The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul upcoming events

SOLD OUT! Torino and Piemonte: Educational Trip – October 10-24, 2026 (10 Jan 2026)

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

TORINO

October 10 - 24, 2026

Given the popularity of this destination, we are returning to Torino again in 2026! I am delighted to lead you to discover my hometown, a true gem off the beaten path.

Torino is a elegant city, rich in history, once Italy's first capital, known for its world- class museums, art, stunning Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, expansive piazzas and covered arcades (porticoes), perfect for walking. A paradise for foodies, Torino is also famous for its Aperitivo culture, delicious food (chocolate!) and historic cafés.

Our itinerary will also take you to the countryside of Piedmont, outside Turin: enjoy the excitement of a Truffle hunt in the beautiful Langhe region, famous for its stunning landscapes and some of Italy's best wines (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo) and specialty foods (white truffle, hazelnuts).

Your immersion in Piedmontese culture will include a 2-week language course where you will have the opportunity to improve your language skills. Language classes are offered at beginner and more advanced levels.

Torino and Piedmont offer an authentic Italian experience with fewer crowds than other destinations in Italys: truly a fantastic destination that will make a memorable vacation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/t-magazine/turin-italy-guide-hotels-restaurants.html

https://foodandtravel.com/food/cover-interviews/somaia-hammads-turnin

For details of the itinerary, please click HERE.

I am looking forward to lead you in this next adventure!

Astrid Garino, MD
President, The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St.Paul

Questions? Email: astrid@theitalianculturalcenter.org

SOLD OUT! Venetian-Style Glass Demo and Make Your Own Piece (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join the Italian Cultural Center for a special evening at Foci, Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, where guests will enjoy a Venetian-style glassblowing demonstration and the opportunity to create their own small glass piece in a hands off workshop setting.

The evening will begin with light refreshments as guests gather, followed by a live demonstration inspired by the Venetian glassmaking tradition, offering a close-up look at the artistry, technique, and creative energy of this remarkable craft. Guests will then take part in a “design your own” experience, working with Foci artists to create a blown ornament, with each piece crafted by the artists based on the guest’s design choices.

This special evening offers an engaging cultural experience and a memorable opportunity to connect with the beauty of Italian inspired glass art at Minnesota’s only nonprofit public access glass studio and education center.

Aperitivo & Conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin of MN Opera (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Italian Cultural Center for a special evening for ICC members and their guests, featuring prosecco, light bites, and conversation with Maestro Christopher Franklin, Principal Conductor of Minnesota Opera and conductor of their upcoming production, Pagliacci, running May 9 to 17.

This free event offers a rare opportunity to meet the maestro during the run of one of opera’s most powerful and celebrated Italian works, along with a behind-the-scenes conversation about opera, conducting, Italy, and the artistic life.

Maestro Franklin launched his career in Italy, where he continues to live and work, and has built an international reputation for bringing energy, clarity, and artistry to both the concert stage and the opera house. His recent engagements include Otello in Novara and Rovigo, a concert with Juan Diego Flórez in Budapest, and productions at major houses and festivals in Paris, Valencia, Barcelona, Tokyo, Parma, and across Italy.

Join us for a warm, engaging evening of conversation, refreshments, and connection as we celebrate the beauty and power of Italian opera with one of Minnesota Opera’s leading artists.

Space is limited. Registration required.

Inaugural ICC Wine Showdown: Central North vs. Central South (05 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

As part of the Italian Cultural Center’s 20th anniversary celebration year, join us for a high-energy wine benefit that is equal parts tasting, storytelling, and friendly competition.

Two Italian wine experts will go head-to-head, each presenting five standout wines and making the case for their side of Italy. Guests will taste along, hear the stories behind each bottle, compare styles and regions, and help decide which lineup wins the crown.

Representing Central North is Stefano Follega, ICC Board Member and wine educator, bringing Roman roots, sommelier training, and signature storytelling to the glass.

Representing Central South is Alfonso Aiello, a Naples native and respected Italian wine curator and educator with deep family winemaking heritage and decades of experience sharing Italian wines in the United States.

Expect bold pours, spirited debate, regional pride, laughter, light bites, and a room full of people who love Italy.

Guests will enjoy tasting pours of all ten wines, light bites, and the opportunity to cast their votes to help decide the winner. Each guest will also take home a Riedel wine glass as a keepsake from ICC’s first annual Wine Showdown.

This is more than a wine tasting. It is a joyful celebration of Italian culture, friendship, and ICC’s 20th anniversary year in the Twin Cities. Proceeds support ICC’s 20th anniversary year and help keep Italian language, culture, and community thriving in the Twin Cities.

Questions? Email ron@theitalianculturalcenter.org or call/text 612-272-5312.

BUON COMPLEANNO, REPUBBLICA ITALIANA! (07 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The Italian Cultural Center is proud to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic (June 2nd, 1946) with a multimedia event hosted by Pieranna Garavaso Professor Emerita of Philosophy, and Ileana Tamberlani, Programming and Administrative Manager of the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis /St. Paul. This presentation explores the historical background of some of Italy’s most significant referendums, such as the pivotal 1946 vote that abolished the monarchy and the 1974 vote that retained the right to divorce, through compelling commentary and curated clips from films, documentaries, and music.

Join us for an afternoon of culture, history, and celebration, with cake too!

Drinks and refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited to 35 spots, so make sure to reserve yours today!