ABC6 ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION
Featuring the Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
5:30–6:00 PM — San Giovanni Dancers
Celebrate Italian heritage through traditional folk dance as the San Giovanni Dancers bring the music, colorful costumes and dances of Italy to the Festa.
6:15–6:45 PM — Opening Ceremony
Join Festival leaders, special guests and members of our Italian-American community as we officially open the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival.
7:00–7:45 PM — Cory Pesaturo
Internationally acclaimed accordionist Cory Pesaturo brings incredible energy and virtuosity to the stage, blending Italian tradition with jazz, classical, world and contemporary influences.
7:45–8:45 PM — Sorelle
Enjoy the beautiful harmonies of Sorelle as they bring their signature vocal sound and engaging performance to the Festival stage.
8:45–9:45 PM — Stromboleros
A Festa favorite, the Stromboleros serve up a lively mix of Italian music, familiar favorites and plenty of personality.
9:45–10:45 PM — Sorelle
Sorelle returns to close out Friday night with their signature harmonies and crowd-pleasing sound.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
12:30–1:00 PM — San Giovanni Dancers
Start Saturday with a celebration of Italian culture as the San Giovanni Dancers showcase traditional Italian folk dancing and colorful costumes.
1:15–2:15 PM — Cory Pesaturo
World-renowned accordionist Cory Pesaturo returns with a dynamic performance showcasing just how exciting and versatile the accordion can be.
2:30–4:00 PM — Italian Festival Concert Band
A beloved Festival tradition, the Italian Festival Concert Band fills the pavilion with classic Italian melodies, marches and familiar favorites.
4:15–6:00 PM — Stromboleros
The Stromboleros keep Saturday afternoon moving with a fun, spirited performance packed with Italian flavor and Festival favorites.
6:15–6:45 PM — San Giovanni Dancers
The San Giovanni Dancers return for another colorful celebration of the traditional dances and culture of Italy.
7:00–7:45 PM — Cory Pesaturo
Catch another opportunity to experience the extraordinary talent and energy of internationally acclaimed accordionist Cory Pesaturo.
8:30–10:45 PM — Elio Scaccio & The Rick Brunetto Big Band
Saturday night goes big! Vocalist Elio Scaccio joins the Rick Brunetto Big Band for an unforgettable evening of swinging standards, Italian-American favorites and classic big-band entertainment.
9:30–9:45 PM — Special Appearance by Cory Pesaturo
Cory Pesaturo joins the evening festivities for a special appearance during the Elio Scaccio & The Rick Brunetto Big Band performance.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
10:15 AM — Sunday Mass Processional
Festival Sunday begins on the steps of Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church with a special processional leading into the ABC6 Entertainment Pavilion, featuring the Carfagna’s Traditional Stage.
10:30 AM — Festival Sunday Mass & CIF Concert Band
Join us for one of the most cherished traditions of the Columbus Italian Festival. Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza will celebrate Sunday Mass, joined by Bishop Earl Fernandes and our pastor, Fr. Vincent T. Nguyen, with music from the Columbus Italian Festival Concert Band.
Before the parade, music and festivities of Sunday afternoon, our Festival community comes together to celebrate the faith, family and traditions at the heart of our Italian-American heritage. All are welcome.
12:15–1:30 PM — CIF Concert Band
The Columbus Italian Festival Concert Band fills the pavilion with the sounds of Italy, featuring traditional melodies, marches and familiar Festival favorites.
1:45–3:00 PM — High School Marching Band Competition
The exciting culmination of the 2026 Italian Festival Parade, presented by Black Dog Pizzeria and hosted by the Columbus Piave Club! Following the parade’s grand entrance into the Festa, talented area high school marching bands take center stage and compete for top honors. Jessica Ralston of ABC6/FOX28 serves as Master of Ceremonies for this exciting Festival tradition.
3:15–3:45 PM — San Giovanni Dancers & Stromboleros
Italian music and dance come together as the San Giovanni Dancers join the Stromboleros for a lively celebration of Italian heritage and tradition.
3:45–4:45 PM — Stromboleros & Crowd Dancing
Don’t just watch—join in! The Stromboleros keep the Festa moving with live Italian favorites and crowd dancing for everyone.
5:30–7:00 PM — Elio Scaccio & The Rick Brunetto Big Band
Close out the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival in grand style as Elio Scaccio and the Rick Brunetto Big Band fill the pavilion with timeless standards, Italian-American favorites and the unmistakable sound of a live big band.