The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) bills Festival Latino as Ohio’s largest Latin-American cultural event, drawing attendees from beyond the state.
Last year’s two-day event in Genoa Park attracted 135,000 festivalgoers, according to CAPA’s 2025 sponsor report. Now, with two locations, the celebration has more room to grow.
Relocating the festival to the Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre will offer the infrastructure and resources needed for more programming, according to a press release from CAPA.
CAPA owns and operates the Ohio Theatre and collaborates with the Columbus Commons on programming.
In addition to live music, food vendors, art displays, children’s activities, traditional dance and other entertainment at the Commons,
160 S. High St., the move allows for free movies at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
The 29th Festival Latino will be held, rain or shine, from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 and noon to 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Admission is free. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Below is a quick rundown of the fest, offering the basics from performances to parking.
Kickoff at Columbus Commons
DJ Cale, Festival Latino’s official DJ since 2011, will open each day on the Commons' Main Stage with an energetic set blending Latin rhythms and electronic house music.
Artists following DJ Cale will range from emerging stars to national and international headliners. Columbus is heavily represented, with four local acts bringing sounds from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Argentina, the Dominican Republic and beyond.
Three acts will return from previous years to take the Dance Stage, including El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico of Toledo, and students and instructors from Salsamente Dance Academy of Worthington.
Local visual artists will exhibit and sell their work in the Artists’ and Authors’ Showcase area, which will also feature area writers holding bilingual readings and offering books for sale. More arts activities directed by local artist Juan Daza will be offered near the Rich Street Bridge.
Other attractions will include vendors serving cuisine from Latin America and beyond, along with drinks including piña coladas. A children’s area will offer crafts, games, face painting and more, and a marketplace will sell traditional items from Latin America.
Over at the Ohio
Watch a free family-friendly flick in the comfort of the nearby Ohio Theatre, where the big screen will show “Coco” at 1 p.m. Aug. 22 and “Encanto” at 1 p.m. Aug. 23.
CAPA and other local arts organizations will have information tables at the theater.
Where to put it in park
Paid parking is available at the Columbus Commons garage, 55 E. Rich St., and nearby surface lots. Bicycle racks will be located at each festival entrance.
Think if you drink
Festival Latino will not participate in the City of Columbus’ Center City Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. DORA cups will not be allowed on-site, and festivalgoers will not be allowed to take alcohol bought at the festival off-site.
Visit festivallatino.net for schedules, maps and more information.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about Festival Latino, from new locations to parking
