By Chris Gomez  | Little Italy News

Little Italy is heating up and it’s not just because it’s the beginning of summer! The neighborhood is buzzing with festivals and events that will have everyone saying, “That’s amore!”

Little Italy’s family-friendly atmosphere makes the neighborhood perfect for taking strolls through some of the summer festivals or cooling off with some local produce and healthy juices at the Little Italy Mercato after a hot summer day.

Here are a few things you can do with your family in the neighborhood this summer.

• Movie nights under the stars — This historical Italian community and Cinema Little Italy are proud to host the Little Italy Summer Film Festival, a series of Italian films with English subtitles, to be screened in Little Italy’s Amici Park outdoor amphitheater, every Saturday at 8 p.m., from now through August. Located at the corner of State and W. Date streets, it’s just a small $5 donation to watch.
• Little Italy “State of the Neighborhood” — The Little Italy Association (LIA) invites guests to enjoy a rooftop dinner at the new county parking structure on W. Cedar Street and Kettner Boulevard on July 27 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to mingle with Little Italy business owners, residents and honored dignitaries for $45 a ticket. Multiple Little Italy restaurants are donating family-style dishes and LIA’s Chief Executive Administrator will present about the past, present and future of Little Italy.

• Saturday neighborhood traditions — Stroll through the streets of Little Italy with more than 130 vendors selling fresh flowers, produce, artisan-made goods and more, all of which make up the delicious Little Italy Mercato, consistently recognized as one of the best farmers markets in the country. The Mercato is a free event that happens every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Summer concert — On Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. – dusk, there will be a free evening of amazing live music by the 45-piece Marine Band San Diego, as well as their popular music group, Sound Strike, and New Orleans-style brass band, Double Time Brass Band. Event sponsor Torrey Pines Bank invites military and their families to enjoy this event on W. Fir Street between India Street and Kettner Boulevard.

When you’re out and about in the neighborhood this summer don’t forget to also check out the newest addition to Little Italy — #ThatRedChairSD. An 8-foot-tall red chair that sits on India Street in front of Filippi’s — and it’s perfect for photo-ops with family and friends. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ThatRedChairSD on social media.

To find out more information about what’s happening in the neighborhood, visit littleitalysd.com. To stay connected with us, check out what’s going on in our neighborhood by following us on Instagram and Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook/San DiegoLittleItaly.

—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager since 2000. Reach him at [email protected].