Bella Vita Fest To Celebrate Italian Culture In San Diego's Little Italy

SAN DIEGO, CA — In the spirit of Italian Heritage Month, Galbani Bella Vita Fest will celebrate Italian culture this weekend in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy.

The third annual festival, scheduled this Saturday and Sunday, will feature chalk art, Italian wine, food, cooking classes, a pizza competition, music and more.

More than 40-plus expert chalk artists will line the streets of Little Italy, with live Italian music, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase. Plus, Italian winemakers will be offering tastings, via Vicolo del Vino.

Bella Vita will give attendees the opportunity to sip on more than 10 different wines sourced from different regions in Italy in the Giardino del Vino, with 5- and 12-taste ticket options. New this year, the Pizza Slice-Off will offer foodies a tasting from some of Little Italy's pizza offerings. Mamma Mia! Ticketholders will decide on the winner of the best pizza, while a panel of judges will decide on a separate winner.

"Bella Vita Fest has been on the drawing table for a long time — San Diegans love to experience chalk art being made, plus all the Italian wine, cooking demonstrations, music and food — you feel like you're in Italy!" Director Curt Brooker said.

The two-day festival will feature will run from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.