The smell of sausage and peppers, cannolis, and cacio e pepe is nearly in the air, and that can only mean one thing: Bronx Little Italy’s beloved Ferragosto Festival is on its way back! More than two decades ago, the merchants of Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street brought the Italian tradition of Ferragosto to the Bronx Little Italy–treating us New Yorkers a full taste of authentic Italian culture complete with live music, spirited performances, and, of course, plenty of mouthwatering food.
Since then, thousands have been flocking to Arthur Avenue each year on the Sunday after Labor Day to partake in the day’s festivities, and organizers are thrilled to welcome everyone back this September!
Going back centuries, the Ferragosto tradition recognizes the end of the harvest season and enjoying the fruits of those labors. On this special day, local businesses are given the opportunity to showcase their signature products and dishes to guests who travel from near and far.
Bronx Little Italy is full of family-run businesses that have been around for generations, and Ferragosto offers visitors the chance to experience the neighborhood’s rich Italian roots and authentic charm.
That’s to say guests can dig into a smorgasbord of delicious Italian bites, including everything from pizza and pasta to deliciously flaky pastries. This year’s vendor lineup has not yet been announced, but last year featured endless favorites, including:
- Artuso Pastry Shop
- Calabria Pork Store
- Emilia’s Restaurant
- Funici A’Pizza
- Mario’s Restaurant
- Pasquale’s Rigoletto Restaurant
- Randazzo’s Seafood
- San Gennaro Ristorante
- Vincent’s Meat Market
And, as always, there will also be live music and amusing entertainment for all to enjoy–talk about dinner and a show! The stage will be located on East 186th Street between Arthur Avenue and Hughes Avenue.
Outside of Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s, Ferragosto is one of the most celebrated Italian national holidays. It takes place in Italy each year on August 15th as a way to honor the gods and goddesses to ensure a bountiful harvest. Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont Business Improvement District, stated:
We are thrilled to bring back our annual fall and holiday celebrations that have become a staple within the Bronx Little Italy community. These events have served as decades-long traditions for many, and we hope to keep the tradition alive for many generations to come. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience the neighborhood’s old-world charm and local businesses that have been operated by the same families for generations.
🍝 Know Before You Go:
- 📍 Location – Arthur Avenue, between East 187th St. & Crescent Ave., The Bronx
- 🗓 Date – Sunday, September 7th
- ⏰ Hours – 12 pm – 6 pm
- 💲 Cost – Free to enter (+ cost of food)
- 🎉 Entertainment – the stage featuring live entertainment is located on East 186th St. (b/w Arthur Ave. & Hughes Ave.)
- 🚙 Parking – available at Fordham University (685 E Fordham Rd) for $10, with a free shuttle to & from the event from 11am-7pm
The festival goes on rain or shine, so check the forecast and come prepared with an umbrella or poncho if needed! Learn more.