Newport Italianfest Set to Delight Visitors June 12-15 with Music, Food, and Culture

NEWPORT, KY – Celebrate Italian heritage at Newport Italianfest from June 12-15, 2025, at Newport Festival Park with free admission for all! Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with live entertainment, delicious Italian cuisine, and stunning Ohio River views. ​

Founded in 1991 by Thomas Guidugli and Jerry Peluso, Newport Italianfest has grown into a premier event, attracting over 120,000 visitors annually. Savor authentic dishes from local favorites like Pompilio’s and Alfio’s Buon Cibo, plus food trucks offering delights like Chicken Parmigiana and Italian Hoagies.

​ Family fun includes caricatures, face painting, and inflatables with a wristband. The festival features live music from both internationally recognized Italian musicians and local talent. ​

Located on Riverboat Row between the Taylor-Southgate and Purple People Bridges, Newport Italianfest offers something for everyone, from food and music to historic photographs of Italian families. Join the festivities and immerse yourself in this beloved tradition!

2025 Entertainment Schedule
Thursday
5-6:30pm- Pete Wagner Band
5:30-8:00pm London Scholle-Strolling Accordion Player
6:30-7pm- Opening Ceremony
7-7:30pm Honored Italian-American Sons and Daughter Award
7:30-8:30- Moreno Fruzzetti
9-11pm- Vinyl Countdown

Friday
5-6:45pm- Pete Wagner Band
5:30-8- Matt Tolentino- Strolling Accordion Player
6:45pm- Honored Italian-American Sons and Daughter Award
7-8pm- Moreno Fruzzetti
8-8:45pm- Pete Wagner Band
9-11pm- Matt Tolentino Band

Saturday
12-12:45pm- Pete Wagner Band
12:45- 1:45 pm- Moreno Fruzzetti
2-4pm- Matt Tolentino Strolling Accordion Player
2-4pm- Swan
4-5pm- Moreno Fruzzetti
5:30- 8:30pm- That One Party Band
6-8:30pm- Matt Tolentino Strolling Accordion Player
9-11pm- Dr. Zoot

Sunday
12-1:30pm- Pete Wagner Band
2-4pm- Matt Tolentino Strolling Accordion Player
1:30-2:30pm- Moreno Fruzzetti
3-5:30pm- Dr. Zoot
2-4pm and 6-8:30pm- Matt Tolentino Strolling Accordion Player
6-9pm- Naked Karate Girls