If you want to see Boston’s North End at its loudest, most colorful, and most delicious, plan your trip around St. Anthony’s Feast. Held every year on the last weekend of August, this Italian festival has been running since 1919 and is now the largest Italian religious festival in New England. It’s part tradition, part street party, and completely unforgettable.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go—what to expect, what to eat, and how to survive the crowds.

What Is St. Anthony’s Feast?

St. Anthony’s Feast is an annual celebration honoring Saint Anthony of Padua, hosted by Boston’s Italian-American community. What started as a neighborhood religious procession has grown into a four-day festival that takes over the entire North End.

Think:

Confetti parades down Hanover Street
Live music and performances on outdoor stages
Endless rows of food stalls serving Italian street food
Decorative lights strung across every corner
Crowds of people shoulder to shoulder, eating, laughing, and celebrating

It runs Thursday through Sunday, ending in a massive Sunday procession where the statue of Saint Anthony is carried through the streets.

When to Go

The festival always takes place the last weekend in August. If you’re visiting Boston during this time, it’s worth experiencing. But be warned—if you were hoping for a quiet North End pasta dinner, this is not the weekend. Restaurants are slammed, streets are packed, and the vibe is more block party than cozy trattoria.

My advice:

For the full festival energy, go Saturday night.
For slightly fewer crowds, try Thursday or Friday evening.
For the procession, be there on Sunday.

What to Eat at St. Anthony’s Feast

Honestly, this is what you came for. The food stalls line the streets and the hardest part is deciding where to start. Expect everything from traditional Italian classics to carnival-style eats.

Must-tries include:

Sausage and peppers sandwiches – smoky, spicy, and piled high on fresh rolls.
Arancini (rice balls) – crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside.
Zeppole – Italian fried dough covered in powdered sugar. Messy but worth it.
Cannoli – yes, the famous Boston cannoli debate (Mike’s vs. Modern vs. Bova’s) is still in play, even during the feast.
Pizza by the slice – some vendors sell it street-side, but if you can, pop into Regina’s or Ernesto’s for the real deal.
Limoncello spritz or Italian sodas – to cool off in the summer heat.

Pro tip: Go hungry and share everything so you can try more.

What Else to Do

Besides eating (which let’s be honest, is 80% of the festival), there’s plenty of entertainment:

Live music and bands on outdoor stages bring a nonstop party vibe.
The procession on Sunday is the most traditional part—locals pin dollar bills to the statue of St. Anthony as it makes its way through the streets.
Vendors and stands sell everything from Italian flags to t-shirts to religious icons. It’s part food crawl, part shopping spree.

Tips for Visiting

Arrive early. Streets get packed by evening.
Bring cash. Many vendors don’t accept cards.
Expect crowds. This isn’t the night for a quiet romantic stroll—it’s shoulder-to-shoulder energy.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing a lot.
Plan your dinner elsewhere if you want a sit-down meal. North End restaurants are slammed. Either embrace the street food or eat outside the neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

St. Anthony’s Feast is the North End turned up to eleven. It’s loud, chaotic, and crowded—but that’s the point. You’re stepping into a century-old tradition where food, faith, and community collide in the most delicious way possible.

If you’re visiting Boston in late August and want to see the city’s Italian heritage come alive, this is it. Just don’t expect to sit quietly with a glass of wine and a plate of pasta—this weekend is about eating in the street, dancing to live music, and soaking up the North End at its most festive.

St. Anthony’s Feast in Boston: How to Experience the North End’s Biggest Festival