Italian Festa · Melbourne
Beyond the Marketplace. Discover Italy's Most Exclusive Experiences.
/ Programme highlights
UPSTAIRS - GALLERY - ZONE S
EXPO SAPORI UPSTAIRS
Take your Festa experience upstairs to EXPO SAPORI—the ultimate Italian wine and food discovery. Taste exceptional wines, explore selected gourmet specialities and meet the people behind the flavours. This exclusive ticketed experience runs across five sessions over two days, with limited places available. Read below to discover more and pre-purchase your tickets.
SATURDAY 17, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
2-hr session - no masterclasses - including tasting of more than 100 Italian wines and specialty food - snacks and water in resting area
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SANDHURST FINE FOOD
SATURDAY 17, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
3-hr session - yes masterclasses - including tasting of more than 100 Italian wines and specialty food - snacks and water in resting area
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SANDHURST FINE FOOD
SATURDAY 17, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
3-hr session - yes masterclasses - including tasting of more than 100 Italian wines and specialty food - snacks and water in resting area
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SANDHURST FINE FOOD
SUNDAY 18, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
2-hr session - no masterclasses - including tasting of more than 100 Italian wines and specialty food - snacks and water in resting area
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SANDHURST FINE FOOD
SUNDAY 18, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
3-hr session - yes masterclasses - including tasting of more than 100 Italian wines and specialty food - snacks and water in resting area
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SANDHURST FINE FOOD
/ Programme highlights
UPSTAIRS - GALLERY - ZONE Z
MUSIC IN THE THEATRETTE
The exclusive Italian Jazz Festival in the theatrett in the Gallery (first floor). A perfect ambient to listen to your preferred tones while sipping Italian wine
SATURDAY 17, 2:00 pm
From Sicily to Melbourne is an original project by the Triveni Quartet, created by Sicilian-born drummer and composer Sandro Giambruno. Through live music and storytelling, it celebrates the profound influence of Sicilian musicians—from Nick La Rocca and Louis Prima to Chick Corea—on the evolution of jazz. Blending classic repertoire with original compositions, the performance explores migration, cultural identity and the enduring legacy of Sicily's contribution to the world of jazz
PROMOTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
SATURDAY 17, 4:00 pm
Casa: Finding Home is trumpeter Gianni Marinucci's deeply personal musical journey exploring identity, migration and belonging. Inspired by his family's Italian-Australian story, the project blends original compositions, reimagined Italian songs, jazz and storytelling to reflect on family, memory and the meaning of home. A celebration of heritage and cultural diversity, Casa speaks to the shared experiences of generations of Australians shaped by migration.
PROMOTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
SATURDAY 17, 6:00 pm
Italian Strings of Jazz celebrates the extraordinary influence of Italian-American guitarists on the evolution of jazz. Led by Melbourne guitarist Adam Russo, the performance traces the legacy of pioneers such as Eddie Lang, Nick Lucas, Bucky Pizzarelli and Joe Pass, blending early jazz with the charm of Italian musical traditions. A tribute to the musicians whose artistry helped shape one of the world's greatest musical genres.
PROMOTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 18, 2:00 pm
The Steve Rando Quintet celebrates Italy's rich musical heritage through contemporary jazz, cinematic storytelling and creative improvisation. Inspired by the timeless music of Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota and original compositions by Steve Rando, the ensemble reimagines the evocative sound of Italian cinema with fresh interpretations, lyrical melodies and expressive improvisation. A heartfelt tribute to Italian culture, memory and the enduring connection between jazz and the silver screen.
PROMOTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 18, 4:00 pm
Heritage is pianist Monica Lim's heartfelt musical reflection on her lifelong connection to Italy. Inspired by childhood years in Sorrento and later piano studies in Italy, the performance celebrates the memories, culture and family heritage that have shaped her artistic journey. Through expressive interpretations and personal storytelling, Heritage honours the enduring influence of Italy on a musician's life and creative identity.
PROMOTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 18, 6:00 pm
Bloodlines is trumpeter and composer Ashley Ballat's deeply personal tribute to her family's Italian heritage. Blending original music with archival recordings, interviews and immersive soundscapes, the project explores migration, identity and the enduring bonds between generations. Through contemporary jazz and storytelling, Bloodlines transforms personal family memories into a moving celebration of resilience, tradition and the connections that continue to shape Australian multicultural life.
PROMOTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
/ Programme highlights
MADE IN ITALY
/ Stay connected
Stars of Italian sport, screen and music drop into the Gallery across the weekend for signings, photos and a chat. The 2026 guest line-up is being finalised — check back soon.
/ Programme highlights
UPSTAIRS - GALLERY
/ Programme highlights
UPSTAIRS STAGE - GALLERY
/ Programme highlights
CO.AS.IT. & OUR PEOPLE
/ Programme highlights
Two entertaining moments for your kids worth scheduling around.
UPSTAIRS - GALLERY - ZONE R
UPSTAIRS - GALLERY - ZONE R
/ Programme highlights
UPSTAIRS STAGE - GALLERY
/ Stay connected
Sign-up rounds happen on the day at the Bocce Area. Spectators welcome at every game.
/ Stay connected
Art, Design & Lifestyle shares the Gallery level (Zone P) with the Regioni Italiane area and the Jazz Club.
MOTOR SHOWCASE
CLASSIC RIDES
OUTDOOR
OUTDOOR
CLUB SHOWCASE
COMMUNITY
