The sights, sounds and flavors of Italian heritage will soon take over downtown Clarksburg, but the celebration does not have to wait until festival weekend to begin.

As the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival prepares to return to downtown Clarksburg, several events and activities are planned in the days leading up to the festival, giving the community plenty of opportunities to get into the spirit early.

The annual festival has long been one of Clarksburg’s signature traditions, bringing thousands of visitors to the city to celebrate Italian culture, food, music, family and heritage. While the main festival weekend remains the centerpiece of the celebration, the days leading up to it are also filled with activities that showcase different parts of the Italian American experience.

• West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival’s Authors Forum Tonight

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library will host an evening dedicated to the stories, history and traditions that have helped shape Italian-American culture in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival’s Authors Forum will take place tonight, on the first floor of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The forum will bring together talented authors to share stories highlighting Italian, West Virginian and Italian-American culture, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the people, experiences and traditions that have contributed to the state’s rich Italian heritage. (Learn more about the participants down below)

• West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival 2026 Honorees

The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival will also recognize its 2026 honorees, celebrating individuals who have made an impact through their heritage, service, education and contributions to their communities.

This year’s honorees include Father Patsy Iaquinta, Italian-American Man of the Year; JoAnne McNemar, Italian-American Woman of the Year; Phil Cunningham, Honorary Italian Man of the Year; and Rosemarie C. Igbo, Honorary Italian Woman of the Year.

Vinnie Oliverio will receive the Samuel F. and Lucia D’Annunzio Father of the Year Award, while Rose Mazza will be recognized for Excellence in Education. John Madia will receive the Distinguished Pillar Award, and Laura Viglianco will be presented with the Italian Heritage Legacy Award.

Adding to the celebration, Lynne Russell and Chuck de Caro have been selected to serve as the 2026 parade marshals.

The annual honors provide the festival with an opportunity to recognize people whose accomplishments and contributions embody the values of family, community and heritage that remain at the heart of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.

• New Galbani Cooking Stage Brings Live Demonstrations to Festival

One of the new additions’ festivalgoers can look forward to in 2026 is the Galbani Cooking Stage, bringing live cooking demonstrations, local chefs, wine demonstrations and interactive activities to Fourth and Main streets throughout all three days of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.

The cooking stage gets underway Friday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. with Chef Anthony Anobile of Pierpont Culinary, followed by a MonValley Vineyards wine demonstration at 2 p.m. and Chef Sara Feltz of Pierpont Culinary at 3 p.m.

At 4 p.m., Mark Povroznik will take the main stage for a cooking demonstration, followed by celebrity “Chef Marco” Mark Sciortino at 5 p.m. Teresa Oliverio-Frease and Barbara Oliverio will round out Friday’s schedule at 6 p.m.

The demonstrations continue Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. with Douglas Pinn, followed by a Haunting Hill Wines demonstration at 2 p.m. Chef Mark Dinaldo of Silver Spoon Catering takes the stage at 3 p.m., followed by the Galbani Children’s Cheese Stacking Contest at 4 p.m. Chef Marco returns at 5 p.m., with Rose Mazza, Alessandra Messel, Daniela Battaglia and Maria Desito scheduled for 6 p.m.

Sunday’s lineup begins at 1 p.m. with Chef Kevin F. Pinti of Mountaineer Grill. Chef Marco returns at 2 p.m., followed by John Aloi of Papa Joe’s Famous Meats/Aloi’s Ristorante Rigatoni at 3 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers will have the chance to watch local chefs and home cooks create dishes during live cooking demonstrations featuring Galbani cheeses, adding another taste of Italian tradition to this year’s festivities.

The event provides another opportunity for residents and visitors to come together ahead of the festival while celebrating the traditions and community connections that have helped make the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival a Clarksburg tradition.

All of that excitement will lead into the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, set for Friday, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 6, in downtown Clarksburg.

• West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Parade on Saturday

One of the most anticipated traditions of festival weekend will also return Saturday, Sept. 5, as the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Parade makes its way through downtown Clarksburg.

Parade activities are scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon, bringing another morning of celebration to the heart of the city. The parade has long been a staple of the festival, giving families, residents and visitors an opportunity to line the streets and celebrate Italian heritage together.

Festivalgoers can expect a lively atmosphere as participants make their way through downtown, adding to a full weekend of Italian culture, tradition and community.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early, find a spot along the parade route and enjoy one of the signature traditions of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.

For generations, the festival has provided an opportunity for Italian Americans to celebrate and share their heritage while welcoming people from throughout West Virginia and beyond to experience the traditions that have become such an important part of Clarksburg’s identity.

Festival weekend will once again feature live entertainment, traditional Italian food, cultural activities, vendors, special events and plenty of opportunities for families and friends to gather in the heart of downtown.

The festivities also provide an opportunity to showcase Clarksburg to visitors while supporting downtown businesses and highlighting the community that surrounds one of West Virginia’s most recognizable cultural celebrations.

With activities beginning before the first official day of the festival on Friday, there will be plenty happening throughout the week.

Betty Waddy, chairman of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival said she is excited for the community to come out and experience these events.

“I think this is going to be a great time for everyone. We have a lot of exciting events planned that will really showcase what this festival is all about — celebrating Italian heritage, traditions and culture while bringing the entire community together. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and we’re excited to see downtown Clarksburg come alive throughout the festival.”

Whether it is experiencing a longstanding tradition, learning more about Italian-American heritage, enjoying some great food or simply spending time with family and friends, the days ahead offer plenty of reasons to celebrate.

And by the time festival weekend arrives, downtown Clarksburg will be ready to welcome everyone back for another year of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.