About Us

 ​​​​40th annual Warren Italian-American Heritage festival will be held on August 7, 8, 9, 10, 2025 in downtown Warren, Ohio. This event has grown to be one of the finest celebrations of Italian culture and heritage in the tri-state area. With these festival activities, we not only hope to preserve the memories and traditions of our families, but also to build a tradition for our young generation.

The Warren Italian-American Heritage Festival began in 1985 with a concept of founder Lou Metter.  Soon after, with other groups promoting various activities, Warren became known as “The Festival City”.  Now 40 years later, the festival has become a great occasion for families to gather together and experience our Italian heritage through culture, music and traditions handed down from our parents and grandparents.

To see our festival grow from what it was in the 1980’s, to where it is today, has been an incredible transition and journey, which wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated members of the Warren Italian-American Festival Committee.  We are a volunteer 501(C) 3 organization. Except for donations from our corporate sponsors, the committee pays for everything.  We also contribute back to the community through scholarships.  Each year we offer Seven- $1,000 scholarships to area students. 

The Warren Italian American Heritage Festival is a unique opportunity to keep our Italian culture and heritage alive. We hope you will come and celebrate with us during these 4 days.   

 Between 1890 & 1924, Italian immigrants flocked to Ohio’s Mahoning Valley. The area’s burgeoning iron & steel industries beckoned with job prospects for immigrants fleeing southern & Eastern Europe—particularly from Southern Italy, a region that at the time lacked opportunity & highly taxed its natives. Upon the arrival of these new residents, neighborhoods such as Youngstown’s Smoky Hollow & Brier Hill offered accepting communities, & Niles Fire Brick Factory Company & Trumbull Blast Furnace provided employment. Assimilation was not always easy, & discrimination occurred, but Italian Americans ultimately prospered, making a mark not only as steelworkers but also as shopkeepers, grocers, restaurateurs, tradesmen, educators, doctors, lawyers, legislators, & mayors. Read the book that explores the immigration experience, community, workplace dynamics, celebrations, worship, heritage, & lasting impact of the second-largest ethnic group in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley. 

​​Our purpose is to share and perpetuate our Italian heritage with the community through cultural exhibits, ethnic food and entertainment.   We are a volunteer, 501(C) 3 organization.  Except for donations from our corporate sponsors, our committee pays for everything.  The $3.00 donation  helps defray our expenses  which include, but are not limited to, permits and fees paid to the city of Warren, security, entertainment, stage, sound & lights, tables, chairs & tents, printing and advertising, clean up, electricians, utilities, equipment and office rental. 

We also contribute back to the community through donations to organizations such as Relay for Life, Make A Wish, Harding Band and Warren JFK Cheerleaders.