In 1991, Newport Mayor Jerry Peluso and Commissioner Thomas Guidugli decided to create a family-oriented event that would honor the community’s rich cultural heritage and reflect Newport pride: Newport Italianfest. Twenty-five years later, Italianfest is going strong with an expected 120,000 visitors, eats from nine of the area’s most popular Italian restaurants and a packed schedule. Historic photos of the region’s Italian settlers will be on hand, along with rides, an Italian wine tent, pizza-eating contests, live music and Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks on Friday and Saturday. 5-11 p.m. Thursday; 5-11:30 p.m.
Friday; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., italianfestnewport.com.