Festitalia

Overview

What's better than eating pizza? Nothing, really. But watching master chefs take part in a round of pizza acrobatics sounds like a great way to work up an appetite, doesn't it?

That's just one of the events on offer at Festitalia, Brisbane's annual celebration of all things Italian. Yes, plenty of other Italian-themed festivities pop up across the year; however this is the only official shindig hosted by the Italian Consulate in Brisbane and the Italian Embassy in Canberra.

On October 9, they'll fill Newmarket's Spencer Park with artists, entertainers, dancers, singers and performers — and food experiences, of course. Watch an Australian-first show of traditional flag-throwing, learn traditional Venetian mask-making techniques, get revved up looking at classic Italian cars, and immerse yourself in all things culinary. When you're not hearing Italian chefs share their passion, you can participate in food and wine masterclasses, or just browse one of the many stalls serving up everything from espresso, cannoli and gnocchi to Nutella doughnuts, granita and gelato.

Image: Matt Ryall.