There’s More to the Festa Than Great Food!
Come for the food, stay for the fun! The Columbus Italian Festival is three unforgettable days filled with live entertainment, Italian culture, family activities, faith, tradition and plenty of surprises around every corner.
Three Pavilions. Three Days of Entertainment.
There’s always something happening at the Festa! Enjoy live music, traditional Italian performances, cultural presentations and more throughout the weekend at our three entertainment destinations:
ABC6 Entertainment Pavilion — Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
The heart of the Festa, featuring traditional Italian entertainment, dancing, big band music, special events and Festival favorites.
Rosati Windows Pavilion — Sunny 95 Stage
Kick back and enjoy jazz, rock, dance music and some of Central Ohio’s favorite performers all weekend long.
Kurtz Bros Italian Cultural Pavilion
Discover the culture, stories and traditions that make our Italian heritage so special, including demonstrations, presentations and special guests.
Meet Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman Dante Fabbro
Meet our 2026 Columbus Italian Festival Parade Grand Marshal, Dante Fabbro of the Columbus Blue Jackets! Stop by the Kurtz Bros Italian Cultural Pavilion on Sunday from 2:00–2:45 PM for a special meet & greet.
The Columbus Italian Festival Parade
One of our favorite Festa traditions takes over the streets of Italian Village on Sunday, October 11! The parade steps off at 1:00 PM, bringing Italian pride, music, community groups, special guests and plenty of red, white and green to the heart of Columbus.
The celebration continues at the Festival with the High School Marching Band Competition, hosted by the Columbus Piave Club.
Fun for the Bambini!
Our kids area is bigger and better for 2026! Visit the new Piazza del Bambini, open throughout Festival weekend with fun activities for our youngest Festa guests.
La Piazza del Columbus Crew
Soccer meets the Festa! Visit La Piazza del Columbus Crew, our Columbus Crew Lounge near the ABC6 Entertainment Pavilion. Celebrate Columbus soccer, relax between activities and look for some special Crew fun throughout the weekend — including a visit from Crew Cat!
Step Inside a Piece of Columbus History
Take a break from the excitement and visit beautiful Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church. Guided church tours throughout the weekend offer a chance to discover the history, architecture, faith and Italian-American heritage behind the parish that started it all.
Cooking, Culture & Italian Traditions
There’s always something new to discover! Catch live cooking demonstrations, cultural presentations and other experiences celebrating the flavors, traditions and people of Italy and Italian America.
And that’s only the beginning.
From bocce and dancing to live music, cultural experiences, family activities, raffles, special guests and unexpected moments throughout the grounds, there’s something happening everywhere you turn at the Columbus Italian Festival.
Bring the family. Bring your friends. Bring your appetite.
Come experience the sights, sounds, traditions and spirit of the Festa! 🇮🇹
October 9–11, 2026
Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church • Italian Village, Columbus