renewed commitment to the future. It is an invitation to the community—old and new—to come together, celebrate shared heritage, and invest in a lasting legacy.

Save the date: Sunday, November 8, 2026.
An unforgettable evening awaits in North Beach—where history, culture, and community come together under one roof.

Rinascimento at the ICC April 24th

 

Rinascimento at the ICC: A Night of Italian Culture, Celebration, and Community in San Diego

San Diego’s Italian cultural community is preparing for an unforgettable evening as the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego hosts its highly anticipated “Rinascimento at the ICC” fundraiser gala. Taking place on April 24, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Point Loma Assembly Hall, this elegant event marks both a celebration of the Center’s 45th anniversary and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Italian culture in San Diego.

A Renaissance-Inspired Evening

“Rinascimento”—Italian for rebirth—perfectly captures the spirit of the night. Guests will step into an atmosphere inspired by the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance, where culture, cuisine, music, and community come together in one immersive experience.

The evening will feature:

• A multi-course Renaissance feast curated by Chef Mark Pelliccia
• A curated selection of fine Italian wines
• A special operatic performance, bringing the timeless beauty of Italian music to life
• A commemorative program honoring 45 years of cultural impact
• An exclusive silent auction with unique items and experiences
• Dancing and entertainment throughout the evening
• Additional surprises designed to create una bella serata—a truly beautiful night

Celebrating 45 Years of Italian Culture in San Diego

Since its founding in 1981, the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego has served as a vital bridge between Italy and the local community—promoting language, heritage, and contemporary Italian culture. This gala is more than just a celebration; it is a moment to reflect on decades of cultural enrichment while looking forward to the future.

Supporting the Future: A Mission That Matters

Proceeds from the Rinascimento fundraiser will directly support the ICC’s expanding vision and community programs, including:

Igniting Young Minds
The ICC aims to bring Italian language education into San Diego elementary schools—introducing students to language learning during their most formative years.

Connecting Communities Through Art
Funding will enhance arts programming, bringing Italian and Italian-American artists, musicians, and cultural leaders to San Diego for performances, exhibits, and meaningful dialogue.

Establishing a Permanent Home
A major long-term goal is securing a dedicated cultural space—a true casa italiana—that will serve as a hub for education, history, and community engagement.

Why You Should Attend

Events like Rinascimento are more than galas—they are living expressions of heritage. For San Diego’s Italian and Italian-American community, and for anyone who appreciates culture, history, and cuisine, this evening offers a rare opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

Whether you come for the food, the music, the elegance, or the mission, you’ll leave knowing you helped support the preservation and growth of Italian culture in Southern California.

Event Details at a Glance

• Event: Rinascimento at the ICC
• Date: April 24, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: Point Loma Assembly Hall
• Host: Italian Cultural Center of San Diego
• Website: www.icc-sd.org
• Rinascimento at the ICC

Get Your Tickets

Tickets are already selling quickly, and space is limited. If you’re planning to attend, it’s best to secure your spot soon.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit the ICC website or contact the organization directly.

Rinascimento at the ICC

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Una notte da ricordare.
A night to remember—celebrating the past, present, and future of Italian culture in San Diego.

Italian Community Services 108th Anniversary Celebration San Francisco, November 3rd, 2024

 

Join us for an evening of live entertainment and Italian delights to celebrate 108 years of Italian Community Services as the heart of the Bay Area Italian community.

Get Your Tickets

Sunday, November 3rd | 5:30pm

Casa Fugazi
678 Green Street, San Francisco

Enjoy an evening bursting with heart-pounding excitement and death-defying acrobatics by Dear San Francisco. Featuring an exciting live auction, hosted bar and reception.

Click here for more information.

Bella Vita Fest San Diego 2024

 

COMING Soon!

Bella Vita Fest

Celebration of Italian Culture, Featuring Chalk Art, Wine, Food, Music and More
October 19 & 20, 2024
Little Italy • Downtown San Diego

Bella Vita Fest, produced by the ArtWalk San Diego team, promises a unique experience for attendees. View more than 50 chalk art paintings being created live before your eyes on the pavement. Treat yourself to delicious Italian wines and food. Enjoy live music with an Italian flair. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend!

