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

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

New time - ICC Spring Aperitivo: An Evening of Connection and Celebration (17 Apr 2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Welcome the season with a relaxed and festive evening at ICC. Join us for a traditional Italian-style aperitivo featuring sparkling wine, light bites, and great conversation. It is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the warmth of our community.

If you are new to ICC, this is an easy and welcoming way to get to know us and feel at home.

Questions? Email ron@theitalianculturalcenter.org or call/text 612-272-5312
This event is supported by a Thrivent Action Team. Dario Bilardello from Thrivent will be present as a volunteer.

Free Concert / Francesco Cafiso & Joe Block Duo (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join us for an exciting jazz performance at Berlin in Minneapolis with saxophonist Francesco Cafiso and pianist Joe Block.

A native of Vittoria, Sicily, Francesco Cafiso emerged as a remarkable talent at a very young age and has gone on to build an international career alongside some of jazz’s most celebrated artists. His presence brings not only extraordinary musicianship, but also a strong connection to the rich cultural life of Sicily.

Set in one of the Twin Cities’ most intimate and distinctive listening rooms, Berlin, this concert brings together two musicians who share a deep musical connection. From the first note to the last, Cafiso and Block create a dialogue marked by creativity, emotion, and spontaneity.

The duo’s repertoire draws from Cafiso’s original works as well as a selection of jazz standards. With his warm, lyrical tone, Cafiso reshapes melodies into solos of striking originality and imagination. Block matches him with a rich and nuanced pianistic palette, creating sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic textures while bringing his own compelling solo voice to the performance.

The result is a vibrant exchange between two exceptional artists and a powerful reminder of the vitality and enduring appeal of jazz today.

This concert is open to the public. Doors open at 4:00 PM, and seating is not guaranteed through ICC registration, so we encourage people to arrive early.

For more information or questions, please contact Ron Lattin at ron@theitalianculturalcenter.org

The concert is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome to support the Italian Cultural Center's mission to promote Italian language and culture in Minnesota.

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.