Westminster's A Toast to Italy is back, turning Main Street into an Italian street fair on Saturday, July 11, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The free-to-browse event features authentic street food, a beer and wine garden, and a full lineup of artisan and food vendors spread across downtown.
One of the evening's centerpieces is the Big Italian Family Dinner, a reserved communal table set up in the heart of the festival. Ticket holders are invited to bring a homemade Italian dish or order from on-site vendors; the table comes stocked with freshly baked bread and olive oil to share. Each Big Dinner ticket also includes one token for the beer and wine garden. Tickets are on sale now through the City of Westminster's website.
General Admission — available at the event — includes one token for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Children 12 and under get in free.
Entertainment
Two stages run all night: DJ Vespa holds down the Locust Lane Stage and The Monaldi Brothers Band plays the Stocksdale Stage, both from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Street buskers add to the atmosphere throughout the evening, including an accordion duo (Joseph Macaluso Jr. and Joe Mraz, 6:30–9:00 PM), Josh Miller on piano (5:30–8:00 PM), Arielle Baquol on cello and guitar (5:30–8:00 PM), and opera singer Kelsey Gibson (5:00–6:30 PM).
The Library Stage hosts the Miss Little Italy Pageant at 6:00 PM and the Cannoli Eating Contest at 7:00 PM. Registration links for both competitions are available on the city's event page.
Food, Drink, and Vendors
Food and drink vendors include Collision Course, Conrad's Food Truck, Covalent Spirits, JeannieBird Baking Company, Liberatore's Ristorante, Little Italy Lodge, MattnDave Lemon Brothers, Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano, Serra on Main, Staglio Pizza, and Vocelli Pizza.
Artisan and craft vendors include Applauso Italian Learning Center, Blazing Bella Balsamic & Olive Oil, Chocolate Moonshine on Main, Lo Bello Imports, Shop Murano, Stefania Olive Oil, The Sicilian Bakers, and more.
A Toast to Italy takes place at 15 East Main St, Westminster, MD 21157. For reserved dinner seating, tickets, and full vendor information, visit westminstermd.gov.