Festival Facts

FESTIVAL FACTS

Location

The Columbus Italian Festival is held on the Steps of Saint John the Baptist Church, in Columbus’ Italian Village

168 E. Lincoln Street Columbus, Ohio, 43215

2026 Columbus Italian Festival

Friday, October 9 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, October 11 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

$15.00 online and at door

12 and under free, with adult admission

2026 Italian Festival Kickoff Dinner

Our 2026 festival theme, “Roma Eterna — All Roads Lead to Rome,” celebrates the timeless heart of Italian culture and tradition. Join us as we bring that spirit to life at a fabulous Italian Dinner Dance on Monday, October 5, at The Berwick, featuring Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms.

Tickets: TBD

FREE PUBLIC PARKING & SHUTTLES

SHUTTLES

FREE Parking & Shuttle Information – Columbus Italian Festival

All general festival parking is located at Columbus State Community College. Limited handicap parking is available along 4th Street.

Free Shuttle Service
Park in the Columbus State Community College Indoor Parking Garage and take advantage of complimentary roundtrip shuttle service. Multiple buses will be running throughout the weekend for quick and convenient transport to and from the festival.

Shuttle Hours:

  • Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Gates open at 5:00 PM)
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Gates open at 10:00 AM)
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Gates open at 12:00 PM)

Parking Details:
Festival parking is available only in the multi-story garage at Columbus State Community College (no surface lot parking).
📍 Address: 534 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215

  • Located at the northeast corner of E. Long St. & Washington Ave
  • Garage entrances: E. Long St. & Washington Ave
  • Garage exit: E. Spring St.
  • Shuttle pickup: Washington Ave & E. Spring St.
  • Capacity: 1,100 spaces
  • Includes accessible parking and elevators
  • Height restriction: 7’8”

Look for the yellow VAT school buses for shuttle service.

⚠️ Important Reminder:
Please respect our neighbors. Surrounding streets and nearby lots (including the former Wonder Bread lot) are permit-only parking. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

Additional Public Parking

Public paid parking is also available at the State Library, 274 E. 1st Ave.

 

Pet Policy

We love your pets—but for the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests, pets are not permitted on Italian Festival grounds. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Accessible Parking & Drop-Off Information

Handicap parking will be available on the east side of 4th Street, from Goodale Street to the I-670 West entrance. A valid handicap placard or plate is required, and towing will be strictly enforced.

For added convenience, patrons requiring special assistance may be dropped off at the festival entrance located at 4th Street and East Lincoln Street.

Volunteer Parking

All volunteers should park at the Columbus State Community College Parking Garage. Parking and shuttle service are completely free and provide the most convenient access to the festival.

Please be sure to pick up your festival badge from your area chair. Your badge includes access to complimentary water and select food designated for volunteers—check with your area chair for specific details and guidelines.