PITTSBURGH \u2014 Pittsburgh\u2019s Little Italy Days kicks off this week for its 26th year.<\/p>\n
The annual festival starts Thursday and runs through Sunday along Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield. <\/p>\n
The festival features three performance stages offering music and dance acts. Vendors throughout will serve Italian food items, including pizza, pasta and sausage, as well as Italian wines and desserts.<\/p>\n
Musical performances across the festival\u2019s three stages include Mia Zanotti, known as Mia Z, a finalist from the television show \u201cThe Voice,\u201d and Let\u2019s Groove Tonight, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band. The event line-up also features Almost Sinatra, a 17-piece big band performing songs by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, alongside other singers, musicians and dancers.<\/p>\n
The festival includes the Annual Irish vs. Italians Celebrity Bocce Game, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. The bocce tournament features local sports figures, politicians and media and entertainment personalities.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, Aug. 15, an actor identified as Vito from the television series \u201cThe Sopranos\u201d will participate in the event. The appearance includes a question-and-answer session and storytelling segment. <\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> for a full schedule.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n