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44th Annual Italian Festival Returns to Port Washington with Food, Music, and Family Fun

By Jessica Mcfadyen
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Annual Italian Festival Returns to Port Washington
Festival-goers can look forward to a mouthwatering menu of Italian favorites, including sausage and peppers, meatball heroes, eggplant parmesan, rice balls, pasta fagioli, pizza, cannoli, and zeppole. A beer and wine garden will also be available for adults. File photo: Stuart Monk, licensed.

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A beloved North Shore tradition returns next month as the 44th Annual Italian Festival takes over North Hempstead Beach Park from Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Organized by the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the festival has been a staple in Port Washington since 1979, raising funds for scholarships and supporting numerous charitable causes. Over the years, the event has awarded more than 460 scholarships to local students and contributed to community organizations including the Port Washington Ambulance Fund, Library Foundation, and Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society.

Four Days of Italian Culture and Entertainment

This year’s celebration promises a packed schedule of food, music, rides, and special events for all ages:

  • Thursday, Sept. 4 – Opening night with karaoke from 6 to 11 PM.
  • Friday, Sept. 5 – Live performance by popular band Decadia from 6 to 11 PM.
  • Saturday, Sept. 6 – Live radio broadcast (2–5 PM), Journey tribute band Any Way You Want It (7–11 PM), and a fireworks display to close out the night.
  • Sunday, Sept. 7 – DJ Domenick Raccuglia (noon–5 PM), Italian singer Carmelo Raccuglia (5–9 PM), and a display of Italian sports cars. Children can enjoy free rides from 12:30 to 1:30 PM.

A Taste of Italy on the Waterfront

Festival-goers can look forward to a mouthwatering menu of Italian favorites, including sausage and peppers, meatball heroes, eggplant parmesan, rice balls, pasta fagioli, pizza, cannoli, and zeppole. A beer and wine garden will also be available for adults.

Carnival rides and midway games, provided by Blue Sky Amusements, will run throughout the festival, with “pay-one-price” wristbands offered daily.

Admission and Parking

The event is open to the public, with a $5 parking fee per car at North Hempstead Beach Park, Parking Lot 2 (175 West Shore Road). Ride tickets and food purchases are priced separately.

Summary Snapshot

Date & LocationSept. 4–7, 2025 – North Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington
Admission$5 per car parking
EntertainmentLive music, karaoke, fireworks, DJ, car show
AttractionsCarnival rides, midway games, food vendors
BeneficiariesLocal scholarships, community charities

For more information, visit the John Michael Marino Lodge website at marinolodge.org.

Jessica Mcfadyen

Jessica Mcfadyen is a journalist for independent news and media organizations in the United States. Mcfadyen primarily spends her time scouting social media for the latest Local, US and World News for Long Island Guide. She also contributes to a variety of publications through involvement in the Society of Professional Journalists.

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