2025 St. Anthony’s Italian Festival – May 31 & June 7–8

One of the area’s oldest and best loved events in Cortland County, The St. Anthony’s Italian Festival, will kick-off Saturday May 31. The 120- year- old celebration is rich in both religious and cultural history.  The festival can be traced back to June 13, 1905 when a 21- piece band, followed by Italian residents of the city, paraded through the streets of Cortland, with a statue of St. Anthony, to St. Mary’s church where Mass was celebrated. The tradition of honoring the patron saint in this way has its roots in Italy.

The cultural aspects of the festival have become well known for delicious homemade Italian food. Kicking off the events is a Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, May 31, 4-7pm in the church hall on 50 Pomeroy Street, Cortland. Both eat-in or take-out options are available.  

On Saturday, June 7, from 4 to 10pm, Italian favorites including sausage sandwiches, pizza, meatball subs, Utica Greens, Tomato Pie, Pizza Fritta, Gelato, and a variety of Dolci (Italian cookies /sweets) will be available. Live music, provided by Jenna Noelle & The Extras, and The Fall Creek Brass Band, is sure to have the crowd rocking and rolling. In addition, a prize wheel, raffles, and Italian novelties round out Saturday’s activities. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, which can be viewed from the festival grounds.

On Sunday, June 8, from 12:30 to 6pm the festival opens with the same delicious food, children’s games, raffles, and a cake wheel. Live entertainment for the day includes The Steve Daniels Swingtet, Molly and the Ringwalds, and The Cortland Old Timers Band.

Highlighting the religious aspect of the festival is a 9:30 Mass Sunday morning featuring 13 young boys, dressed as monks, singing an Italian hymn honoring St. Anthony. This hymn, sung in Italian, often brings tears to the eyes, as parishioners remember, honor, and celebrate family members and friends who have passed.

The Mass concludes on an upbeat note when The Cortland Old Timers Band enters the sanctuary to play Caderna, a beloved Italian March. Their rendition of this traditional Italian march has the members of the church waving flags and banners, clapping hands, and swaying to the beat. This kicks off the celebratory mood for the rest of the weekend.

A procession of parishioners bearing the statue of St. Anthony, the banner of St. Anthony, and carrying regional banners of Italy takes a walk around neighboring streets that were originally settled by early Italian immigrants. Honoring the essence of our faith, the risen Jesus Christ, the Eucharist will be present in the Monstrance and reverently carried by Deacon Tim Stedman.   

The St. Anthony’s Festival Committee is grateful to the many corporate sponsors, without whose support this weekend would not be possible, and to the community that has attended and supported this event for over 100 years.  

Please join in the cultural and religious celebration for Cortland’s (un) official opening of the summer season Saturday, May 31 and the weekend of June 7 and 8.