Festival Weekend Church Events
Step inside one of the most treasured landmarks of Columbus’ Italian-American community. Throughout Festival weekend, St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church welcomes visitors to experience the beauty, history, faith and music of the parish through guided church tours, organ performances, choirs and special concerts.
Take a break from the excitement of the Festa and discover the church that has been at the heart of this community for generations.
Festival Day 1
Friday, October 9, 2026
5:30 PM — Church Opens
The doors of St. John the Baptist open for Festival weekend. Stop inside, take in the beauty of the historic church and learn more about the parish.
6:30 PM — Church Tour
Discover the history, architecture, sacred art and Italian-American heritage of St. John the Baptist.
7:30 PM — Church Tour
Another opportunity to explore the church and hear the stories behind this special place.
There are no church concerts scheduled Friday evening.
Festival Day 2
Saturday, October 10, 2026
3:30 PM — Church Tour
Explore the history, architecture and traditions of St. John the Baptist.
4:00 PM — Organ Concert: John Huffmann
Experience the magnificent sound of the church organ with a special performance by John Huffmann.
4:30 PM — Church Tour
5:00 PM — Immaculate Conception Choir
Enjoy a beautiful choral performance inside the inspiring setting of St. John the Baptist.
5:30 PM — Church Tour
6:00 PM — Buckeye Catholic Choir
Sacred music fills the church with a special Festival performance by the Buckeye Catholic Choir.
7:00 PM — Coro Italiano
Celebrate our Italian heritage through song with a performance by Coro Italiano.
8:00 PM — Voice & Organ Concert: Anabella Petronsi and Nicole Simental
Close out Saturday evening with a special concert featuring voice and organ in the beautiful acoustics of St. John the Baptist.
Festival Day 3
Sunday, October 11, 2026
10:15 AM — Sunday Mass Processional
The Festival’s Sunday celebration of faith begins with a processional from the steps of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church.
10:30 AM — Columbus Italian Festival Sunday Mass
ABC6 Entertainment Pavilion — Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
One of the most meaningful traditions of Festival weekend. Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza will celebrate Mass, joined by Bishop Earl Fernandes and Fr. Vincent T. Nguyen, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church. Festival guests, parishioners and the entire community are invited to join us for this special celebration of faith, family and Italian heritage.
1:00 PM — Organ Concert: John Huffmann
Enjoy the sound and beauty of the church organ with John Huffmann.
2:00 PM — Coro Italiano
Traditional Italian music and song come alive inside St. John the Baptist.
3:00 PM — Voice & Organ Concert: Anabella Petronsi and Nicole Simental
A special afternoon performance bringing together voice and organ in the historic church.
4:00 PM — A Cappella Group
Enjoy the beauty of unaccompanied voices and the natural acoustics of St. John the Baptist.
All are welcome to come inside, explore and experience the church at the heart of the Columbus Italian Festival.