The smell of summer, the sound of live music and the glow of carnival lights are coming back to Nonantum.

The St. Mary of Carmen Society’s 91st annual Festa returns Wednesday, July 15, bringing five nights of Italian-American celebration, live entertainment, carnival rides and community tradition to Pellegrini Park.

The festival runs through Sunday, July 19, at 11 Hawthorne St. Admission is free, with gates opening at 5 p.m. each night.

For generations, the Festa has been one of Nonantum’s biggest summer traditions. The St. Mary of Carmen Society has hosted the celebration every year since 1935, drawing families from across Newton and beyond for food, music and a celebration of the neighborhood’s Italian heritage.

Each evening features live music, with opening acts at 6 p.m. and headliners taking the stage at 8 p.m. The Fabrizia Beer and Wine Garden opens at 6 p.m., offering festivalgoers a spot to relax while enjoying the performances.

Families can also take a spin on carnival rides and compete for prizes with Fiesta Shows, which will operate from 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday. Discounted ride pricing will be available Wednesday and Thursday, with unlimited ride passes offered online and at the park.

Sunday’s finale brings some of the Festa’s most treasured traditions, beginning with an 8 a.m. Mass, followed by a 2 p.m. procession through Nonantum and a 10 p.m. evening procession featuring music, fireworks and generations of families celebrating together.

The St. Mary of Carmen Society has not yet released the full 2026 entertainment lineup or vendor list. Updates will be posted at stmaryofcarmen.org.

Event details

What: 91st Annual Italian-American Festival (Festa)
When: Wednesday, July 15–Sunday, July 19
Where: Pellegrini Park, 11 Hawthorne St., Nonantum
Admission: Free
Hours: Gates open at 5 p.m. nightly
Sunday traditions: Mass at 8 a.m.; processions at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.