A History of Little Italy Days
Believe it or not, Little Italy Days started in Bloomfield just 17 years ago in 2002. The festival was created to celebrate Bloomfield’s Italian heritage and to create a spot for delicious Italian food and acts. Since 2002, the event has grown to a four-day extravaganza.
Since 2012, a man named Sal Richetti has produced Little Italy Days. He grew up in Bloomfield and attended Immaculate Conception in the heart of the neighborhood, and later Central Catholic. Before running the whole festival, Richetti booked entertainment for the event. He expanded it to the four days it is now in 2013. Also, it was previously in September and has since moved to August for more daylight and warmer temperatures.
Sponsors of Little Italy Days include Highmark, Allegheny Health Network, Rohrich Shadyside Honda, UPMC Shadyside, Children’s Hospital of UPMC, Wesbanco, First National, PNC Bank and more.
The Complete 2019 Schedule
Little Italy Days are open Friday August 16th 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday August 17th 12 noon-9 p.m. and Sunday August 18th 12 noon- 6 p.m. The festival is located on Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield from Ella Street to Gross Street. There will be a bocce tournament, Miss Little Italy pageant and of course lots and lots of food. The complete entertainment schedule is below:
Friday, August 16
Stage at Cedarville & Liberty
6:00 pm Magic Moments – Pittsburgh’s #1 Oldies Band
Saturday, August 17
Rohrich Honda Stage at Gross & Liberty
1:00 pm Mia Zanotti – from NBC’s The Voice
4:00 pm Let’s Groove Tonight – (Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band)
7:00 pm Jumpin’ Jack Flash – (Rolling Stones tribute band)
Stage at Cedarville & Liberty
12:30 pm Allegro Dance Company – (traditional Italian dance music)
2:00 pm Boneshakers – (pop/rock music)
4:30 pm Mirella the Musician – (Italian accordionist)
7:30 pm John Lupone – (Italian opera singer)
First Commonwealth Stage at Taylor & Liberty
1:00 pm Wacky Shack – (youth rock band)
2:30 pm Sloane Simon & the House Band – (young/singer/songwriter)
4:00 pm Billy the Kid – (funky R&B sounds)
6:30 pm Elias Khouri and The EK Band– (young rock band)
Sunday, August 18
Rohrich Honda Stage at Gross & Liberty
12:00 pm Miss Little Italy Pageant
3:00 pm Mojo Hand
Stage at Cedarville & Liberty
1:00 pm East End Kids– (teen song/dance ensemble)
3:00 pm Bob Scullion & The Mystics – (celebrating their 50th annivesary reunion)
First Commonwealth Stage at Taylor & Liberty
12:30 pm Randy Galioto as Elvis – (Elvis impersonator)
2:30 pm Pizza Stretching Demo – (brought to you by Caliente Pizza and Drafthouse)
3:00 pm Jeff Jimerson – (the Pens very own!)
11:30am Italian Mass & Procession (St. Maria Goretti Friendship campus)
