126th Annual Italian Fest

The St. Rocco–St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming will host its 126th annual Italian Fest on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming. The event is free and open to the public.

Festivities begin at noon and will feature a full day of Italian heritage, family entertainment, food, music, and community activities. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian and American cuisine, games of chance, ring toss, balloon darts, bingo, a giant glide slide, and a bounce house for children.

One of the festival’s longstanding traditions, the Greased Pole competition, will return with participants competing for a $100 prize.

Event Schedule

Noon — Festivities Begin

1:30 p.m. — Children’s Games Begin (Sawdust pile, sack races, egg toss, and more)

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. — Live Music by Soundz of Time

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Performance by the Blue Notes Drum Line

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. — Live Music by Diamanti

Italian Fest remains one of the Upper Peninsula’s longstanding summer traditions, bringing together families, residents, and visitors to celebrate the rich Italian heritage that helped shape the Ishpeming community. For additional event information, visit ishpemingitalianfest.com.