Some streets in Downtown Warren will be closed as of 6 p.m. Wednesday to make way for the return of the four-day-long Italian American Heritage Festival.

After taking a break last year due to the pandemic, the 36th annual festival will be held from Wednesday, August 12 through Sunday, August 15, 2021.

The event celebrates Italian culture and heritage and helps raise funds for nine, $1,000 scholarships for area students.

In addition to music from the area’s favorite Italian musicians, this year’s festival features yearly favorites including a bocce tournament, the Tiny King and Queen Pageant, and the Miss Warren Italian Festival Pageant.

There’s plenty to eat and drink.  Spectators are invited to cheer on their favorite at the Meatball Eating Contest and the Wine Tasting Competition.

Some highlights of the event are Sunday’s the Procession of the Madonna on Sunday followed by an outdoor Italian mass, as well as a parade later in the day.

The following Downtown streets will be closed from Wednesday, August 11th, at 6 p.m. through Monday, August 16.

• Mahoning Avenue at High Street and Market Street
• Market Street at Mahoning Avenue and Park Avenue
• High Street at Park Avenue and Mahoning Av… See More

Daily schedule of events:

Thursday, Aug. 12, 4:00 PM-11:00 PM

4:00 PM - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

6:00-11:00 PM - Bocce Tournament

Cultural / Heritage Displays in front of courthouse 6:00 - 10:00 PM

6:30 PM to 11:00 PM  -  Rex Taneri Band - Beer Tent

6:30 PM  - The Tiny King and Queen Pageant - Main Stage

7:30 PM-The Miss Warren Italian Festival Pageant - Main Stage

Friday, Aug. 13, 11:00 AM  - 11:00 PM

5:00 PM  -  11:00 PM  -  Bocce Tournament

Cultural / Heritage Displays in front of courthouse  6:00 - 10:00 PM 

7:00 PM to 11:00 PM  -  DJ Tom Angelo - Beer Tent

7:00  - Recognition of Scholarship Recipients - Main Stage

9:15 - 10:15 - Nunzio & Melodies - Main Stage

Saturday, Aug. 14 11:00 AM  - 11:00 PM

9:00 AM  -  11:00 PM  -  Bocce Tournament

Cultural / Heritage Displays in front of courthouse 12 noon - 10:00 PM

?12:00 - 1:00 - Registration for Meatball eating contest

1:30 - Meatball Eating contest

1:00 - Wine Tasting Competition- Gazebo

2:00 - Morra Tournament

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM  -   The Jim Frank Combo - Beer Tent

7:00 - 11:00  Guys Without Ties - Beer Tent

6:30 - 8:30 - Mirella the Musician - Main Stage

8:00 - 9:15  -  Aaron Caruso - Main Stage

9:15 - 10:45  -  Lights Out - Main Stage

?Sunday, Aug. 15, 9:15 AM  - 11:00 PM

9:15 AM  -  Procession of the Madonna

9:30 AM  -  Outdoor Italian Mass

11:00 AM  -  Bocce Tournament

Cultural / Heritage Displays  in front of courthouse  12 noon - 10:00 PM

2:00 PM  -  Parade

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM  -   The Italian Cousins - Beer Tent

7:00 - 11:00 PM  -  The Vegas Band - Beer Tent

6:30 - 7:30 -  Dominic Tocco - Main Stage

8:00 - 9:00  -  Aaron  Caruso - Main Stage

9:15 - 10:30  -  Lights Out - Main Stage