Events & Tickets

Update!

There are two events leading up to the two-day Carnival weekend: the Hair and Fashion Show and the Gala Masquerade Ball. These events are on the Thursday and Friday leading up to the carnival and are pre-purchased ticketed events. 

Experience like no other

The Australian Italian Festival is enhanced by the beautiful TYTO Wetlands setting, featuring lagoons and raised walkways that come alive with Australian flora and fauna. Come and enjoy an experience like no other in Australia.

Welcome to the Australian Italian Festival! Join us at our two-day carnival for authentic Italian food and cultural events. The atmosphere in the piazza will make you feel like you're walking through a festival in Italy. There is so much to do at this year's festival, so explore our stalls, taste the homemade Italian food and wine and participate in our cooking demonstrations. We have fun activities and delectable dishes for everyone in the family.

Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time.

Italian History and Art

The Australian Italian Festival is meant to expand your cultural horizons and help you get in touch with your roots. Participate in all of our activities to learn more about the rich art and history of Italy. Viva la vita Italiana!

Cooking Demonstrations and Displays

Allow your stomach to experience all the authentic Italian cuisine featured at this year's festival. Try all of the main courses, and leave some room for delicious desserts. The choices are positively gastronomical! This year we have Luciano and Martino from MKR coming to entertain you at the Cooking Demonstrations, this is one event not to miss.

Fun and Amusement

We offer fun for the whole family! Parents and kids alike are welcome to join in the games and competitions or enjoy free amusement rides. Fun is guaranteed, and the great prizes are a bonus. We feature several competitions, including the following:

• Greasy Pole Climbing
• Pizza & Pasta Eating
• Grape Stomping
• Gondola Races
• Toga Races
• And More!

All winners receive fantastic prizes, and entry into the competitions is FREE!

Arts and Entertainment

Ciao, Free Style Latino dancers will be performing at this year's event. The performances are open to public participation / learn to dance. The dancers will also be roaming around the festival grounds, entertaining you with their special style of dancing and encouraging  you to join in. The festival will also feature tenors, choirs, singers, musicians, fire twirlers, the 1 RAR Band, comedians and more.

Cooking Demonstration

Luciano and Martino from MKR will be hosting the cooking demonstrations, presenting you with the taste and aromas of Italian cooking. You will be able to sample the food and take home the recipe to try for yourself.  They will bring an authentic Italian touch to our festivities and one you will long remember.

Hair and Fashion Show

The Australian Italian Festival Hair and Fashion Show will be held 02/08/2018 at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall. Join us to celebrate the fashion and flamboyant creations inspired by Italy's impeccable sense of style. Our theme for this year is " I dream of Italy" Special Guest this year is Benni Tognini, three times Australian Hairdresser of the Year and five times Australian Educator of the year.

Gala Masquerade Ball

The Gala Masquerade Ball will be a spectacular, glamorous event held on  03/08/2018 at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham. Comedian James Liotta will be the MC, ensuring you have a great time with family and friends. We will have the a cabaret act performed by a Soprano Duet Simone Nicole and Meg Kiddle. Guest singer, Dean Canan. The fabulous Memory Lane Band will help you dance the night away. We are currently taking bookings for this event as far away as Mackay and the Tablelands. This year we are introducing a Bus service for our Townsville guests, departing Townsville at 5.30pm and returning to Townsville at 11.30pm. Bring your favourite mask, your sense of humour and your dancing shoes!