La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture
Viva Italia! This April, The Michael Towbes Library Plaza will transform into a lively Italian Piazza as La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture makes its debut. This food and music festival will take place over three days (Friday, April 10 through Sunday April, 12) the festival invites the community to experience Italian culture through music, food, film, and hands-on activities. All events are free and open to the public.
The festivities open at 3:30 PM on Friday April 10 with Amore Italiano: Rome, Cinema, and the Music of the Heart -- an afternoon musical event in the Faulkner Gallery. This inaugural performance pairs live classical music with curated projections from Iconic Italian films.
On Saturday, April 11, La Piazza comes fully to life. From 12:00-4:30PM, the La Piazza Market fills the Michael Towbes Library Plaza with Italian inspired food, artisanal products, and regional specialties from local vendors. Early in the afternoon, a cultural seminar hosted by UCSB scholars and chefs explores Italian culinary traditions. The day concludes with a free afternoon concert in the Faulkner Gallery titled Recomposed: Vivaldi, Verdi, and the Art of Reinvention, featuring inventive interpretations of classical Italian works.
The final day of the celebration, Sunday, April 12, begins again with the La Piazza Market from 12-4:30PM. Families are especially encouraged to attend on Sunday Afternoon when children can take part in a hands-on pasta-making workshop from 1-2 PM and a kids corner including make your own pizza shaped bookmarks craft table. The Festival concludes with a lively closing concert in the Faulkner Gallery.
Throughout the weekend, several downtown Santa Barbara Italian restaurants will participate by offering a special authentic dish at their own locations. A printed brochure map, available at the festival, will guide visitors to each participating restaurant.
Rooted in the belief that music builds community and transcends language, La Piazza offers a joyful, enriching way to gather, learn, and celebrate together. For full schedules and concert details, visit lapiazza.life.
Event Details:
La Piazza Opening Concert
Amore Italiano: Rome, Cinema, and the Music of the Heart
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Central Library (40 E. Anapamu), Faulkner Gallery
Parking: Available adjacent to Central Library in City Lots 6 and 7. The first 75 minutes are free. Each additional hour or part is $3.00.
La Piazza Afternoon Concert
Recomposed: Vivaldi, Verdi, and the Art of Reinvention
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Central Library (40 E. Anapamu), Faulkner Gallery
Parking: Available adjacent to Central Library in City Lots 6 and 7. The first 75 minutes are free. Each additional hour or part is $3.00.
La Piazza Closing Concert
Dulce Swing
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Central Library (40 E. Anapamu), Faulkner Gallery
Parking: Available adjacent to Central Library in City Lots 6 and 7. The first 75 minutes are free. Each additional hour or part is $3.00.
La Piazza Market
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 and Sunday April 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Location: Central Library (40 E. Anapamu), Michael Towbes Library Plaza
Parking: Available adjacent to Central Library in City Lots 6 and 7. The first 75 minutes are free. Each additional hour or part is $3.00.
La Piazza Market Vendors:
Cafe Ortega
Pasa Santina
Colombini Bakery
Luretik Oil
Bindi
bUONgUSTO
Hi-Fi Pizza Pi
Woodstock Farina