Source / Feast of Santa Rosalia
Brooklyn’s largest Italian-American feast is officially back, bringing 10 straight days of sizzling sausage, powdered sugar zeppoles, and old-school neighborhood spirit to Bensonhurst.
Known as one of the borough’s most cherished traditions, the annual Feast of Santa Rosalia has taken over 18th Avenue for its 52nd year.
The feast celebrates Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, and a centuries-old tradition dating back to 1624. That year, a devastating plague swept through Palermo, and Santa Rosalia became associated with the end of the outbreak after her remains were discovered and carried through the city in procession.
More than 400 years later, that tradition lives on in Bensonhurst, transforming a major stretch of Kings County into an expansive, open-air street party.
If you haven’t made it down yet, you’re running out of time: the festivities wrap up this Sunday, August 30th.
🇮🇹 What to expect at the 52nd Feast of Santa Rosalia
Though the Feast kicked off on Thursday, August 20, the festivities span 10 full days, giving New Yorkers until this weekend to soak up all the food, fun, and festivities.
For the duration of the celebration, 18th Avenue (Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard) between 68th and 75th Streets in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is closed to car traffic, transforming the stretch into one of the borough’s biggest Italian-American street parties.
Here’s what you can expect to find along the avenue:
Italian & Sicilian Street Eats: Stalls lined with powdered sugar-covered zeppoles, freshly filled cannolis, sizzling sausage and peppers, and wood-fired slices
Carnival Rides & Games: Classic ferris wheels, arcade-style booths, and carnival rides for all ages spanning across multiple blocks
Nightly Live Music & Local Acts: Stages set up along 18th Avenue feature live Italian-American vocalists, DJs, and neighborhood performers every single evening
Traditional Religious Procession: The holy centerpiece of the festival takes place on Sunday, August 30 at 2 pm, marching from 18th Avenue and 72nd Street behind a live marching band, followed by a 3 pm Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Carlo Scissura, member of the Feast of Santa Rosalia committee, stated:
Once again, Bensonhurst and 18th Avenue become the center of Sicily and Palermo in New York as we celebrate the annual festa di Santa Rosalia. It is a moment for the entire community to come together and celebrate the richness of this tradition and the fun and excitement of an Italian feast in New York City. Buona festa.
Source / Feast of Santa Rosalia
🛑 Street closures to keep on your radar
To accommodate the festival, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has closed the following corridor to car traffic:
Closed Corridor: 18th Avenue from 68th Street to 75th Street (Bay Ridge Parkway)
Hours of Closure: Weekdays from 4 pm – 10 pm | Weekends from 12 pm – 11 pm
Pro-tip: Driving or parking near Bensonhurst during feast hours will be exceptionally difficult. Take the N train to 18th Ave or the D train to 79th St for direct walkup access.
📍 Event details at a glance
What: The 52nd annual Feast of Santa Rosalia
When: Now through Sunday, August 30, 2026 | Weekdays: 5 pm – 10 pm, Weekends: 5 pm – 11 pm
Where: 18th Avenue (Cristoforo Colombo Blvd) between 68th St & Bay Ridge Pkwy, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Cost: Free admission (Pay-as-you-go food, drinks, and games)