One of Reno’s biggest festivals – the 43rd Annual Great Italian Festival – is coming up soon! Taking place right before Columbus Day, this two-day event dominates Downtown Reno on both Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12.
Picture yourself walking through Reno’s downtown streets, which will be closed off to vehicle traffic, while entertainers in traditional Italian garb mingle with the crowds. An unending assortment of food vendors, selling all types of Italian food, line the streets. Between the Eldorado and Silver Legacy casinos, chefs prepare hundreds of sauces to compete in the sauce-tasting contest, with samples open to the public to try.
Entertainers on stilts on the streets of Downtown Reno during the Great Italian Festival. Photo credit: Dan Bablinskas
On stages and in smaller groups throughout the festival area, musicians play Italian and Italian-American music. You can dance, enjoy the wine walk, makes selections from tons of delicious Italian food vendors and even take part in the ancient Italian tradition of grape stomping.
Live music is a big part of the Great Italian Festival. Photo credit: Dan Bablinskas
Italian Americans were among the first to develop Reno into the modern city it is. This festival is a great way to celebrate their contributions to the city as well as their unique culture, defined by its tasty cuisine and zest for life. Don't miss this free festival in Downtown Reno during the mild fall weather!
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
