Thousands of revelers are expected at San Francisco's Italian Heritage Parade and Festival this Sunday in North Beach as The City's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration enjoys its 144th year. Parade highlights include dozens of handcrafted parade floats, marching bands, performances by a variety of traditional Italian musicians and performance artists and guest appearances by Bay Area and nationally recognized Italian-American celebrities. There will also be festive open-air dining and Italian wine and food specials at North Beach restaurants lining the parade route.

The Parade action begins at 12:30 p.m. at the foot of Jefferson and Stockton Streets in Fisherman's Wharf, before proceeding south through North Beach on Columbus Avenue and ending in Washington Square in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Admission to all parade activities -- including the Ferrari sportscar display in Washington Square Park and a variety of hands-on activities for children -- is free.

Italian Heritage Parade and Festival
Sunday, Oct. 7, 12:30 p.m. Free
North Beach