Italian Festivals
  hosted by St. Leo the Great

  Feast of St. Anthony
  June 8-9, 2013

  Feast of St. Gabriele
  August 17-18, 2013

 

The spirit of un carnevale takes over as the streets are blocked off for two days and la festa begins, commencing the beginning of the summer with the Feast of St. Anthony Italian festival in June, a Little Italy tradition for decades and the end of summer with the Feast of St. Gabriele in late August. For a $1 admission, expect live stage music, dancing, games of chance, kids' activities, pizza, vino, porchetta, Italian sausage and other food, cannoli, pasta, gelato, vendors and crafters, fried dough, souvenirs, and old-fashioned camaraderie between paesani.

 

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Bocce Leagues & Tournaments

Bocce is a great tradition in Little Italy and a large part of the neighborhood. Our bocce courts on Stiles Street provide a place to play the sport during warmer months and provide a gathering venue as residents, players and spectators mill around the courts to talk, share and laugh. Organized leagues play bocce on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Tournaments are typically offered during both Italian festivals in June and August and during the Columbus Day Commemoration. More info is posted on the bocce page.

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Little Italy Open Air Film Fest
(Cinema Al Fresco)

Scroll down for 2013 Movie Schedule

FREE! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Friday evenings through July & August
Corner of High & Stiles Streets
Live music 7 pm -- Movie begins 9 pm
(except on August 16 & 23 at 8:30 pm)

FREE POPCORN!
Sponsored by Colombo Bank

One of Little Italy’s more popular events, the Open Air Film Fest has thrived since 1999! Arrive early to set up a lawn chair (limited folding chairs provided), stroll the neighborhood and eat dinner at one of our many restaurants before settling in to watch an Italian-related feature film. Movies are projected onto the outside wall of Ciao Bella Restaurant in the Da Mimmo Ristorante parking lot from a rowhome across the street, at the kindness of its owner. Ray Lancelotta, nephew of the previous homeowner, the late "Mr. John" Pente, wholeheartedly supports the Film Fest, as did his uncle. Mr. John had allowed a projector to be set up in his third floor bedroom window since the inception of this event, all for the good of the neighborhood. Mr. John passed away in 2011 at age 100 and had lived in the house all of his life.

2013 MOVIE SCHEDULE
Event hosted by the
Original Little Italy Restaurant Association

OPENING NIGHT!
July 5 - Moonstruck (PG, 102 minutes)
When the moon is full, anything can happen! And it does in this romantic comedy about the lives and loves of an extended Italian-American family in Brooklyn. Cher won the Academy Award® as Best Actress for her outstanding performance in this heartwarming celebration of life, love and family ties.

July 12 - To Rome with Love (R, 112 minutes)Romance! Adventure! Hilarity! Italy! Woody Allen leads this all-star cast on a rollicking ride through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities. Lovers and fiancés, opera singers and architects, the talented and the famous, and the youthful and the wise, are all players within this engaging film as their stories and lives magically crisscross and collide.

July 19 - Von Ryan's Express
(Not Rated 116 minutes)
As the Allies begin to push the Nazis back toward Germany, U.S. combat pilot Col. Joseph Ryan (Frank Sinatra) is shot down and placed in a prison camp. Ryan masterminds a daredevil race for freedom that involves commandeering a train across Italy to Switzerland with the Nazis in hot pursuit. A film of blazing action, hair-raising chases and spectacular Italian scenery that runs full speed until the nail-biting finale!

July 26 - Marriage Italian Style
(Not Rated, 102 minutes, dubbed in English)
Filumena (Sophia Loren) was working in a brothel when she first met Domenico (Marcello Mastroianna), and since has been his mistress. Upon hearing that he plans to marry a much younger woman, she devises a brilliant scheme to convince him that he should be marrying her. This spicy Italian romp showcases the charms of the ever-beautiful Sophia Loren and the equally suave Marcello Mastroianni.

