Have you heard of Ferragosto? It's an Italian national holiday on August 15, originally commemorating Emperor Augustus. Nowadays, it marks the height of summer with locals heading to the coast or mountains for a break.
If you can't make it to the Amalfi Coast this Euro summer, you can enjoy your Aperol Spritz and antipasti while you soak up la dolce vita right here in Sydney. Ferragosto returns to Five Dock on Sunday, August 16, and you’re invited to the festa.
Running from 10am to 5pm along Great North Road, this celebration of Italian food, culture and community promises a full day of fun and feasting. More than 150 food and market stalls will dish up everything from arancini and cannoli to pasta and panini. There’s also heaps of stalls with artisan goods, boutique fashion and handmade treasures, plus gelato for the bambini, along with free rides and a petting zoo to keep them entertained.
Speaking of which, music and entertainment will take over three stages, while roving performers bring the vibe. For the grown-ups, Garfield Street transforms into Terrazza Aperol, an orange-hued oasis serving Aperol Spritz, while FerraCinCin is the place to raise a glass in the Italian wine and beer garden – Birra Moretti, anyone?
Rev heads can make a beeline for the Italian vehicle displays, featuring everything from gleaming Ducatis to classic Mini Fiats. And leave the car at home – free shuttle buses will run continuously from surrounding suburbs between 9.30am and 5.30pm.
Ferragosto celebrates Five Dock’s rich Italian heritage and the generations of migrants who have helped shape this area. So come hungry and settle in for a very Italian Sunday. Cin cin!
Find out more about Ferragosto here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.