The theme of the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival honors Italy’s capital as an enduring hub of culture, faith, art and tradition.
“Roma Eterna – All Roads Lead to Rome” extols the Italian city, “where every road truly leads back to its rich history and vibrant spirit,” the festival website states.
Likewise, the three-day Italian Festival leads about 35,000 attendees to St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church each year, according to an event spokesman.
The fest includes live music and entertainment, authentic cuisine, wine and desserts, cooking demos, local vendors, cultural exhibits, church tours, Sunday Mass and more.
The event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting at 5:15 p.m. Oct. 9 for the new bocce courts, where the Columbus Italian Festival
Bocce Classic will be held throughout the weekend.
Another new addition, Piazza del Bambini, will offer activities for the younger festivalgoers.
Other highlights will include:
- Sorelle - Trio of Ohio sisters who drew national attention as finalists on season 23 of NBC’s “The Voice,” 7:45 and 9:45 p.m. Oct. 9.
- Festival parade – Travels from Goodale Park through Italian Village and into the festival, with Dante Fabbro of the Columbus Blue Jackets as grand marshal, 1 p.m. Oct. 11. The High School Marching Band Competition follows.
- Meet Dante Fabbro – Meet and greet the Blue Jackets defenseman, 2 p.m. Oct. 11.
Also, be on the lookout for Crew Cat from the Columbus Crew in the evening on Oct. 9 and in the afternoon on Oct. 11.
When in Rome: How to go
The Columbus Italian Festival will be held on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church at 168 E. Lincoln St. Hours will be 5-11 p.m. Oct. 9; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 10; and noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 11.
Tickets cost $15 for single-day admission and $30 for a three-day pass. Children under 12 will be admitted for free.
Festivalgoers can park for free at Columbus State Community College and ride the free shuttle to and from the event throughout the weekend. Meet the shuttle at the parking garage at 534 E. Long St.
Visit columbusitalianfestival.com for tickets and more information.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Follow the road to Rome at 2026 Columbus Italian Festival