More info click here.

San Diego's Italian Church Holds Annual Festa & Blessing of the Fishing Fleet October 6th, 2024

 

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, an Italian National Parish in San Diego will hold its "Marian" or "Our Lady of the Rosary Festa." There is a special Mass where all parish societies and groups carry their banners in the opening procession. In years past the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, now a Cardinal, has celebrated the Mass. After Mass they, along with the public who are welcomed to join, process or parade through the streets of the Little Italy neighborhood down to the harbor. There, along the Embarcadero, a boat is blessed, and fireworks are set off. The procession then parades back to the church where there is a benediction and doves are set free signifying peace. Afterwards there is a complimentary luncheon in the Parish Hall.

Our Lady of the Rosary Festa commemorates the October 7th victory of the combined Christian European fleets of the Holy League of 1571 over the Ottoman navy at the Battle of Lepanto and was originally called the "Feast of Our Lady of Victory."

Below are photos from past Festas. 

What: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church

1668 State Street San Diego, CA 92101

(619)234-4820

OLRSD.org

When: Sunday, October 6th, 2024

11:00 am Rosary

12:00 Mass

1:30 Procession

Past Festas:

Festa 2018 Album

Festa 2017 Album

Festa 2016 Album

Back to The Italian Californian Main Site

Festa Italiana South San Francisco September 29th, 2024

 

FESTA ITALIANA - SSF 2024

Ciao Amici! Get ready for a taste of Italy right here in SSF! Join us for FESTA ITALIANA - SSF 2024 at Orange Memorial Park. Indulge in delectable Italian cuisine, enjoy live music, cultural displays, a car show, a premiere bocce tournament and a fun-filled Kid's Zone. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Italy. From pasta to gelato, we've got it all! Don't miss out on this fantastic event celebrating everything Italian. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities. See you there!

Click here for more info.

St. Helena's Italian heritage festival set for Oct. 7

 St. Helena's Italian heritage festival set for Oct. 7

St. Helena's Italian Heritage Month celebration, Festa Italiana, will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Lyman Park.

The event will feature food, wine from local Italian-owned wineries, Italian music, the raising of the Italian flag, and the singing of the Italian national anthem by Katie Hopgood-Sculatti.

Organizer Anthony Micheli is seeking all types of Italian vehicles — cars, motorcycles, farm implements — to be displayed for the event.

Italian-owned wineries who haven't participated in the past but would like to be part of the event should contact Micheli at 707-486-3832. Read more here.

Museo Italo Americano Bocce Tournament San Francisco October 15th

 

Sunday, October 15th, 2023
12 PM - 4 PM

Bocce is the third most played sport in the world!!

Join the Museo Italo Americano for our annual Bocce tournament at the Marin Bocce Federation. Whether you come with a team of four or go solo (we'll find you a team), it's all about the fun!

Registration is $45 for members and $65 for non-members, including a tasty boxed lunch and energizing drinks.

More here.

COLUMBUS DAY FESTIVAL in Sacramento October 12th

 COLUMBUS DAY FESTIVAL

CELEBRATE OUR RICH HISTORY, CULTURE AND

TRADITIONS PROUDLY! 

In many Cities in California including Sacramento,  Columbus Day is also Italian American Heritage Day! This year they are both recognized on October 12, which is also the date Columbus discovered America.

Columbus Day is not only a national holiday but is a recognized holiday in many cities and states across the nation. When we celebrate Columbus Day we are celebrating the arrival of Western Civilization to the Western Hemisphere and our own arrival on these shores. The Columbus holiday has long been associated with Italian Americans as a symbol of their national pride and identity and their enormous contributions to America. The holiday is celebrated throughout Italian-America with parades and festivals. It is the one day of the year that Italian Americans across the nation celebrate their heritage together.

ITALIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS 

"ITALIAN HERITAGE & COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATION

AT THE ITALIAN CENTER"

SUNDAY - OCTOBER 8, 2023

12:00 - 5:00pm  

Admission: $40-Adult / $20-Child 6-16

at the Italian Center, Carmichael

More here.

Bella Vita Fest: Celebration of Italian Culture, Featuring Chalk Art, Wine, Food, Music and More

 

Bella Vita Fest:  Celebration of Italian Culture, Featuring Chalk Art, Wine, Food, Music and More

October 21 & 22, 2023
11am - 5pm
San Diego's Little Italy

Bella Vita Fest, produced by the ArtWalk San Diego team, has been on the drawing table since 2018.  The festival promises a unique experience for attendees.  View more than 50 chalk art paintings being created live before your eyes on the pavement.  Treat yourself to delicious Italian wines and food.  Enjoy live music with an Italian flair.  Mark your calendar now and plan to attend October 21 and 22 in San Diego's Little Italy.  Tickets are on sale here. 

And read more about it here.

Convivio Society of San Diego Announces Endowment Campaign for larger Cultural Center

 

The Convivio Society of San Diego, a nonprofit that celebrates all things Italian and brings art and culture to San Diego's Little Italy, announces its endowment campaign for a new cultural center! 

 For the last two decades, with patronage and guidance from its supporters, the Convivio Society has brought unique, innovative arts and cultural programming:

• It has developed a space in Little Italy that serves as the neighborhood's heritage, event, and visitor center;

• It has established the Italian Archives of San Diego to preserve our cherished artifacts and recount our collective historical narrative, so vital to the development of San Diego;

•  It has published books on the history of Little Italy and San Diego's fishing industry;

• It has brought you concerts, artisan exhibits, presentations and lectures, films, and we have partnered with like-minded groups to further our impact through collaborative programs and projects;

• It has brought Italian consular services to Little Italy to help co-nationals;

• this spring, it will embark on our ambitious documentary series on the Italian heritage and culture of San Diego;

• and it is working to re-establish the much-cherished Sicilian Festival in San Diego 
  

And now the Convivio Society is seeking support to make its vision of a larger cultural center, a home for all of San Diego's Italians, Italians everywhere, and for those that wish they were, a reality! To donate to this worthy cause, and support other worthwhile causes and programming by the Convivio Society, click here: givebutter.com/contribute

Italian Heritage to be Celebrated in San Francisco

 

San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood will be host to an array of Italian American heritage celebrations in the next few months partly thanks to the Italian Heritage Parade of San Francisco. 

On its website, the Italian Heritage Parade of San Franciso says, "We are proud members of the Italian American community in the San Francisco Bay Area, and together we celebrate and honor the values, culture, and traditions we have been fortunate to have inherited from the Italian American community. We recognize those contributions of the Italian American people and the impact on the community and the people around us. We are committed to keeping those traditions alive for future generations and are committed to raising funds to support our philanthropic work.

Our board is a group of over 30 volunteers who commit their time and resources to carry on the traditions of the parade every year."

Friday, August 25th, it will be holding a Fundraiser Dinner & Raffle, information here. Activities culminate with the Italian Heritage Parade held on Sunday, October 8th, 2023. More info here. There will be events in between you can view here.

Little Italy San Jose Street Festival Returns October 1st

 

 Returning Sunday October 1st, 2023!

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Established in 2016, Little Italy Festival draws 20,000 + people to our Italian district. 

Italian Festival in San Jose

• Authentic Italian cuisine from some of the Bay Areas favorite Italian Restaurants 
• Nonstop Live Entertainment
• Ferrari & Lamborghini Area 
• Authentic Italian & handmade Arts & Crafts 
• Wine Tasting from some of the best Cal-Italia wineries in CA 
• Highlighting Little Italy Italian Businesses

More here

NIAF 48th Anniversary Gala

NIAF 48th Anniversary Gala

Join the National Italian American Foundation as we celebrate the best of Italian heritage and culture, our 2023 Region of Honor Emilia-Romagna, and the importance of the Italian Diaspora!

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C.

More here