Summer could be ending but the celebrations in Little Italy are just beginning. With thrilling events happening soon, the beloved neighborhood is getting ready for an exciting month that will get the whole community involved!
Labor Day Stickball Tournament
Celebrate one of Little Italy’s most nostalgic traditions at this year’s Annual Labor Day Stickball Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 2nd to Monday, Sept. 4th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch as 8 to 12 participating teams from all over the nation compete against each other for the ultimate Jillie Trophy and title of Champion of Stickball in San Diego.
What started out as a few New Yorkers bringing their love for stickball to the West Coast in the early 1990s, has now made a lasting impact to the Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego. After 30 years of playing the nostalgic sport, the tournament stirs up fun childhood memories for some and a strong passion to win for others.
Summer Goddess Market
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend in Little Italy as the Summer Goddess Market stops in on Sunday, September 3rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! The female maker market will feature over 25 local woman-owned small businesses, bites, and live entertainment. Support the hardworking women in your community as you shop for artisanal gifts for yourself and your loved ones. Some of the participating businesses include Rie Beauty, Alyse Jewelry, Never Alone Candles, MexiKrafts and more!
Punches in the Piazza
In honor of the one-year anniversary of the passing of Bobby DePhilippis, the Bobby D Foundation will stage “Punches in the Piazza,” on Friday, Sept. 8 starting at 5 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 6 p.m. The inaugural event will feature a uniquely-staged outdoor amateur boxing ring showcasing the best rising boxing talent from Southern California through 12 fast paced bouts. “Punches in the Piazza” will be the first ever live sports event held at the Piazza della Famiglia since its debut five years ago.
This thrilling event commemorates the impact of Bobby DePhilipis. Well known in the Little Italy community, Bobby D grew up in Little Italy and was the owner of Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, as well as being a boxing promoter and a philanthropist.
The Bobby D Foundation will be donating the majority of the net proceeds of “Punches in the Piazza” to Washington Elementary School whose student body faces one of the largest percentages of homelessness in San Diego County. The remaining funds will be donated to the Little Italy Association and Convivio.
All ages are welcome to stop by and watch the talented SoCal boxers try at take the winning title home! A limited number of seated tickets priced at $50 will be available for purchase online at bobbyde.org. Select VIP table seating can be reserved by calling (619) 420-8866.
Casino Di Piazza
Are you ready to go all in for the thrill? Coming back for a second year, The Little Italy Association, in partnership with Vici Luxury Rentals will bring the most elegant Italian garden casino experience to the heart of the neighborhood on Friday, Sept. 15th from 7 to 11 p.m.
Casino Di Piazza will completely transform the Piazza della Famiglia into a sophisticated casino spectacle that will feature craft cocktails provided by the Little Italy Food Hall, light hors d’oeuvres by Graze and Chef Giselle Aguirre, and of course, favorite games such as Blackjack, Craps and Roulette.
Part of the proceeds gained from Casino di Piazza will benefit the Little Italy Association’s continued beautification and maintenance of the Piazza della Famiglia. Casino di Piazza’s General Admission includes entrance into the Italian Garden Casino, $100 in Casino chips, one drink ticket and light hors d’oeuvres, while VIP includes entrance into the Italian Garden Casino, $200 in Casino chips, two drink tickets as well as exclusive access to VICI VIP Lounge offering a private bar with upscale cocktails, additional hors d’oeuvres, specialty lounge seating, lounge music, and private restrooms. Additional chip buy-ins and cocktails coins will be on sale at the event.
In the past year, our high rollers won some grand prizes such as one year of free parking with LAZ Parking, hotel stays, a piece of fine art from Meyer Fine Art, and thousands of dollars in Little Italy restaurant gift cards. Be sure to buy-in frequently and play big! So whether you love to gamble or have fun watching people take a lucky chance, this is the perfect opportunity to dress in your favorite black-tie attire that has been waiting to be worn and spend an electrifying evening with friends and other community members.
El Grito de México
Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15th, a month to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have created significant impact to the community as well as to celebrate the diverse culture of all the Hispanic countries. To start the Hispanic Heritage celebrations, Univision and the Consulado General de Mexico are excited to celebrate El Grito De Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. Honoring the 213th anniversary of Mexican Independence, the free event will include ballet Folkorico, live regional music, mariachi, tenors and most importantly the official “Grito de México” ceremony by San Diego’s Cónsul General Alicia Kerber.
Make sure to keep your calendars open this month as the Little Italy neighborhood will be booming with events that will make you feel lucky and celebrate Mexican culture with your community!
