Key Takeaways
- The San Gennaro Festival, the biggest Italian feast in the U.S., returns to Little Italy September 11–21, 2025, celebrating Saint Gennaro of Naples
- Enjoy parades, live music, carnival games, rides, and authentic Italian food from local favorites like Ferrara Bakery, Caffe Palermo, and Lucy’s Sausage
- Highlights include the Blessing of the Stands, the Grand Procession, a panel with Sylvester Stallone, and the Solemn High Mass on September 19
Make space on your calendar and room in your stomach for the 2025 Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. Every year, this bustling neighborhood transforms 11 blocks into an 11-day celebration commemorating Saint Gennaro of Benevento, Italy. The tradition on Mulberry Street comes complete with carnival games, parades, music, and, of course, amazing Italian food. Expect red sauce at every corner, some of the best pizza in town, powdered zeppoles, and more! While Saint Gennaro’s feast day is September 19, the event runs from September 11 to September 21. According to the organizers, the feast runs “every day from morning to late night.”
@littlekidbigcity Feast of Fun 🇮🇹 The feast is back! The San Gennaro festival returns next week to the streets of Little Italy! This marks its 99th year. Come hungry! This 11-day celebration is NYC’s most popular and longest running street fairs, and is well known for its delicious food and party atmosphere. The celebration includes parades and processions, live musical entertainment, carnival games, rides, and amusements, food delicacies, and most importantly, dining at Little Italy’s famous restaurants and cafes. WHERE: 📍Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets. Also continues to Grand and Hester Streets between Mott and Baxter. WHEN: ⏰Thursday September 11 through Sunday September 21. FREE to walk the festival. Food and carnival rides have a fee. FOR KIDS: 🎈After you fill those bellies, head over to the carnival rides and games that are set up specifically for the event. There are typically 4-5 rides offered. Rides change slightly each year, but there is always a Ferris wheel! Visit at night to see the Ferris wheel glow in rainbow hues. #sangennaronyc #sangennaro #littleitaly #sangennarofestival #streetfestival #nyc #newyorkcity #explore #wander #seeyourcity #nyckids #citykids ♬ That’s Amore – Dean Martin
The festivities kick off on September 11 with the traditional Blessing of the Stands and continue each day for a full week with live performances, entertainment, and plenty of festival fun. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy parades, music, and cultural celebrations, along with several major events you won’t want to miss:
- Blessing of the Stands — September 12 at 6:00 p.m.
- The Grand Procession with the Statue of Saint Gennaro — September 13 at 2:00 p.m., featuring floats, marching bands, and traditional icons
- Panel with Sylvester Stallone and the Cast of Tulsa King — September 16 at 8:00 p.m.
- Karaoke Night — September 17 at 7:00 p.m.
- Solemn High Mass Honoring the Patron Saint of Naples — September 19 at 6:00 p.m.
The event is free to attend, but come hungry and prepared to sample a lot — with dozens of vendors to choose from, plus family-friendly games, rides, music, and entertainment for all ages. While some vendors do accept credit cards, it’s best to stop by the bank beforehand and grab some cash. The festival takes over Mulberry Street in Little Italy (between Canal and Houston Streets), Hester Street (between Baxter and Centre Streets), and Grand Street (between Baxter Street and Center Market Place). Expect delicious creations from local favorites like Ferrara Bakery, Caffe Palermo, Mulberry Street Bar, Lucy’s Sausage, and many more!…