tThe annual La Festa Italiana, one of Jersey City’s longest-running cultural festivals, is scheduled to return from Wednesday, August 13, through Sunday, August 17, 2025. The festival will be held in the historic Village neighborhood, specifically along Sixth and Brunswick Streets, and is hosted by Holy Rosary Church, the first Italian church founded in the state of New Jersey.
Festival hours are as follows:
- Wednesday, August 13 – Friday, August 15: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday, August 16 – Sunday, August 17: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- La Festa Italiana will take place from August 13–17, 2025, at Sixth and Brunswick Streets in Jersey City, running from 5 PM to 11 PM on weekdays and 2 PM to 11 PM on the weekend.
- The five-day festival, hosted by Holy Rosary Church — New Jersey’s first Italian church — will feature live performances each night, handmade Italian foods like zeppoles and rice balls, family-friendly activities, and a Feast Day Mass and procession on Sunday.
- La Festa Italiana costs over $100,000 annually to produce and is supported by sponsors including William J. Guarini Plumbing & Heating (Presenting Sponsor), Murray Paving & Concrete, InPeace, Silverman Properties, and others; vendor applications are due by August 1, 2025.
Festival Hosted by Holy Rosary Church, New Jersey’s First Italian Parish
La Festa Italiana is organized by Holy Rosary Church, located at 344 Sixth Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. The church holds historical significance as New Jersey’s first Italian church. The event is both a religious and cultural celebration that honors Italian heritage, food, and faith.
On the final day of the festival, Sunday, August 17, attendees are invited to participate in the Feast Day Mass, followed by a traditional street procession. After the procession, there will be a live performance by Soul Machine, a band formerly known as Total Soul.
Five Days of Italian Food, Live Music, and Family Activities
La Festa Italiana spans five days and includes a variety of Italian food offerings, live music, and kid-friendly activities. Food is prepared by local restaurants and community members. One confirmed festival item is zeppoles, which are handmade by Holy Rosary parishioners.
Although the full food lineup has not yet been announced, past festivals have featured:
- Rice balls topped with tomato gravy
- Pizza
- Sausage and peppers
- Fresh mozzarella
- Cannolis
- Italian ice and other frozen treats
Live musical entertainment will take place on the main stage each evening. The 2025 lineup is:
- Wednesday, August 13: The Toga Party Band, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Thursday, August 14: The Counterfeiters, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Friday, August 15: Promised Land – Jersey Shore Tribute Band, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Saturday, August 16: The Cameos, 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sunday, August 17: Soul Machine (formerly Total Soul), 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
All performances take place at 344 Sixth Street, within the Holy Rosary Church festival area.
Sponsors Supporting La Festa Italiana 2025
Producing La Festa Italiana costs over $100,000 annually, according to event organizers. To offset this, the event relies on support from local businesses through sponsorship.
Presenting Sponsor
- William J. Guarini Plumbing & Heating
- Located at 430 Danforth Avenue, Jersey City
- Serving Jersey City and New Jersey since 1921
- Website: www.guariniplumbing.com
Platinum Sponsors
- Murray Paving & Concrete
- Website: https://www.murraypavingnj.com
- InPeace
- Offers paving and construction services, and affordable cremation
- Website: https://www.inpeace.com
Gold Sponsors
- Silverman Properties – https://silvermanbuilding.com
- Arco Construction – https://arcoroof.com
- Inserra Supermarkets – https://www.shoprite.com
- JCTSolutions – https://jctnj.com
Silver Sponsors
- SGCM
- BCB Bank
- Key Food
- BFI Furniture
- Saputo Cheese USA Inc.
- Panepinto Properties
- Mast Construction Services
- Historic Downtown SID/Smile Preschool
- Riotto Funeral Home
- LeFrak & Newport Development Co.
- Dante Alighieri Society
Vendor Information and Application Deadlines
Vendor applications for La Festa Italiana 2025 are available now. Interested participants must:
- Download and complete the 2025 Vendor Application and the Rules, Regulations & Requirements Form
- Submit both documents with a deposit by August 1, 2025
Vendor participation is subject to approval by the La Festa Committee Co-Chairpersons.
Those seeking more information, wishing to sponsor, or interested in becoming a vendor can contact festival organizers using the details below:
La Festa Italiana Jersey City, Inc.
344 Sixth Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-795-0120
Email: [email protected]
