In April, the Michael Towbes Library Plaza, at the Central Santa Barbara Library, will transform into an Italian piazza as La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture makes its debut.

Taking place Friday, April 10-Sunday, April 12, the festival invites the community to experience Italian culture through music, food, film, hands-on activities, and a vibrant marketplace.

All events are free and open to the public.

The festivities open with a musical event, accompanied by visuals from iconic Italian films, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday in the library’s Faulkner Gallery, 40 E. Anapamu St.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy seminars, culinary experiences, interactive activities, and an Italian-inspired market on the plaza. Each day concludes with a concert in the Faulkner Gallery featuring renowned musicians from around the world.
 
Several downtown Santa Barbara Italian restaurants will participate in the event by offering a special authentic dish at their locations, organizers said. A printed brochure map, available at the festival, will guide visitors to each participating restaurant.

For full schedules, participating vendors, and concert details, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/LaPiazza.

La Piazza is a local nonprofit rooted in the belief that music builds community and transcends language.