Italian American Festival of the Upstate Returns to Fountain Inn for 5th Annual Celebration in October 2027

Following an extended hiatus, one of the Upstate’s premier cultural food and heritage celebrations is officially making its comeback.

Organizers of the Italian American Festival of the Upstate have announced that the 5th Annual festival will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2027, in Fountain Inn.

The festival team utilized the break to introduce major updates to the event, most notably a strategic calendar shift from its previous scheduling to mid-October. The move formally aligns the festival with national Italian American Heritage Month, giving the Golden Strip a dedicated autumn cultural celebration spotlighting Italian art, food, music, and community traditions.

Giving Back: 2027 Beneficiary & Mission

Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the festival is built around cultural education and community reinvestment. Each year, the event directs a portion of its proceeds toward local student scholarships, donations to area schools, and an overarching charitable cause.

For the 2027 festival, organizers have named the American Cancer Society as the official beneficiary charity.

Call for Sponsors and Volunteers

With planning underway for the 2027 return, the committee has launched an active call for corporate and local small business sponsors, as well as volunteers looking to join the event planning team.

Tiered sponsorship levels—named after celebrated Italian cities including Venice, Rome, Palermo, Milan, Florence, Bari, Vallelonga, and Casalbordino—range from $250 grassroots partnerships up to $10,000 presenting roles, alongside in-kind contributions.

Community members and business owners interested in sponsoring or getting involved can:

• Download Sponsor Forms: Visit the newly updated official website at italianamericanfestivalupstate.org.

• Email the Committee: Direct inquiries to [email protected].

• Connect Locally: Stop by Gio’s Pastry, Caffe and Italian Market, located at 218 S. Main St. in downtown Fountain Inn, to pick up sponsor information or donate in person.

Additional fundraiser events and entertainment schedules will be announced as the festival approaches.