By Christopher Gomez | Little Italy News

The Little Italy neighborhood is kicking off the summer with a fun-filled June.

If you’re looking for something to do, this community has plenty!

Between our beloved Saturday Mercato (which is turning seven years old this month!) to the Washington Elementary S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) school’s fundraising event, the Taste of Little Italy and the Little Italy Summer Film Festival kick-off at the end of the month — there’s something for everyone.

Starting things off is the first annual Van Go! Soap Box Racing event, Saturday, June 13, presented by the Washington Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Magnet School, from noon to 6 p.m. on the school grounds. The day will consist of a soapbox race, live musical and dance performances, food and merchandise.

The students at Washington Elementary have been building and designing locally sponsored soapbox cars to race. Come out to see these works of art — designed in the image of the “Leaning Tower of Pisa,” a cannoli, mermaids and much more. The race will take place down State Street and the festivities will run simultaneously at the school. The event will bring students, children, parents, our community and businesses together by combining science and art.

Next up is el Little Italy foodie event of the summer, Taste of Little Italy, on June 17, from 5 – 9 p.m. We invite visitors to stroll down the streets with their “Taste Passport” and experience the neighborhood’s one-of-a-kind eateries. Restaurants will open their doors for food lovers to enjoy a taste of some of their most popular dishes. Participants can walk an easy route to each restaurant and receive each eatery’s tasting in exchange for a stamp on their passport.

There are over 35 restaurants participating, including Bracero Cocina de Raiz, Ballast Point, Craft and Commerce, Underbelly, Ironside and NaPizza — just to name a few.

Then, starting June 27 and every Saturday night all summer long, everyone can head to Little Italy’s Amici Park Amphitheater for an outdoor movie night. The Little Italy Summer Film Festival will go through the beginning of September and feature popular Italian films with English subtitles. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and films begin at 8 p.m. The Little Italy Summer Film Festival is presented by the Little Italy Association and Cinema Little Italy. A $5 donation is requested.

We want to welcome you, your friends and family to come to Little Italy and spend some time in our neighborhood to enjoy one or more of our events we have going on this month.

For more information about Washington Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Magnet School’s Van Go! event please visit sdvango.org.

For more details regarding Taste of Little Italy and the Little Italy Summer Film Festival, go to littleitalysd.com.

To check out what’s going on in our neighborhood follow us on Instagram and Twitter @LittleItalySD or find the San Diego Little Italy page on Facebook.

—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager for the past 15 years. Reach him at [email protected].