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 below to see some of what's planned around this infamous Baltimore neighborhood. For a fuller look at the 2011 schedule of events and activities, use the CALENDAR above.   Italian Festivals     Italian Festivals Feast of St. Anthony Festival June 9-10, 2012 Feast of St. Gabriel Festival August 18-19, 2012   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 decades, sponsored by St. Leo the Great parish. The end of summer is marked with the parish’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 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 Bocce is a tradition in Little Italy and a big part of the neighborhood. Our bocce courts on Stiles Street not only provide a place to play the sport during warmer months, they provide a gathering venue as residents, players and spectators mill around the courts to talk, share and laugh. Leagues play on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and tournaments are offered during both festivals in June and August. More info is posted on our bocce page. "Cinema al Fresco" Open Air Film Festival FREE! Friday evenings in July & August Corner of High & Stiles Streets Live music 7 p.m. / Movie 9 p.m. free popcorn! 2012 MOVIE SCHEDULE to be announced JULY 6, 2012 - Moonstruck  JULY 13 - TBA JULY 20 - TBA JULY 27 - TBA AUGUST 3 - TBA AUGUST 10 - TBA AUGUST 17 - TBA AUGUST 24 - TBA AUGUST 31, 2012 - Cinema Paradiso   One of Little Italy’s more popular events, the Film Fest is in its 15th year! Arrive early to set up a lawn chair, stroll the neighborhood and eat dinner before watching an Italian-related feature film. Some of our restaurants offer carryout and/or movie night specials. Movies are projected on the outside wall of Ciao Bella Restaurant from across the street of a third floor window at the kindness of its homeowner. A handful of folding chairs are provided on a first-come first-served basis. Event sponsored by the Little Italy Restaurant Association.   The Little Italy Lodge 905 E. Pratt Street 410.685.3116 FRIDAY DINNERS 5-8 p.m. 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. OTHER EVENTS The Lodge offers many dances, day trips and other social events. Please visit their website for more information or to learn about how to become a member. St. Leo Ravioli Dinners MARCH 4, 2012 NOVEMBER 4, 2012 Columbus Day Commemoration & Parade SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, December 7, 2012

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