The free, two-day celebration at Fox Park will feature Italian specialties, live entertainment, a tomato pie eating contest and activities for the entire family.
WILDWOOD, N.J. — The sights, sounds and flavors of Italy will take over Fox Park next weekend as the Wildwoods welcome the 22nd annual Olde Tyme Italian Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3.
The free, two-day celebration of Italian culture and heritage will feature traditional Italian food, live music, entertainment, vendors and family activities.
Hosted by the Sons of Italy's Sylvester Grande Lodge No. 1838 in the Wildwoods, the annual fundraiser will take place at Fox Park on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery avenues, directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center.
The festival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Italian Food Takes Center Stage
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Italian favorites, including roasted pork, sausage and peppers, chicken cutlets, pasta, fresh cannoli and zeppole.
The festival will also feature vendors offering Italian specialties and handmade merchandise.
Families can enjoy children's activities, while other attractions include a tomato pie eating contest, raffle baskets and 50/50 drawings.
The annual event raises funds for the local Sons of Italy lodge while celebrating Italian-American heritage and bringing residents and visitors together for a weekend of food and entertainment.
Friday's Entertainment Features Dennis Tufano of The Buckinghams
The festival begins Friday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m. with Mass and the Procession of Saints.
The evening's entertainment lineup includes Michael Jones, Stiletto & Sax, Bobby Wilson, The Chiclettes and Dennis Tufano of The Buckinghams.
Tufano is known as the original lead singer of The Buckinghams, the Chicago-based group whose hits include "Kind of a Drag," "Don't You Care" and "Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)."
The Friday festivities continue until 10 p.m.
Saturday Brings a Full Day of Music and Entertainment
The festival resumes Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon, with Joey M and Tommy Cono serving as hosts.
DJ Joe Notes will kick off the day's musical entertainment, followed by a full lineup of live performances.
Saturday's scheduled entertainers include Just in Time, Zach Taglioli and Billy Carlucci of The Essentials.
The afternoon and evening will also feature several tribute performances, including Johnny "Bones" Cipparone performing the music of Roy Orbison, Jordan Carroll paying tribute to Barry White and Forever Donna celebrating the music of Donna Summer.
Food vendors, family activities and other festival attractions will continue throughout the day, with festivities concluding at 10 p.m.
A Wildwoods Fall Tradition
Now in its 22nd year, the Olde Tyme Italian Festival has become a fall tradition in the Wildwoods, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate Italian culture through food, music and community activities.
The festival is organized by the Sons of Italy's Sylvester Grande Lodge No. 1838, which uses the event as a fundraiser.
Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
Festival Details
22nd Annual Olde Tyme Italian Festival
Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Friday: 5–10 p.m. · Saturday: Noon–10 p.m.
Fox Park, Wildwood
Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery avenues, across from the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Free admission
Food, vendors, entertainment and family activities.
Festival information
856-300-6180
Visit festival website
For additional information about the Wildwoods and upcoming events, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
