Italian Day on The Drive

Italian Day on The Drive is a vibrant cultural street festival celebrating Italian culture, heritage and respective immigrant contributions in Vancouver. Commercial Drive, also known as The Drive, is home to the annual festival which transforms the street into a lively 17 block, vehicle free, celebration and community festa.

Since Italian Day’s return in 2010, the event has grown significantly. Today, Italian Day on The Drive represents the largest one day cultural street festival in the city – and perhaps in Canada – drawing over 350,000 attendees of all cultures and ages. It is a multi-cultural and community embrace under the Italian Day umbrella; an embrace which extends itself to event partnerships, business participation, the performing arts, street animation, and the enthusiastic atmosphere shared amongst all Italian Day fans.

2023

The Italian Day Festival Society, a non-profit society and organizers of ‘Italian Day on The Drive’, are pleased to share Italian Day’s 2023 Renaissance on Sun, June 11th, celebrating Italian culture, heritage and community in its signature 14 block festa on Commercial Drive! After a 3 year hiatus, the festival’s return has been a monumental project, especially because its revival was highly dependent on funding and community support, more than ever. It takes a village, and with immense gratitude, we are pleased to share with you a record 44 partners and sponsors without which the Italian Day cultural and community celebration would not have been possible.

This year’s Renaissance theme is all about new beginnings, and grateful opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of community and life, as we return to celebrate with you our Italian heritage and culture. Like the butterfly, a symbol of transformation, it is also a reminder of hope. Something we all need, and elements we seek to embrace with famiglia, amici, and comunità, served with food, wine, music, dancing, activities and more at this year’s Rinascimento.

Along with 130 street vendors and participants lining The Drive, highlights will be delivered in piazza style themed intersections and areas including:

• three music stages (2nd Ave, Grandview Park and 3rd Ave)
• 2 DJ tents (5th Ave & between Parker and Venables)
• garden style music tent at Napier Greenway
• performances by local and international Italian artists
• fashion show featuring local designer, Grandy Chu (Piazza Moda @ 3rd Avenue)
• food and wine samplings at the Italian Chamber’s ‘Authentic Italian Table’ piazza (Grant Street, east side)
• food eating contests (5th Ave)
• exotic Italian cars and Ducati motorcycles (4th Ave)
• RE/MAX Children’s Zone in Grandview Park (Grandview Park)
• Canucks Community Caravan with games & activities (William Street, west side)
• Whitecaps with the Cap Cruiser (Parker Street, west side) & more games and activities at Graveley Street Soccer zone (east side)
• Jack 96.9 with News 1130 Cruiser
• raffle stations – Win a trip for two to Italy! This year with TWO trip giveaways to la bella Italia + more prizes!
• Celebrate green, white and red with bracelets sporting the colours of the Italian flag available at the festival

Who is it for?

All ages – Family

FREE

Date & Time:

Sunday, June 11, 2023 | 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Venue & Address :

Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L, Canada

Little Italy, Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Venables Street to Grandview Highway

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