Stadium Park has been transformed into Little Italy this week, a free, multi-day festival of Italian food, live music, cultural entertainment, and family activities, running while the Italian Football Festival plays out at Optus Stadium next door.
The Little Italy Festival is open from 4:00 pm until late tonight, Friday, and Saturday, and from midday on Sunday. Entry is free every day, whether you’re heading to a match or just after a good night out.
“The Little Italy Festival will bring a fantastic festival atmosphere to Perth, celebrating the rich culture, food, and passion that Italy is known for and creating a vibrant atmosphere for the thousands of football fans attending the matches at Optus Stadium,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“This free event gives everyone the opportunity to be part of the excitement, whether they’re heading to the matches or simply looking to enjoy a great evening out.”
On Thursday and Friday night, there’s also a long table Italian dinner that will be a perfect night out.
The football
Four giants of Italian football are in Perth this week for three world-exclusive games. The Milan Derby between AC Milan and Inter opened the series at Optus Stadium last night, playing out a 1-1 draw. Juventus play Inter at Optus Stadium on Saturday before Juventus meet Palermo at HBF Park on Tuesday.
“The Cook Labor Government is proud to be bringing the Italian Football Festival to life, with Perth the only city in Australia where you’ll be able to see AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Palermo face off,” Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The festival is part of Beyond the Game, a program of fan events built around the matches to give locals and visitors more ways to experience Perth. That includes open training sessions, where fans can watch AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Palermo prepare for their matches, and official supporter parties before kick-off on match days.
“There will be so much on offer at Stadium Park, with families encouraged to come down and enjoy some great food and entertainment, support our local businesses, and join the festivities,” Saffioti said.
Our favourite Italian spots
Can’t make it to the Little Italy festival? Here are a couple of our favourite Italian restaurants across Perth where you can get a perfect pasta feast of your own.
Coccodrillo Pizza & Wine Bar
Coccodrillo Pizza & Wine Bar on Napoleon Street in Cottesloe has built a reputation for the best pizza in Perth. Some say it’s their bases — fermented for two to three days before hitting the wood fire, made with Italian-imported flour and topped with ingredients sourced from local providores like Princi butchers in Bicton. The menu goes beyond pizza, with handmade pastas, chilli mussels, and a traditional seafood stew, and the wine list draws on small, organic Italian producers alongside some West Australian bottles.
Cibo Bar & Kitchen
Cibo Bar & Kitchen is a modern Italian Restaurant in the Heart of North Perth. Wood-fired pizzas prepared with the purest respect for traditions, fresh handmade pasta, and a curated selection of local and imported wines from the most renowned winemakers.
Whether you’re a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for the perfect spot for a relaxed family dinner or aperitivo, Cibo Bar & Kitchen offers a refined yet welcoming space where great food, curated wines, and effortless atmosphere come together.
