Viva Carbohydrates! The Italian Market Festival is back with golden oldie teen idol Frankie Avalon kicking off the festivities at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Expect cooking demonstrations, al fresco dining and culinary competitions such as "The Big Cheese," where Philadelphia notables can flaunt their flair for pizza-dough tossing. Kids can enjoy fun activities such as face-painting and games, and adults can jam to live music (the City Soundz Orchestra plays Sunday) while gorging on a variety of mouth-watering gastronomical delights (prosciutto, anyone?). Sweet tooths: Head over to Ninth Street in front of Claudio's for Isgro's award-winning cannoli. In the words of the great Dino, "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie—that's amore!" Sorrento Cheese Ninth Street Italian Market Festival, Ninth Street from Fitzwater to Federal, www.9thstreetitalianmarketfestival.com.

This summer, Stephen Starr is recognizing the sad reality that most city dwellers don't have a backyard by offering BBQ Sundays in Washington Square's plush outdoor garden patio. The new menu promises to satisfy the urbanites' hunger for outdoorsy, back-to-basics food, offering a selection of grilled meats with traditional sides such as corn on the cob and coleslaw. If you're all about the glam, try the "Cocktails for Two," summer-inspired drinks served in big glasses for sharing. BBQ Sundays, Washington Square, 210 W. Washington Square, 215-592-7787.

The Culinary Society of Philadelphia is hosting its annual charity gala where renowned local chefs will prepare a lavish all-grill menu. Participating chefs will create their signature ethnic-themed dishes: Nicola Shirley (Jamaican Jerk Hut) will prepare her famous jerk chicken; Michael Chow (Sang Kee Peking Duck House), his succulent peking duck. Juan Carlos Rodriguez (Isla Verde) will spice things up with Latin-flavored grilled fish; Michael Giletto (executive chef of the Federal Reserve Bank) will serve grilled Mediterranean-style pork tenderloin; and Walter Hofman, a mean beef barbecue—Kansas City-style. Restaurant School students will also make appetizers and desserts (expect tons of grilled veggies and fruit). Proceeds go to the CSP's scholarship fund for culinary students. Great Chefs of Philadelphia Dinner, Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, 4207 Walnut St., 610-649-6533.

Charlotte Ann Albertson has been directing cooking classes in Philadelphia for more than 30 years. This summer she is offering outdoor grill classes where participants can learn the techniques of proper grilling in the company of chefs who've already earned their grilling badges (such as David Boyle of Davio's and Kiel Lombardo of Roy's). Grill Classes, Shipley School, 814 Yarrow St., Bryn Mawr, 610-649-9290.