Ciao Italia Matthews
September 20 & 21, 2025
View highlights from the 2024 Ciao Italia Matthews Festival.
Would you like be a
Vendor…Entertainer…Supporter…
for Ciao Italia Matthews 2025.
Please contact us at
or select the Volunteer/Sponsor button above.
in Italian culture, its food and music and learn about the history of Italy, the uniqueness of its regions and the impact Italy has had on the world.
Immerse Yourself
Grab your “passaporto” when you enter Ciao Italia Matthews and experience Italy brought to Matthews.
You will receive a vendor stamp whenever you purchase $10 or more with a vendor.
If your passaporto has been stamped by all of the vendors, present the fully stamped page at the Ciao Italia Matthews welcome booth and receive a voucher for a Ciao Italia Matthews tote bag or tee shirt.
The Ambience
Enjoy exquisite Italian food, wine, gelato and pastries, in the setting of an Italian piazza while listening to strolling musicians playing mandolin, accordion and violin.
How to Make Pasta
A live demonstration on stage by Chef Raffaele Patrizi on how to make pasta from scratch!
Extreme Sclupting Experience
Renowned sculptor Peter Rubino will create a 200 lb clay sculpture live on stage choreographed to music!
The Entertainment
Frank Sinatra tribute…Band playing traditional Italian folk songs…Singers performing operatic and popular Italian songs…A pianist performing “Italian Ragtime”…a comedic act teaching Italian hand gestures, Italian words and phrases…and more...continuously throughout the day.
The Car Show
A selection of exotic Italian cars.
The Finale
Opera Carolina accompanied by the Opera Carolina Orchestra performing opera’s greatest hits.