2026 Galbani Bella Vita Fest

The 2026 Galbani Bella Vita Fest takes over Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, as part of San Diego's Italian Heritage Month. It's a weekend of chalk art, wine, food and music, and it's free to attend.

The main draw is the chalk art. More than 40 artists will spend the weekend painting directly onto the pavement of the piazza, and the whole thing is produced by ArtWalk San Diego. There's a bit of history behind it: the festival honors the tradition of street painting that started in 16th-century Italy with the Madonnari—traveling artists who would recreate paintings of the Madonna on the pavement after finishing work on the city's cathedrals. You'll see that same tradition play out in real time right here in Little Italy.

Beyond the art, there's a wine component. More than 10 Italian wines will be poured by Italian winemakers throughout the weekend, and if you want to taste them, there are wine tasting tickets for $25 and $55. On the food side, the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage features Chef Marco Sciortino, and the weekend also brings in live Italian music and artisan vendors. Between the painting, the wine, the cooking demos and the music, it's a full Italian Heritage Month celebration in one spot.

It runs Saturday, October 17 from 11 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, October 18 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Piazza della Famiglia (555 West Date St., San Diego, CA 92101). Admission is free; wine tasting tickets are $25 and $55.