Festa Italiana

Hey Brisbane – we're popping up at Howard Smith Wharves for two weekends of Italian flavour, riverside views, and limited-edition gelato.

If you're a gelato lover, Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves is where you need to be. We’re bringing signature scoops, special event-only creations, and two very limited-edition flavours to the iconic Brisbane waterfront.

📍 Where and When Is the Messina Pop-Up?

We’ll be scooping from Citrus House at Howard Smith Wharves over two big weekends:

• Weekend 1: Thursday May 29 – Sunday June 1

• Weekend 2: Thursday June 5 – Sunday June 8

Whether you're heading in for a casual stroll, a long lunch, or full Festa Italiana vibes, stop by and treat yourself to a scoop, sundae or stick!

 What Exclusive Items Are Available?

We’ll be serving a full lineup of Messina signature scoops, but the real stars of the show are these limited-edition and event-exclusive flavours:

Festa-Exclusive Creations

SUPREME-O CREMINO – $12
Salted caramel gelato on a choc amaretti crumble, filled with Messinatella fudge and topped with torched Italian meringue (yes, actual flames).

BERRY ME IN PANNA COTTA – $9
Vanilla gelato swirled with raspberry gel and sablé biscuit, dipped in raspberry chocolate.

Limited-Edition Flavours (Only at Festa Italiana)

YOU CANNOLI LIVE ONCE
Crème patissière gelato with pistachio fudge, pistachio praline and crispy cannoli shells. Crunchy, creamy, and dangerously good.

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TIRAMISU
Pieces of mocha soaked biscuits embedded inside layers of chocolate hazelnut tiramisu gelato

What Else Is at Festa Italiana?

Festa Italiana is a free-entry celebration of all things Italian, held at the stunning Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Expect live music, entertainment, Italian eats, and good times by the river. It’s the perfect excuse to spend your weekend soaking up the Brisbane sunshine—with gelato in hand.

Quick Details

• Event: Festa Italiana

• Location: Citrus House, Howard Smith Wharves

• Dates: May 29 – June 1 & June 5 – 8

• Price Range: Single scoop from $7.50, Festa exclusives from $9–$12

• No bookings required – just stroll up and grab your scoop.

We’re scooping for a limited time only—so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to eat riverside gelato surrounded by great food and music, this is it.

Scoop you there! 🍦