Italy in Town: Taste, Explore, and Celebrate at Menlyn Maine

Pretoria gets a taste of la dolce vita when Italy in Town takes over Menlyn Maine for two days of Italian food, wine, music, fashion, design, and motoring.

Originally planned for 5 and 6 September, the event has been postponed to Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September 2026 because of the adverse weather forecast. Registrations completed for the original weekend remain valid.

Presented by the Embassy of Italy in Pretoria in collaboration with Menlyn Maine, the free weekend celebration brings together more than 30 exhibitors showcasing the best of Made in Italy. Visitors can wander between food and wine stalls, watch live cooking demonstrations, join guided tastings, and enjoy Italian music and cultural performances across the precinct.

Expect fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, traditional recipes, premium Italian wines, live cooking demonstrations, and the relaxed aperitivo spirit that turns an afternoon drink into a proper occasion. Fashion and design also form part of the programme, giving the event a broader focus than food alone.

Motoring enthusiasts have their own reason to visit. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Ducati, and Vespa are among the Italian names featured, alongside a motorsport simulator and live coverage from the San Marino and Rimini Riviera MotoGP. The race will be screened on a giant screen at 14:00 on Sunday.

Italy in Town is open to the whole family and admission is free, but advance registration is required. Select the day or days you plan to attend when completing the short online registration form, then check your confirmation email for final programme and access details.

Event Details

New dates: Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September 2026
Venue: Central Square, Menlyn Maine Precinct, Pretoria
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
Times: Final event times and programme details are provided to registered attendees
MotoGP screening: Sunday at approximately 14:00
Register: Italy in Town Pretoria