Nelson Italian Festival 2026

Sunday 1 March | 10 am-4pm

Join us at Club Italia, Lower Trafalgar Street and Trafalgar Park for a day Italian culture, food and fun!

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SECONDS

What’s on ↓

Stallholders

We’re working on the 2026 line-up. Do you have Italian products to sell? We’d like to hear from you. Apply for a stall →

Food & Drinks

Get a taste of Italy with pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso, wine and all other festival favourites. Find out more →

Entertainment

Live performances, music and good vibes all day long. Come for the food, stay for the fun. Find out more →

Cooking Demos

Watch local chefs bring Italian classics to life, and learn a thing or two. 2026 demos to be announced soon. Find out more →

Italian Cars & Bikes

Enjoy a stunning display of classic and sports Italian vehicles – from Vespa and Ducati to Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. Find out more →

Cultural Exhibition

Explore the stories of Italians who made Nelson their home since the late 1880s. It’s a walk through memory lane. Find out more →

Under 12 Football

Head to Trafalgar Park and cheer on our youngest players in a tournament packed with energy and teamwork. Find out more →

Family-friendly Fun

Games, foosball and facepainting are the perfect pit stop for our little festival-goers and their families. Find out more →

Raffle Tickets

Win amazing prizes donated by our generous local sponsors – you can grab your ticket in advance or on the day. Coming soon

What people say

Had a lovely time there and enjoyed our real Italian pizza, as well as the great atmosphere and perfect weather.

Monika M & Peter J

Fantastic idea opening up on the park. Nice to be able to stroll around freely.

Julie V.

Such an asset for Nelson. Thank you Club Italia. Nelson Italian Festival top class.

Salome M.

Thank you to all the chefs. The demos were great! Loved them all.
Especially loved the risotto demo.

Joy M.

Congratulations on a very well planned and successful event.
Will be back next year.

Jillian R.

It was an excellent day out for all.
Thanks for making it even more so!

Chelsea Park Motor Lodge

What a wonderful event and it was great to see so many people out enjoying all things Italian.

Barbara S.

That’s amore!

Let’s relive the best moments of our festival in this beautiful video by Martina Albanati.

brought to you by club italia

Sharing Italian culture since 1931

Club Italia has been at the heart of Nelson’s Italian community for nearly 100 years. Today, it’s proud to open its doors wider — inviting everyone to celebrate Italian culture through food, music and events like this festival.

Learn more about the Club

Thanks to our sponsors

Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand

Any questions?

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