August 2 - Casino Royale (PG-13, 144 minutes)
James Bond is introduced in this movie before he holds a license to kill! Yet he is no less dangerous and quickly elevated to "double O" status. "M," played by Judi Dench, head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar, Bahamas and Montenegro.

August 9 - Eat Pray Love (PG-13, 140 minutes)Believing there’s more to life than a husband, house and career, Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) finds herself with a new appetite for life in this inspiring true story, based on the bestselling book.

August 16 - La Dolce Vita
(Not Rated, 174 minutes, Italian with English subtitles)
Due to its length, this film will begin at 8:30 pm
Marcello Mastroianni stars as a tabloid reporter with a beat among Rome's international jet set. This role made Marcello an international sensation.

August 23 - The Godfather II (R, 202 minutes)
Due to its length, this film will begin at 8:30 p.m.
The saga continues in the epic Godfather trilogy in what is undeniably one of the best sequels ever made. Two generations of power within the Corleone family weave a tale of interwoven stories in this film that work as both a prequel and sequel to the original.

CLOSING NIGHT!
August 30 - Cinema Paradiso
(PG, 123 minutes, Italian with English subtitles)
In a small Italian town, a young boy is mesmerized by a movie theater and strikes up a dynamic friendship with its warm-hearted projectionist. The film takes place after World War II and follows the pair's bittersweet companionship.

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Little Italy Lodge
905 E. Pratt Street
410.685.3116

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS
5-8 p.m.

Every Friday night at the cozy Little Italy Lodge on Pratt Street, the wonderful chef members offer an inexpensive and delicious home-cooked meal. Your mouth will begin to water as soon as you step through the doors. For a low price, enjoy the featured entrée plus a fresh garden salad, crusty Italian bread and coffee/tea. For a few more dollars, other options are available. Friendly volunteer Lodge members donned in red/white/green aprons serve the meal. Cash bar available for soft drinks and alcohol. Friday night lodge dinners are open to members and their guests. Children are welcome and high chairs are available.

LODGE BINGO
Bingo is offered every third Sunday of the month with a Grand Prize Jackpot of $1,000 for filling the card in 55 numbers or less; consolation prize $150. Complete games package $10. Doors open 12 noon; first game 1:00 p.m. Food available for purchase.

OTHER EVENTS
The Lodge offers many dances, day trips and other social events. Please visit their website for more information or to learn about how to become a member.

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St. Leo Ravioli Dinners
Annually in March and November

Next dinner! November 3, 2013
(click to view photos from March 2013)

In the heart of the neighborhood, St. Leo’s is famous for its’ sit-down spaghetti and ravioli dinners held twice a year in the school hall. Taste melt-in-your-mouth homemade ravioli and meatballs made by devoted volunteers, try your luck at the cake and game wheels, visit a vendor table and taste a little vino. No time to sit down? For 50 cents extra, carry-out is available in the parish hall at 227 S. Exeter Street. Contact the parish office for more information at 410-675-7275.

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Columbus Day Parade & Commemoration
Saturday, October 12, 2013

Columbus Day is a significant celebrazione for the Italian community, to commemorate the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who first introduced Europe to America. This event is another way the community of Little Italy strives to upkeep the spirit of their ancestors and heritage. It begins at the Columbus Piazza on President Street as civic groups lay their honorary wreaths at the base of the statue, continues on with a brunch for ticket holders in Little Italy, then the main event commences at 2 pm - the Columbus Day Parade. Groups such as marching bands, dancers, and community organizations are invited to submit an application to participate in the parade. Email info@littleitalymd.com to receive an application.

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Christmas Tree Lighting
first Friday in December
7 pm
High & Stiles Streets

The Original Little Italy Restaurant Association (L.I.R.A.) invites the public to experience the décor and splendor of the neighborhood as carolers from the Baltimore Choral Arts Society gather around the outdoor Christmas tree as the countdown to “light it up!” begins. Meet Santa Claus as you enjoy complimentary fresh roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider and cookies to toast the upcoming Christmas season.