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Italy is in town! The Nelson Italian Festival returns on Sunday 1 March 2026, with Lower Trafalgar Street and Trafalgar Park turning into a bustling "festa".After the huge success of the 2025 edition, which drew more than 8,000 visitors from Nelson and beyond, the 2026 festival promises even more of what you love: authentic food and drinks, vibrant entertainment, a dazzling display of classic and sports vehicles, and the unbeatable spirit of la dolce vita.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Follow the aroma of wood-fired pizza and handmade gnocchi, sip an espresso or cool off with silky gelato, and watch chefs work their magic in live cooking demos that always pack out. Music fills the streets, while the Tarantella dance brings everyone to their feet.
At Trafalgar Park, gleaming Fiats, Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Vespas and Ducatis dot the fields in our biggest vehicle showcase yet. Stalls brim with Italian products and artisan goods — olive oils, truffle condiments, cheese, crafts, and plenty more to discover.
Families will love the kids corner with games and face painting, while grown-ups can try their luck in our legendary raffle, or visit our first-ever "Italians in Nelson" exhibition to learn more about the local Italian community. Did you know that Italians have been calling Nelson home since the late 1800s?
Save the date and join us for the ultimate Italian day out — right here in Nelson.
No passport required!
WHERE TO PARK
Plenty of parking is available nearby at Trafalgar Centre (Paru Paru Road), Buxton Square, and Wakatu Square.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Nelson Italian Festival is proudly organised by Club Italia Nelson, with the support of the Italian Embassy in Wellington, Nelson City Council, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, Comites Nuova Zelanda, and the generous help of our community partners and sponsors.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Club Italia Nelson, 9 Trafalgar Street ,Nelson, New Zealand
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
