If Italy is calling but international flights aren't on the agenda this year, set your sights on Griffith.

Here, family recipes are passed down through generations, espresso is a daily ritual, homemade salami is a serious point of pride (and contention) and some of countries most coveted wines and pickles on your Big Mac, are produced just minutes from town.

And for one week in August, that rich heritage takes centre stage as Griffith comes alive for A Taste of Italy.

Somewhere, someone's Nonna is rolling gnocchi by hand. A porchetta turns slowly on the spit. Aperitivo is being poured and music fills the streets as locals dance and laugh, surrounded by the aromas of slow-cooked sauces, pasta, pastries and coffee.

Elsewhere, preparations are underway for the legendary Festa del Salsicce e Salami, where generations-old family recipes, local pride and a healthy dose of rivalry combine in one of the festival's most iconic traditions.

From cellar door tastings and cooking experiences to long lunches set among the vines, A Taste of Italy celebrates the traditions, flavours and stories that have shaped Griffith for generations.

Here's your complete day-by-day guide to everything happening throughout the festival.

And if you have no idea what to expect, this is what went down last year.

Monday 24 August – Thursday 28 August

A Taste of Italy officially runs from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th August with events scheduled through the week across town, so you can plan, book and stay around which days suit you.

(Multi-Day Events)

Vino Italiano Discovery Tour 24–28 August
Spend a day touring exceptional cellar doors, starting with a handmade spritz and guided rosé tasting at Yarran Wines before moving on to Berton Vineyards. It's a full day itinerary covering some of the Riverina's finest Italian varieties, finishing with a sweet wine tasting experience. Tickets are $199 per person. Book here

Stroll Through the Soul 24–29 August | Banna Avenue
A self-guided sensory walk through Griffith's Banna Avenue that traces the city's Italian migrant history through the stories, flavours and architecture that have shaped the streetscape over generations. Tickets are $80. Book here

The Italian Experience Tasting at De Bortoli Wines 24–29 August | De Bortoli Rd, Bilbul
De Bortoli Wines is offering a special festival tasting of Italian wine varieties - varietals that originated in Italy and are now grown right here in the Riverina. At $25 per person, it's a brilliant introduction to the region's Italian winemaking story. Book here

Italian History Talks and Tour 24–29 August | Pioneer Park Museum
Daily guided talks and tours of the Italian Museum run at 11:00am Monday to Saturday, offering insights into the people and traditions that helped build Griffith into the community it is today. A pop-up café is also on every Thursday from 10:00am–12:00pm. Free entry. Find out more

Il Corso Cafe Spritz Special 24–30 August | 140 Banna Avenue
Il Corso Cafe is running a $10 spritz special throughout the entire festival week, with Aperol, Limoncello and Hugo Spritz on offer. No bookings required - just walk in. Find out more

Sorseggia e Assaggia (Sip + Taste) at Calabria Family Wines 24–30 August | 1283 Brayne Rd, Griffith
Immerse yourself in the Calabria family's Italian heritage with a self-guided tasting of five Italian-inspired wines paired with an antipasto board, using premium Riedel and Spiegelau glassware. Afterwards, explore the winery museum at your own pace. Tickets are $30. Bookings recommended - sessions start from 11:00am. Book here

Aperitivo Hour at Whitton Malt House 24–30 August | Whitton Darlington Point Rd, Whitton
Each evening during the festival, Whitton Malt House opens its lakeside setting for Aperitivo al Lago - Italian aperitivo drinks and grazing plates served as the sun goes down. No bookings needed. Find out more

Il Corso Cafe Pizza Special 24–30 August | 140 Banna Avenue
Alongside the spritz special, Il Corso is also offering 10% off all pizzas for the duration of the festival week.
Find out more

The Gem Hotel – Viva Italia! 24–30 August | 201–207 Banna Avenue
The Gem Hotel is dedicating the whole week to Italian cocktail culture - Bellinis, Limoncello coolers, digestifs and espresso-based creations to take you through the flavours of Italy from aperitivo to nightcap. Find out more

A Taste of Italy – Griffith Exies Edition 24–30 August | 6–12 Jondaryan Avenue
The Griffith Exies Club is marking the full festival week with Italian-inspired bistro specials, specialty cocktails and live entertainment throughout. Find out more

