The pavement will come alive in Little Italy later this month (Bella Vita Fest)
Festival, Little Italy

New Italian Festival Debuts in Little Italy This Month

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The inaugural Bella Vita Festival will hit the sidewalks (literally) of Little Italy from 11:00a to 5:00p on Oct. 21 and 22. The event will usher in more than 40 chalk artists who plan on giving attendees eyefuls of brilliant Italian-themed illustrations in and around the areas of 550 W. Date Street.

As part of Italian Heritage Month in October, the two-day celebration brings to the scene lots of wine from 14 different regions in Italy as well as food from businesses in and around the neighborhood.

The two-day event is produced by the folks who present ArtWalk San Diego every year. Organizers say the concept of the festival has been in the works for several years, and that it pays homage to the centuries-old tradition of street painters who recreate paintings by Italian masters on sidewalks and in public squares. (Best to brush up on works by Raphael, Donatello and da Vinci before you go.)

Tickets are $15 per day for general admission and $50 per day for the inclusion of wine tastings.