In a neighborhood where the mood is upbeat and the spirit of the residents the same, visitors might expect stimulating activities. You won't be disappointed in Little Italy! The entire neighborhood plus folks from the surrounding counties join in for the celebration of the feasts of saints, bocce leagues and tournaments, parish suppers, film fest, and more. Take a peek to see what’s in store around this infamous Baltimore neighborhood ...   Italian Festivals FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY - June 12-13, 2010 12 noon to 8 p.m. FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL - August 21-22, 2010 12 noon to 8 p.m.  The spirit of un carnevale takes over as the streets are blocked off for two days and la festa begins, commencing the beginning of the summer with the Feast of Saint Anthony festival in June, a Little Italy tradition for many years. The end of summer is marked with the neighborhood’s annual Feast of Saint Gabriel in late August. For a mere $1 admission, expect live music, dancing, games, pizza, vino, porchetta, Italian sausage, cannoli, pasta, vendors, fried dough and good old-fashioned camaraderie between paesani.   Silent Auction During the St. Anthony Festival in June, a silent auction is offered, which includes a diverse collection of goodies to suit all tastes. The auction relies on the generosity of donors to provide items such as tickets to sports and cultural events, restaurant and retail gift cards, new merchandise, autographed celebrity items, jewelry, free services and more. All proceeds benefit St. Leo parish. To donate items, contact Ray Alcaraz, silent auction chairperson, at StLeoAuction@yahoo.com. Bocce Leagues & Tournaments   League and tournament information is posted on the bocce page. Tournaments are played at the Italian festivals. Bocce is played on the Little Italy bocce court on Stiles Street.   Open Air Film Festival   Friday evenings in July & August Corner of High & Stiles Streets Live music 7 p.m. / Movie 9 p.m. free popcorn! Arrive early to set up a lawn chair, stroll the neighborhood or eat dinner 2010 MOVIE SCHEDULE July 2 - MOONSTRUCK (PG) July 9 - BREAD AND TULIPS (PG-13)  July 16 - TEA WITH MUSSOLINI (PG) July 23 - BIG NIGHT (R) July 30 - IT STARTED IN NAPLES (NR) August 6 - THE ITALIAN JOB (PG 13) August 13 - MY HOUSE IN UMBRIA (NR) August 20 - WHEN IN ROME (PG 13) August 27 - CINEMA PARADISO (PG-13)   In its 14th year, free and open to the public, Cinema al fresco is held Friday evenings during July and August and is one of Little Italy’s more popular events. Movie lovers set up lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets - or carryout from local restaurants - to sit back and enjoy an Italian-related feature film. Free popcorn and live music are provided. Movies are projected onto an outside wall at the intersection of High & Stiles Streets. Mr. John Pente, 100, a neighborhood legend, graciously allows the rented projector to be set up in his home across the street. A handful of folding chairs are provided on a first-come-first-served basis.   The Little Italy Lodge FRIDAY DINNERS 5-8 p.m. 905 E. Pratt Street 410.685.3116 Every Friday night at the cozy Little Italy Lodge on Pratt Street, the wonderful chef members offer an inexpensive and delicious home-cooked meal. Your mouth will begin to water as soon as you step through the doors. For $9.50 you can enjoy the featured entrée – maybe lasagna, chicken marsala, gnocchi with sausage or another mouth-watering dish, plus a fresh garden salad, crusty Italian bread and coffee/tea. For a few more dollars, other options are available from the menu, such as spaghetti & meatballs, pizza, zuppa, delectable desserts, and more. Friendly volunteer lodge members donned in red/white/green aprons serve the meal. Cash bar available for soft drinks and alcohol. Friday night lodge dinners are open to members and their guests. Children are welcome and high chairs are available. LODGE BINGO Bingo is offered every third Sunday of the month with a Grand Prize Jackpot of $1,000 for filling the card in 55 numbers or less; consolation prize $150. Complete games package $10. Doors open 12 noon; first game 1:00 p.m. Food available for purchase. St. Leo parish dinners SPAGHETTI & RAVIOLI DINNER Sunday, November 7, 2010 12 noon to 6 p.m. In the heart of the neighborhood, St. Leo’s is famous for its’ sit-down spaghetti and ravioli dinners held twice a year in the SCHOOL hall at 910 Stiles Street. Taste melt-in-your-mouth homemade ravioli, try your luck at the cake wheel, and visit craft and vendor tables upstairs in the school hall. Contact the Rectory for more information at 410-675-7275. $10.00 adults; $5 children. No time to sit down? For just 50 cents more, carry-out is available in the PARISH hall at 227 S. Exeter Street. 2010 AIAC Jay Matricciani Italian Golf Open MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010 Turf Valley Country Club, Ellicott City Registration 10 a.m.; Tee-off 12 noon Enjoy brunch, food and drinks on the course and an extended cocktail hour with gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Prize opportunities on each par 3 – cash, trips, leased car. There is also a $25,000 raffle, a live auction and a $12,000 drawing. Proceeds benefit the Associated Italian American Charities of Maryland (AIAC). Visit www.MDAIAC.org Columbus Day Celebration SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2010 Time to be announced Columbus Day is always a significant celebrazione for the Little Italy community, named of course after the Italian explorer Christophorus Columbus who first introduced Europe to America.This event is one more way the community of Little Italy strives to upkeep the spirit of their ancestors and heritage.   Tree Lighting & Choir Performance Friday, December 3, 2010 7 pm High & Stiles Streets The Little Italy Restaurant Association (L.I.R.A.) invites the public to experience the décor and splendor of the neighborhood as carolers from the Baltimore Choral Arts Society gather around the outdoor Christmas tree as the countdown to “light it up!” begins. Meet an Italian-speaking Santa Claus as you enjoy complimentary fresh roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider and cookies to toast the upcoming Christmas season. Donations accepted for upkeep of this tradition. Little Italy, Baltimore welcomes The Mastrogiurato Performers MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010 900 block of Stiles Street TWO PERFORMANCES! 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. This is a Young Artist group of drummers and flag throwers from Lanciano, Italy. While visiting the USA, they have chosen Baltimore as one of their performing stages, in partnership with "The Medieval Times." The group re-enacts pageantry accompanying the 14th century fair in Lanciano.

Sign up for a Viva Italia credit card (click on card)   Sign up to receive the weekly "Neighborhood News from Little Italy" Email:   For Email Marketing you can trust