It’s that time of year! San Francisco’s vibrant Italian community will come out in droves this weekend 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. 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.
Saints Peter & Paul Bazaar
5-9pm Friday 10/7 (alumni event), 10am-7pm Saturday 10/8, 11am-6pm Sunday 10/9
Saints Peter & Paul Church will host their 103rd annual bazaar, bringing back beloved outdoor activities including great food and drinks, games for kids and adults, music, rides, and the salami toss!
Italian Heritage Parade
12:30pm Sunday 10/9
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 12:30 on Sunday 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 back for 2022, meaning that you can savor some Fernet periodically along the route to keep you going. See here for participating bars and restaurants.
Post Parade Dinner
5-8pm Sunday 10/9
The SF Italian Athletic Club will host a post-parade dinner with the Queen and her Court. Dinner tickets are $70 and include an impressive menu of Italian food including greens with strawberries, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts; pasta with Carbone Arabbiata and shrimp; pasta with Carbone Roasted Garlic sauce and pecorino; flank steak with au jus; roasted potatoes; and seasonal veggies. Drinks include wine and coffee and tea with dessert.