Norton Street Italian Festa

Norton Street Italian Festa is a large annual street festival in Leichhardt. More than 180,000 people come together each year in late October to celebrate all things Italian.

This street has long been known as ‘Little Italy’. The suburb of Leichhardt is the emotional centre of the Italian community in Sydney—mainly because it was the first stop for many Italian immigrants to the city decades ago.

In 1986, the first Norton Street Italian Festa was organised by the Capuchin Priests at St Fiacres Church in Leichhardt, who wanted to replicate the religious festivals of Italy. Norton Street in Leichhardt has long been the emotional and physical centre of the Italian community in Sydney and is known as ‘Little Italy’.

It was the first stop for many, if not most, Italians who disembarked in Sydney for a new beginning. Many established roots in Leichhardt and the surrounding suburbs, creating a thriving community of Italian culture.

A Community Celebration:

• One of the largest annual street festivals in Australia
• Located in the heart of Sydney’s ‘Little Italy’ and featuring entertainment, cooking demonstrations, food, drinks and community activities
• A fun, family day out that has something special for everyone, with no cost for entry
• A wonderful meeting of culturally rich locals and visitors from all over Sydney of all ages, professions and backgrounds
• Supported by Inner West Council and other generous partners, particularly Co.As.It.
• Carnival rides, jumping castles, animal farms, face painting, street performers and pony rides for the kids
• The best professional Italian chefs will hold entertainment, concerts, dancing, and free cooking demonstrations PLUS the best local Italian Nonnas!
• Hundreds of stallholders showcase and sell the latest, the unusual, and the best products, as well as food, coffee, and gelato to die for.

Festa is proud to host some of Sydney’s best vendors, offering everything from food, ceramics, jewellery, live music, ice cream, and so much more! This list is being continually updated so be sure to check back in to see what you can look forward to at Festa 2024.

Getting There

Leichhardt is an inner-city suburb that’s 7km west of the CBD. It is also easily accessible via public transport (bus or train services). Petersham is the nearest train station on the Main Suburban Line.

Festa takes place on Norton St, between Marion St and William St.

Buses
Buses will be diverted around Norton St. for the day of Festa

Light Rail
2 stops, Marion St. and Leichhardt North (on Norton St)

Car Parking
Parking In Leichhardt
MarketPlace Leichhardt – Closes at 4pm sharp on Festa day
Norton Plaza
Italian Forum

Street parking is available on surrounding streets – some parking meters and restrictions may apply.

Disabled Parking: There are 4 disabled parking spaces in the Council car park on Marion St, behind Leichhardt Town Hall.

Road Closures

The following roads will be closed to vehicle traffic from 3am to 9pm on Sunday 27 October:

• Norton Street between Marion Street and William Street
• Marlborough Street between Norton Street and Cromwell Street
• Carlisle Street between Norton Street and Cromwell Street
• Macauley Street * between Norton Street and Cromwell Street (eastbound lanes only)
• Allen Street between Derbyshire Road and James Street
• Short Street between Norton Street and Balmain Road
• Arthur Street between Allen Street and Short Street
• Wetherill Street * between Norton Street and Balmain Road (eastbound lanes only)