San Francisco’s vibrant Italian community will come out in droves this October to celebrate the Italian Heritage Festival. Festivities include a bazaar all weekend long, and of course the Italian Heritage Parade with Fernet pit stops along the route on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. You don’t want to miss this giant party lifting up the contributions of Italian-Americans in San Francisco. Read on to discover the schedule of events.
Italian Heritage Parade
12:30pm Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023
This legendary event is the oldest Italian Heritage Parade in the United States, dating back to 1868. Originally the Columbus Day Parade, it officially changed its name in 1994 after public backlash against an event celebrating Christopher Columbus. Nevertheless the parade still draws a loyal crowd to celebrate Italian-American culture in San Francisco.
This year’s parade will start off at 12:30pm on Sunday Oct. 8 at the foot of Jefferson and Powell Streets in Fisherman’s Wharf. It will cruise through North Beach on Columbus Ave and end in Washington Square in front of the church.
Fernet Pit Stops are a fun part of the parade route where you can savor some Fernet periodically along the route to keep you going. See here for participating bars, restaurants, and 2023 updates.
More events
Light Up the Tricolore
4-8pm Sunday Oct. 1
The SF Italian Athletic Club lights up St. Peter and Paul Church in red, white, and green during a festive celebration.
2023 Grand Ball
5pm Saturday, Oct. 7
The Italian Heritage Parade’s Board of Directors invites you to celebrate this year’s grand marshals with a three-course dinner and dancing.
Saints Peter & Paul Bazaar
5-9pm Friday Oct. 6, 11am-6pm Saturday Oct. 7 and Sunday Oct. 8
Saints Peter & Paul Church will host their 104th annual bazaar, bringing back beloved outdoor activities including great food and drinks, games for kids and adults, music, rides, and the salami toss!