Tuesday 25 August

Milano's Coffee House – Caffe Crema 25–30 August | 252 Banna Avenue
Milano's Coffee House is inviting festival goers to try their famous Caffè Crema - a smooth, refreshing iced coffee available in flavours including Coffee, Pistachio and more. No booking needed. Find out more

Wednesday 26 August

Bocce at the Museum 10:00am–4:00pm | Pioneer Park Museum
Book a bocce court on the museum grounds for a friendly game with family or friends, then explore the Italian Museum with a self-guided tour. Bring a picnic and make a relaxed afternoon of it. Book here

Musica La Museo – Music at the Museum5:30pm–8:30pm | Pioneer Park Museum
An evening of music and culture inside Pioneer Park Museum, inspired by the legacy of Griffith's Continental Music Club. Guests enjoy pizza and wine while listening to original Italian records that helped define the community's cultural life. Tickets are $35–$40. Book here

Thursday 27 August

Taste of Italy Fiesta at Yarran Wines 27–29 August | 178 Myall Park Rd, Yenda
Running across three days, the Yarran Wines fiesta offers a relaxed tasting experience in the vineyard, surrounded by the landscape that makes this part of the Riverina so special. Tickets are $30. Book here

Aperitivo Time at Harvest HQ 27–29 August | 127 Banna Avenue
Harvest HQ is hosting the classic Italian aperitivo tradition - a relaxed early evening drink with light bites including olives and cheese, as the social warm-up before dinner. Sessions run Thursday to Saturday. Find out more

Italian Variety Tasting Experience at Harvest HQ 27–30 August | 127 Banna Avenue
Taste five Italian varieties from local Riverina wineries at Harvest HQ, with 4pm and 5pm sessions available Thursday to Saturday, and a Sunday session at 2pm. Tickets start at $20 per person. Book here

Cucina Regionale at Zecca Handmade 27 August | 239 Banna Avenue
A winter celebration dinner dedicated to the food, wine and culture of Lombardia - northern Italy's most influential culinary region. Chef Ben Di Rosa leads the evening, which spans the rich flavours of the Po Valley and alpine north. Tickets are $95. Book here

Makers in the Piazza 3:00pm–7:00pm | Kooyoo Street Mall
An afternoon street event bringing together local makers, authentic Italian food and community spirit in the heart of Griffith's Kooyoo Street Mall. A great free option for the whole family. Find out more

Friday 28 August

Morella Grove Pop Up 28–29 August | Kooyoo Kiosk, Kooyoo Street
Visit the Morella Grove pop-up at the Kooyoo Kiosk to sample their full range of olive oils and products straight from their family grove in the Riverina. Running Friday from 8:00am and Saturday until 12:00pm. Find out more

Zecca Hand-Rolled Pasta Making Demonstration 4:30pm–7:30pm | 239 Banna Avenue
Watch pasta expert and chef Ben Di Rosa guide you through the time-honoured art of hand-rolling pasta from scratch - no machines, just skill and tradition. This hands-on demonstration experience is $85 per person. Book here

Pauly J "Ti Ricordi" 8:00pm–10:00pm | Griffith Regional Theatre
A concert-style experience taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through the Italian songs that defined generations, reimagined live by Pauly J and his band with a modern twist. Expect a high-energy night of Italian music and culture. Book here

Saturday 29 August

Saturday Sidewalk Sale 9:00am–2:00pm | Banna Avenue
Wander Banna Avenue and browse the local retail stalls lining the sidewalk for a classic market-day morning at the heart of the festival. Free to attend. Find out more

Best Homemade Salami Competition 10:30am–2:00pm | Yoogali Club, 647 Mackay Ave
One of the most hotly contested events of the festival, the Leo Franco Motors and Casella Family Brands salami competition sees the battle between northern and southern Italian makers play out for the title of King of the Salami Makers. Entry to watch is free. Find out more

Gnocchi the Italian Way10:30am–3:00pm | Bella Vita Riverina Tours, Lot 3 Gordon Rd, Yenda
Roll up your sleeves and learn to make soft, pillowy gnocchi from scratch in this hands-on class where flour flies and good humour fills the kitchen. No experience required, just a love of great food. Tickets are $150. Book here

Sagra Italiana 11:00am–6:00pm | Piccolo Family Farm, Mallinson Rd, Lake Wyangan
Held at the beautiful Piccolo Family Farm, Sagra Italiana recreates the spirit of a traditional Italian village festival with authentic cuisine, wine, music and community at the heart of it all. Tickets are $30. Book here

