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The Columbus Italian Festival
October 6, 2023 @ 5:00 pm - October 8, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
The Columbus Italian Festival 2023 will be held from October 6th to 8th, 2023, at the St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church in Italian Village. Celebrate the best of Italian culture, food, and entertainment during this 3-day extravaganza. This event is fun for everyone!
About the Columbus Italian Festival
In 1980, the United States Catholic Bishops designated the year as the “year of the family.” In response to this call, Fr. Casto Marrapese, pastor of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio, organized the first annual Italian Festival. The festival was designed to celebrate both American and Italian heritages and to promote the importance of religious commitment and moral values.
The festival’s theme was “Family – Faith – Friends,” which encapsulates the core values of the Italian culture and its people. The festival was a huge success, drawing over 10,000 attendees and generating a profit of $26,000.
The festival was originally held at the Lausche Building within the Ohio State Fairgrounds. However, the event’s popularity led to traffic congestion and other problems, so it was moved to the Multipurpose Building in 1981. In 1999, the festival found its permanent home at St. John the Baptist Church.
Today, the Columbus Italian Festival is one of the city’s largest and most popular festivals. It attracts over 35,000 people each year and features a variety of food, entertainment, and cultural activities. The festival celebrates Italian heritage and is a testament to the importance of family, faith, and friendship.
(Photo credit: Columbus Italian Festival Facebook Page)
Here are some additional highlights:
- The festival features a variety of Italian food, including pasta, pizza, gelato, and pastries.
- There is also live music, dancing, and games and activities for children.
- The festival is a great opportunity to learn about Italian culture and history.
- It is also a chance to meet and connect with people interested in Italian culture.
Festival Schedule:
The Columbus Italian Festival features a three-day musical lineup with must-see artists and events.
Day 1
Friday, October 6, 2023
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Joint Rockers at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – San Giovanni Dancers at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
6:15 PM – 6:45 PM – Opening Ceremony at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Cory Pesaturo at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
8:30 PM – 11:00 PM – The Roxy Janes at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Vanessa Racci at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
Day 2
Saturday, October 7, 2023
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – San Giovanni Dancers at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM – The Hip Replacements at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Italian Concert Band at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Chaz and Nicki at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Cory Pesaturo at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Vanessa Racci with Cory Pesaturo at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
7:00 PM – 8:15 PM – Dante Brunetto at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
7:15 PM – 7:45 PM – San Giovanni Dancers at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
8:30 PM – 11:00 PM – Street Players at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
Day 3
Sunday, October 8, 2023
10:30 AM – 11:30 PM – Catholic Mass at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Jessie Rose at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Italian Concert Band at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
1:00 PM – 2:45 PM – Columbus Italian Festival Parade and Marching Band Competition at Parade Route
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – The Fair Weathered at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Cory Pesaturo at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Tae & The Wave at Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM – San Giovanni Dancers at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Brian Michael Smith “Being Frank with Tony” at Carfagna’s Traditional Stage
Key Activities
- A Night in Verona
- Scrumptious Italian dinner and dancing
- October 2nd, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tickets: $50
- Italian Festival Parade and High School Marching Band Competition
- Spectacular parade and marching band competition
- October 8th, 1:00 PM
- Parade route: Dennison Avenue > Buttles Avenue > High Street > Warren Avenue > 4th Street
- Italian Cultural Events
- Immerse yourself in Italian culture
- Visit https://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/italian-cultural-events for a list of events
- Cugin Law Bocce Tournament
- Unleash your competitive spirit with a game of bocce ball
- Secure your ticket before they’re all gone
- More details: https://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/bocce-ball-competition/
- Kids Event
- Range of child-friendly activities courtesy of Albanese Amusements
- Cuciniamo
- All-day Italian cooking showcase
- Pick up some authentic Italian recipes
- Jackpot Split
- Try your hand at the cash raffle jackpot
- More details: https://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/raffle
Ticket Information
Purchase tickets online at https://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/tickets or directly at the gate for $10. Kids under 12 enter free with an adult ticket.
Parking Spots and Shuttles
Complimentary shuttle parking is provided at the south lot of Columbus State Community College, conveniently located at the intersection of Long and Cleveland.
Additional Parking Option: You may also avail of public paid parking at the state library, 274 E. 1st Avenue.
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