Produced by the ArtWalk San Diego team, Bella Vita Fest brings the centuries-old tradition of Madonnari chalk art to the streets of Little Italy, with artists from across the country creating live masterpieces along India Street. This year’s lineup features dozens of talented chalk artists, including locals like Cecelia Linayao Fine Art of San Diego and teams from Canyon Crest Academy and Steel Canyon High School, alongside artists traveling from as far as Oregon, Utah, and Ohio. The art, both intricate and temporary, will be washed away at the festival’s close, making it a fleeting yet unforgettable experience.
Food and wine will take center stage as well. The Vicolo del Vino wine alley offers over 10 different Italian wineries for guests to sample, with ticket options ranging from 5 to 12 tastings. A new addition for 2025 is the Pizza Slice-Off, where attendees can taste slices from some of Little Italy’s best pizzerias and vote on their favorite while judges crown a champion. Festival-goers can also enjoy specialty eats like Bencotto's famous cheese wheel pasta, Il Cannoli Bar’s decadent desserts, and sizzling sausages from Santana’s.
Entertainment rounds out the weekend with live music inspired by Italian and Italian-themed traditions, from classical opera to upbeat swing bands. Families are encouraged to bring children to the Kids Chalk Area, where youngsters can add their own creativity to a community mural designed by ArtReach San Diego. Cooking demonstrations at La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage will feature some of Little Italy’s top chefs, along with Chef Marco from Galbani showcasing authentic Italian recipes.
Entertainment rounds out the weekend with live music inspired by Italian and Italian-themed traditions, from classical opera to upbeat swing bands. Families are encouraged to bring children to the Kids Chalk Area, where youngsters can add their own creativity to a community mural designed by ArtReach San Diego. Cooking demonstrations at La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage will feature some of Little Italy’s top chefs, along with Chef Marco from Galbani showcasing authentic Italian recipes.
Bella Vita Fest is free to attend for all ages, though wine and pizza tasting experiences require tickets, which are available online in advance as well as on site. With its blend of art, food, and cultural heritage, the festival has quickly become one of San Diego’s most distinctive annual celebrations, drawing locals and visitors alike to the heart of Little Italy.
Galbani Bella Vita Fest will take place Saturday, October 18, from 11am-6pm, and Sunday, October 19, from 11am-5pm, on India Street in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, visit artwalksandiego.org/bellavita.
Galbani Bella Vita Fest will take place Saturday, October 18, from 11am-6pm, and Sunday, October 19, from 11am-5pm, on India Street in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, visit artwalksandiego.org/bellavita.
Originally published on September 20, 2025.