Italian Gastronomy – Vino and Salsiccia Festa at Calabria 11:30am–4:00pm | Calabria Family Wines, 1283 Brayne Rd
A celebration of Southern Italian flavour featuring authentic salsiccia, pasta, pizza, and a spectacular live porchetta spit roast, alongside a lively Salumi Bar, cannoli, gelato and espresso by Sydcily. Live accordion and tarantella entertainment throughout. Tickets are $22. Book here

Bonegilla – The Migrant's Journey3:00pm–4:30pm | Griffith Regional Theatre
After selling out venues across Australia, this powerful multimedia performance returns to Griffith to share the true stories of post-war migrants who passed through the Bonegilla Migrant Camp - told through interviews, archival photographs, and a live violin and grand piano score. Book here

A Taste of Italy on the Terrace 5:00pm–11:30pm | Griffith Southside Leagues Club, 2 Bridge Rd
Head to the Leagues Club terrace for an evening of Italian street food from the food truck, live music and la dolce vita vibes to close out the day in style. Find out more

Zecca Aperitivo 6:00pm–10:00pm | Zecca Handmade, 239 Banna Avenue
A stand-up, casual aperitivo evening in the spirit of Italy's early evening ritual, with an Aperol Spritz or glass of Prosecco on arrival plus a complimentary cicchetto (small bite). Tickets are $25. Book here

Exies Live Music – Hidden Thief 8:00pm–11:30pm | Griffith Exies Club, 6–12 Jondaryan Avenue
Cap off Saturday night at the Exies with live entertainment from Hidden Thief. Free for members, entry conditions apply. Find out more

Sunday 30 August

Griffith Rotary Market 7:30am–11:30am | Griffith Showgrounds, Murrumbidgee Avenue
The weekly Rotary Market is a perfect Sunday morning addition to the festival weekend, with seasonal produce, Italian biscuits, olive oil, honey, bread and more from local growers and makers.
Entry by gold coin donation. Find out more

Tastings at La Piccola Grosseria 8:00am–12:00pm | 444 Banna Avenue
Stop into La Piccola Grosseria and Italian Deli for free tastings of gourmet Italian smallgoods and cheeses, plus a complimentary espresso for every customer who walks through the door. Find out more

Colazione: Breakfast at Limone 8:00am–12:00pm | Limone Restaurant, 482 Banna Avenue
Limone Dining opens its doors for breakfast on the final morning of the festival.
Bookings are recommended. Book here

SOLD OUT Festa del Salsicce e Salami – Griffith Salami Festival 11:00am–4:00pm | Yoogali Club Oval‍ ‍
This beloved pranzo lungo is fully booked for 2026, with lucky ticket holders sitting down to an Italian smorgasbord lunch at the Yoogali Club Oval while the salami competition winners are announced.
Keep an eye on the website for future years. Find out more

"Macchina" Car and Bike Show at Berton Vineyards 11:00am–4:00pm | 55 Mirrool Avenue, Yenda
Berton Vineyards hosts a relaxed, family-friendly display of Italian vehicles and motorcycles - though all makes and clubs are welcome. Enjoy a picnic vibe with wine, food and beautiful classic cars. Entry is $5. Book here

La Tavola Lunga at De Bortoli Wines 12:00pm–4:00pm | De Bortoli Rd, Bilbul
The long table lunch returns to De Bortoli Wines for the festival finale - a celebration of the Italian tradition of sharing food, wine and conversation with friends old and new. Tickets are $170. Book here

Plan your visit

How to get to griffith?

By car: Griffith is approximately six and a half hours from Sydney via the Hume and Sturt highways, around four hours from Canberra and just over three hours from Wagga Wagga — an easy drive through some of the Riverina's most scenic country.

By plane, coach or train: Regional Express and Qantas fly direct from Sydney to Griffith Airport (GFF) multiple times daily, with the flight taking under an hour. NSW TrainLink operates coach services from Sydney's Central Station directly to Griffith, and train connections are available via the NSW TrainLink XPT with a coach transfer at Cootamundra.

BEst places to stay in griffith?

Check out where to stay in the Riverina here or head to the Visit Griffith website for more.

best restaurants in griffith?

We’ve got a guide for the best places to eat in Griffith.