Melbourne Italian Festa & Expo 2026: free entry, food and jazz guide

Melbourne’s Italian Festa & Expo returns to the Royal Exhibition Building and its grounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026. General admission is free and no booking is required. The weekend combines Italian food, wine, live music, jazz, art, design, children’s activities and community stalls, while premium tastings and the indoor Jazz Club require separate tickets.

When and where is Italian Festa & Expo 2026?

• Saturday 17 October: 11am–10.30pm
• Sunday 18 October: 11am–8.30pm
• Venue: Royal Exhibition Building and grounds, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Melbourne
• General admission: Free
• Booking: Not required for the main festival

The City of Melbourne event listing confirms the dates, hours, address and free entry.

What is included with free entry?

The free programme spreads across the Royal Exhibition Building and outdoor grounds. The organiser says visitors can expect live bands and vocal groups, an all-day Discoteca Italiana, student performances, cooking demonstrations, family activities and a Birra Moretti beer garden with live music.

The wider expo includes Italian food and drink stalls, artisan produce, fashion, homewares, regional associations and community services. A display celebrating 80 years of Vespa design and an Italian art and design gallery are also planned.

The City of Melbourne lists more than 180 stalls, including more than 50 food and drink vendors. Food, drinks, shopping, restaurant dining and amusement activities are paid separately.

Which experiences need tickets?

Expo Sapori wine and food discovery

Expo Sapori is an indoor tasting experience featuring imported and Australian-made Italian wines, gourmet food and regional specialities. The morning sessions last two hours and cost A$28. Afternoon and evening sessions run for three hours, include masterclasses and cost A$43.

• Saturday morning: 11am, A$28
• Saturday afternoon: 1pm, A$43
• Saturday evening: 5pm, A$43
• Sunday morning: 11am, A$28
• Sunday afternoon: 1pm, A$43

Availability can change, so check the official Expo Sapori ticket page before travelling.

Italian Jazz Club

The Italian Jazz Club presents six limited-capacity concerts in a dedicated theatrette inside the building’s gallery. Tickets were listed at A$48 when checked on 2 October.

Saturday’s programme features the Sandro Giambruno Quartet at 2pm, the Gianni Marinucci Quartet at 4pm and the Adam Russo Trio at 6pm. Sunday brings the Steve Rando Quintet at 2pm, the Phil Turcio Trio at 4pm and the Ashley Ballat Quartet at 6pm.

The concerts explore connections between Italian and international jazz and are also promoted by the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Tickets are available through the official festival store.

Who will enjoy the festival?

The event is a particularly good fit for Italian-Australian communities, international residents, families and anyone interested in food, live music or contemporary Italian culture. The free programme makes it easy to visit casually, while the tastings and jazz sessions suit people looking for a more structured experience.

Families can use the indoor children’s area and outdoor activities, but parents should check the live programme and any individual activity charges on the day.

What accessibility information is available?

The City of Melbourne listing reports accessible toilets, acceptance of Companion Cards, quiet spaces and service animals. These details are self-reported by the event organiser and have not been independently verified by the City, so contact the festival before travelling if you need a particular access arrangement.

Before you go

• Free entry covers the main festival, not food, drinks, shopping or premium sessions.
• Book Expo Sapori or Jazz Club tickets in advance if those are central to your visit.
• Check the official programme for performance times and late changes.
• Use the venue address, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton, when planning public transport.

Featured image: classic cars displayed at the 2022 Italian Festival on Lygon Street, Carlton. Photograph by Philip Mallis, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. It is an archive image and does not show the 2026 event.

Details verified on 2 October 2026. Ticket availability and programme times may change.