Norton Street Italian Festa

Norton Street Italian Festa is a large annual street festival in Leichhardt, with more than 180,000 people coming together each year in late October to celebrate all things Italian.

This street has long been known as ‘little Italy’, with the suburb of Leichhardt being the emotional centre of the Italian community in Sydney – mainly because it was the first stop for many of the first Italian immigrants to the city decades ago.

This festival features the best Italian cuisine and cooking demonstrations conducted by the best Italian chefs for you to learn how to recreate some delicious Italian meals at home yourself. Hundreds of stalls also sell the best Italian food, coffee, gelato, fashion and gifts. Norton Street is completely transformed by Italy’s colours, sounds and aromas during the event.

It’s also an ideal family day with carnival rides, jumping castles, animal farms, pony rides, street performers and face painters – all available to entertain the kids. There are other concerts and dancing displays featuring other entertainers to keep spirits high throughout the day and a display of famous Italian car and motorcycle models, like the Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati.

Best of all, entry to the Norton Street Italian Festa and all the activities are free! But make sure you take your wallet or purse because you’ll be tempted by all the great Italian food and coffee.

Leichhardt is an inner-city suburb that’s 7km west of the CBD. It is also easily accessible via public transport (bus or train services). Petersham is the nearest train station on the Main Suburban Line.