Cincinnati is widely known as a German town, with influences apparent all over the city. But there's also a strong tie to Italian roots in the Queen City and these are celebrated every summer with a fun-filled festival on the west side of Cincinnati. Cincitalia! is an exciting event that is filled with authentic Italian features and plenty of fun for everyone. In fact, this one-of-a-kind Cincinnati festival may just transport you straight to Italy.

Cincitalia! is a longstanding tradition on the west side of Cincinnati that is presented by the St. Catharine of Siena Parish in Westwood. This year, the festival takes place June 1-3 at Harvest Home Park on North Bend Road in Cheviot.

The festive gathering celebrates all things Italian, and whether or not you are of Italian heritage, your entire family will love this fun-filled event. The celebration kicks off Friday night with an adults-only Carnevale, which takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight. The party continues Saturday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can expect to find a wide variety of food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family, all of which give you a taste of Italy.

And speaking of tasting, the food at Cincitalia! is reason enough to check it out. You'll find many traditional Italian favorites and plenty of wine, beer, and beverage options to wash it all down.

The cooking demonstrations are a favorite feature of the festival, and you absolutely must get your hands on a freshly made cannoli. Children can also head to the barn on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. to enter a contest to see who can build the tallest tower of Galbani cheese. Also be sure to spend time in the wine garden and large food tent.

There's a variety of entertainment taking place throughout the festival, both Italian-inspired and traditional carnival-type fun.

Live music will entertain from the main stage all weekend long with Cincinnati favorites The Rusty Griswolds on Friday night, and a variety of Italian singers and other musicians through the weekend.

The kids will love the carnival rides and games, which are available Saturday and Sunday.

The focus of the festival remains on Italian heritage, and you have to take the time to roam around and check out the booths and performances dedicated to this beautiful country.

The Marian Procession takes place on Sunday at 2 p.m. and you can also see the students of St. Catharine's perform traditional folk dances throughout the weekend.

Cincitalia! is a beloved west side tradition that happily welcomes all Cincinnatians to come celebrate the tradition and culture of Italy. Benefits from the festival go to the K-8th grade students of St. Catharine's, so you're also supporting a great cause with a fun family weekend.

The festival has free admission (donations are welcome), and food, drinks, activities, etc. are all available for purchase. If you have yet to experience this unique Cincinnati festival, check it out the first weekend in June, and if you're already planning to attend...Molto Bene! We'll see you there!

Cincitalia! is a favorite Cincinnati event and it's happening very soon! Be sure to make plans with the entire family to check it out and be transported to the streets of Italy, without leaving the west side of Cincinnati. Is this festival a tradition for your family? What other festivals are you looking forward to this summer? Let us know in the comments!

Cincitalia! takes place at Harvest Home Park, which is located at 3961 North Bend Rd., Cheviot, OH 45211. For more information, visit the event's website here and follow along on Facebook here.

And for another festival at Harvest Home that will take place in September, check out our previous article here.