COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Italian Festival is back this year and WBNS-10TV is proud to be front and center at the event serving as the main media sponsor.
The three-day event runs Friday, Oct. 8 - Sunday, Oct. 10 in the streets surrounding St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
The festival will include live music from Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses, Elio Scaccio with the Rick Brunetto Big Band – and many more.
Here's what you need to know about the 2021 Columbus Italian Festival:
FESTIVAL HOURS
Friday, Oct. 8: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 9: Noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 10: Noon - 7 p.m.
TICKETS
$10 at the door; free for 12 and under with adult admission.
Call: 614-294-8259 or email info@columbusitalianfestival.com to purchase tickets in advance.
PUBLIC PARKING & SHUTTLES
Shuttle parking is available at the Columbus State Community College south lot at Long and Cleveland. Parking and shuttle are both free.
The shuttle buses will be available the following times:
- Friday - 3:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
- Saturday - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
- Sunday - 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Public paid parking is also available at the State Library, 274 E. 1st Ave.
Handicap parking will be available at the Capital City Awning Lot on 4th St. across from Smith Bros. and also at the meters along 4th St. across from the festival entrance.
FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT
Elio Scaccio with the Rick Brunetto Big Band: Elio Scaccio brings his gigantic Italian Tenor voice to the stage backed by the 17 piece orchestra that will take you from the Opera Halls of Milan to Rockin Stages of NYC.
Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses: In the tradition of his Father Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses are bringing Prima music into the 21st century.
Street Players: Their repertoire reaches back to the Big Band era of the 1940’s with hits from Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, and Tommy Dorsey.
Twist your way through the Fabulous 50’s with Chubby Checker and Fats Domino.
FESTIVAL MAP & VENDORS
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The date of the first Italian festival was set for the weekend of Sept. 20 and 21 in 1980. The location chosen was the most central and accessible possible, the Lausche Building on the Ohio State Fairgrounds. In 1999, the Columbus Italian Festival was moved to its current home on the grounds of St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church. As one of Columbus’ premier festivals it now annually attracts over 35,000 visitors. Read more >>
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