Brisbane's Italian festival is back after eight years and it's taking over the Showgrounds

Brisbane is about to smell like an Italian nonna's kitchen for a full day, and honestly, it's about time.

Festitalia is back at the RNA Showgrounds on Sunday 20 September, marking its return after an eight year break from the city. Doors open at 10.30am at Expo Place 1 and 2, and organisers are promising more than 10,000 freshly made cannoli, which is either an impressive logistics feat or a genuine health hazard depending on how you look at it.

The one day festival leans hard into everything Brisbane loves about Italian culture without needing a passport. Expect spit roasted porchetta, wood fired pizza, handmade pasta, gelato and enough espresso to fuel a small city. World renowned pizza acrobat Youssef Ben Touati returns to fling dough around like it owes him money, while a full tarantella dance troupe and live opera performances take care of the entertainment side of things.

New for this year are ancient Roman cooking demonstrations and mozzarella making sessions, plus the usual crowd favourites like Nonna's Slipper Throw, fencing demonstrations, vintage Italian vehicles and Roman military displays for anyone who wants their carbs with a side of history.

Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 concession, and free for kids under 12, though be warned it's a cashless event, so leave the loose change at home. Given the festival hasn't graced Brisbane in years, expect it to be busy, so getting there early is a solid strategy if you want first crack at the cannoli before they inevitably run out.

Whether you've got Italian heritage, an Italian partner, or just an unshakeable love of carbs and a good time, Festitalia is shaping up to be one of the better one day events on Brisbane's spring calendar. Grab tickets through Oztix before Nonna sells out of slippers to throw.