14th Annual Fall Festival & Car Show at Casa Belvedere Features High School Artists

14th Annual Fall Festival & Car Show at Casa Belvedere Features High School Artists

If there’s one event that perfectly combines Italian flair, fast cars, delicious food, and community spirit, it’s the Fall Festival & Italian Exotic Car Show at Casa Belvedere. Now in its 14th year, this annual celebration returns on Saturday, October 11, from 12 pm to 6 pm,  and Sunday, October 12, from 12 pm to 5 pm, once again transforming the scenic Grymes Hill estate into Staten Island’s very own slice of Italy. This year, the 14th Annual Fall Festival at Casa Belvedere will feature artwork by talented artists from Michael J. Petrides High School. 

Perched high above New York Harbor, Casa Belvedere, the Italian Cultural Foundation, offers one of the most breathtaking backdrops on Staten Island. The mansion itself, an exquisite historic landmark, sets the tone for a weekend filled with elegance and tradition. But what truly makes this festival special is the unique blend of attractions it offers. From luxury automobiles to mouthwatering Italian dishes and live entertainment, there’s something here to delight every member of the family.

A Paradise for Car Lovers

Automotive fans will find themselves in heaven as dozens of meticulously maintained Italian classics and modern performance vehicles line the mansion’s sweeping grounds. This year’s roster includes some of the most iconic names in Italian engineering: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia. Whether you’re a lifelong car fan or simply someone who appreciates beautiful design, the chance to get up close and personal with these world-class machines is an opportunity not to be missed.

Adding even more excitement, Manhattan Motor Cars and Manhattan Lamborghini are showcasing rare, high-profile vehicles. On Saturday, attendees can expect to see a Lamborghini Temerario TBC and/or the Lamborghini Revuelto, alongside the sleek Lamborghini Urus SE. On Sunday, the lineup shifts slightly with the addition of a Bentley Bentayga Speed, while the Temerario TBC and/or Revuelto return for a second appearance. These cars are not just modes of transportation; they’re rolling works of art that embody the very best of Italian innovation.  

Art Meets Automobiles with Michael J. Petrides High School 

This year’s art exhibit, “Driven by Imagination,” will feature artwork created by students from Michael J. Petrides High School under the guidance of art teacher Gerard Ucelli. The exhibit highlights young Staten Island talent and adds a creative dimension to the festival, reinforcing Casa Belvedere’s mission of celebrating art and culture in all its forms.

“The Michael J. Petrides School is honored to have our students’ artwork featured at Casa Belvedere’s Italian Festival. This wonderful partnership has provided our young artists with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and cultural pride in such a prestigious and historic setting. We are deeply grateful to Casa Belvedere for opening their doors and allowing our students’ work to be displayed as part of this celebration of Italian tradition, family, and community. Opportunities like this inspire our students to connect their artistic talents with Staten Island’s rich cultural heritage.” –  Erick Varga, Assistant Principal

A Stage for Italian Music and Culture

Of course, Casa Belvedere’s festival wouldn’t be complete without music. Throughout the weekend, the air will be filled with the sounds of celebrated Italian performers. This year’s entertainment lineup features Francesca Cavaliere, Antonio Guarna, Gian Faraone, and the ever-popular MGM Guarnera Brothers, with special guest performances sprinkled in to keep audiences dancing and singing along. 

A Taste of Italy 

Festivalgoers can also look forward to indulging in some of Italy’s most beloved culinary traditions. Food vendors will be serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, savory sausage and peppers, and sweet treats like warm, powdered sugar-dusted zeppole. 

Beyond food, the festival atmosphere includes shopping opportunities with specialty vendors offering Italian-inspired merchandise and artisan goods. Families with children will appreciate the family-friendly activities, which include a pumpkin patch, carnival games, and raffles. 

Supporting the Community

While the festival offers a weekend packed with excitement, it also carries a deeper purpose. Proceeds from the event support the Italian Cultural Foundation’s extensive roster of arts, cultural, and educational programs, which serve as a resource for the Staten Island community year-round. Additionally, part of the funds raised will benefit On Your Mark, a local nonprofit that has been serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental challenges since 1979. Attending the festival not only guarantees a wonderful experience but also supports two meaningful causes.

Plan Your Visit

The 14th Annual Fall Festival & Italian Exotic Car Show is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. This year, Perillo Tours is the Title Sponsor, while Colavita, DeFazio Industries, the Italian American Podcast, and Killsboro Brewery take the spotlight as Center Stage sponsors. Their contributions help ensure the event remains one of Staten Island’s most anticipated fall traditions.

Admission is $10 per adult per day, while children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is conveniently available, with valet service located across the street, as well as free parking at Wagner College, which includes a shuttle bus to the event site. In case of rain, the festival will be held on Monday, October 13.  

Where: Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Ave., Staten Island, NY
When: Saturday, Oct. 11 (12–6 pm) and Sunday, Oct. 12 (12–5 pm)
Admission: $10 per adult; free for children 12 and under with an adult