The Annual St. Nicholas of Tolentine Authentic Italian Festival is the first Sunday of October each year. It is held on the 1700 Block of South 9th Street.
Presented annually since 1987, St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish has been dedicated to keeping alive the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants.
This year’s festival is dedicated to Carmella Joyce & Anthony DiSpigno
Our festival features an array of food from Italian restaurants around the region, offering a tantalizing showcase of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. The festival also includes live music and wine tastings, making it a feast for all the senses.
The event is always the first Sunday in October.
The event is free with the exception of food, beverages, games & shopping.
We have ticket booths set up throughout the festival area where you can purchase tickets for food, beverages, & rides. Ticket prices are $1.00 for 1 ticket.
Yes, the church is open for all morning Masses.
We pride ourselves on providing a fresh and exciting entertainment experience every year. While we consistently seek out new performers to bring a variety of acts and talents, some of our most beloved entertainers do make recurring appearances. This blend of new and familiar acts ensures that each year offers a unique and memorable experience for our guests. Stay tuned for announcements on this year’s lineup, promising a mix of innovative performances and crowd favorites!
Absolutely! Our festival is filled with a variety of children-friendly attractions. Your kids can enjoy a range of exciting rides suited for different ages, interactive games that are both fun and educational, and creative activities like face painting, where they can choose from a plethora of designs. We also have unique attractions like Sandy Candy and Sand Art, which offer a delightful and hands-on experience. These activities are designed to keep your children entertained and engaged throughout the day.
In the event of bad weather, the event will be held on the following Sunday. We encourage you to follow our social media pages for updates!
Yes seating is located in front of the stage and tables and chairs are located near the food court.
Yes, there is limited off street parking around the festival. The parking lot at Neumann-Goretti high school located at 10th & Moore Sts is also open for free parking with limited spaces. Another option would be to park at Front & Morris Sts under I-95 and take the Septa Route 29 bus to 9th.
We kindly request that guests refrain from bringing their own food and beverages. This festival showcases some of the finest Italian entertainment at no charge, and your support through purchasing food and beverages from the church is greatly appreciated. This not only helps cover the expenses of the event but also gives you a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. Your cooperation and support in this regard play a vital role in making the event successful and sustainable for years to come.
Yes, you can donate your time as a volunteer and you can also make a monetary donation to help with expenses.
Yes, everyone is welcome and encouraged to be a part of the procession.
Good news! Our festival is on, and we're excited to welcome everyone to a modified version of this beloved tradition.
Because of the impending storms, all festivities will take place in our school auditorium.
Bring your appetite! We will be offering many of our delicious Italian specialties, along with a variety of beverages and refreshments. Also enjoy a full lineup of entertainment.
To make attending as easy as possible, we have established a designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area, as parking may be limited due to the weather.
We invite everyone to stop by, enjoy the food and entertainment, and continue the proud tradition of supporting St. Nicholas Church. ...
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A huge thank you to Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia for returning as our Title Sponsor for the 2026 Italian Festival! ❤️
Because of their support, we’re able to continue this century-old tradition and share it with the entire community. Mark your calendars: Sunday, October 11th! You don’t want to miss it! ...
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🚨 IMPORTANT FESTIVAL UPDATE 🚨
Due to the forecasted weather, the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Italian Festival has been rescheduled to our rain date:
📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
⏰ 12:00–8:00 PM
📍 1700 block of South 9th Street
🎟️ Free admission
The safety of our guests, volunteers, vendors, and entertainers is our highest priority. Although we’re disappointed that we cannot celebrate this Sunday, we look forward to welcoming everyone to South 9th Street on October 11 for a wonderful day of faith, family, food, music, and Italian tradition. 🇮🇹❤️
Please share this announcement and help us spread the word. Any updates to the entertainment schedule or festival activities will be posted on our social media pages and website.
Thank you for your understanding. We’ll see you on October 11! ...
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