The Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) announced today that, for the next three years, the annual Maryland Italian Festival will be led by new title sponsor Frank Avena.
The 2026 Avena Maryland Italian Festival, presented by Jarrettsville Furniture and hosted by SIAB, will be held Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27, returning to the grounds of Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.
Avena, a respected Italian American businessman and philanthropist, is the owner of Avena Contracting, a national leader in commercial construction, and Jarrettsville Furniture, a premier destination for luxury design. Together, the Avena companies reflect a legacy rooted in hard work, entrepreneurial vision and family values—principles that have fueled their growth and success across industries.
“My Italian roots have always been a source of strength, pride and inspiration,” said Avena. “Supporting the Maryland Italian Festival is about honoring that heritage and celebrating the traditions of family, culture and community that define who we are.”
The fourth annual three-day festival, which has welcomed nearly 60,000 attendees from 25 states and 8 different countries since its inaugural event in 2023, will feature an extensive array of attractions. Highlights include live musical performances throughout the weekend, carnival rides and games, authentic Italian cuisine and beverages, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, as well as numerous retail vendors and performance artists. Guests can also expect the return of VIP villas, appearances by Mario & Luigi, and fireworks on both Friday and Saturday night.
“This year’s festival holds particular significance due to our partnership with local Italian businessman Frank Avena and Jarrettsville Furniture, keeping the foundation of the festival rooted in Maryland,” said Joe Papa, festival co-chair. “Their generosity and dedication to the community are instrumental in broadening the festival’s scope and enhancing its influence, and we sincerely appreciate their support.”
Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2026 festival will introduce an expanded Heritage Village, designed to immerse attendees in an experience inspired by the streets of Italy. Highlights will include a live cooking station, an Italian marketplace and vendors showcasing traditional foods and artisanal goods.
The festival will run until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Military Night will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, and will feature a color guard presentation, a tribute to the Fisher House Foundation—a national nonprofit with headquarters in Rockville, Md. that supports military families—and a performance of the National Anthem. Active-duty service members, veterans and their families will receive 50% off admission.
For updates on entertainment, programming and ticket sales and to subscribe to the festival newsletter, visit www.marylanditalianfestival.com.
The Avena Maryland Italian Festival presented by Jarrettsville Furniture and hosted by SIAB, is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors—including media partners CBS Baltimore and 100.7 The Bay.