About the Festival
A free, family-friendly and growing celebration of Italian food, culture and community.
How it all started
The Nelson Italian Festival began in 2022 with a simple idea: to bring people together over what we all love most – great food, music and community.
Since then, the Festival has grown into Nelson’s biggest event of its kind, with over 10,000 people attending in March 2026. The festival is family-friendly, open to everyone and free (donations to the Club are appreciated).
How it has grown
800 attendees
The very first Nelson Italian Festival, small but full of heart. It planted the seeds for what was to come.
5,000 attendees
The festival returned in 2024 with full momentum, attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike. The event took over Lower Trafalgar Street for the first time.
8,000 attendees
More and more visitors graced Lower Trafalgar Street, Club Italian and (for the first time) Trafalgar Park. New features included the kids’ zone, U12 football tournament and a much bigger car & bike display.
10,000+ attendes
The Festival hit a new high in 2026, welcoming more than 10,000 people for a lively celebration of Italian food, music and culture, alongside expanded kids’ activities, an even bigger car and bike display, and the new touch rugby tournament.
What’s next?
In 2027, we’re setting our sights beyond the Festival gates – drawing more visitors to Nelson, inspiring longer stays and giving them even more reasons to explore the region.
Nelson’s Italian roots run deep
Since the late 1800s, Italian families – many from Massa Lubrense and the south of Italy – have helped shape the area’s cultural and economic landscape. Their market gardens once turned The Wood into a “sea of glass”, with rows of glasshouses producing tomatoes.
Don’t miss the “Italians in Nelson” exhibition at the festival – a visual journey through stories, photos and voices from the community.
(Pictured, gathering at Club Italia in 1937. Image: Yolanda Persico.)
Brought to you by Club Italia
The Nelson Italian Festival is proudly organised by Club Italia, a not-for-profit run entirely by volunteers. Founded in 1931 by Italian migrants, Club Italia has long been the cultural heart of Nelson’s Italian community.
In the 2000s, the club opened its doors to the wider public, welcoming anyone with a love for Italian culture.
With Italian Festivals bringing Italy to the streets of Nelson, the spirit of our Italian community continues to be rekindled – honouring its past while embracing its future.
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors
