Ciao: The Columbus Italian Festival is back!

After canceling in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Columbus Italian Festival is back.

So whether you want to try your hand at cooking classic old-world recipes, take in some big band tunes, or get in a few games of bocce ball: Italian Fest is the place to do it.

Now in its 41st year of operation, the long-standing Columbus festival will take place Oct. 8 from 5-11 p.m., Oct. 9 from 12-11 p.m., and Oct. 10 from 12-7 p.m.

As has been the case since 1999, the gathering will be located in front of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 720 Hamlet St. in Italian Village.

The festival attracts upwards of 35,000 people every year.

While the Taste of Italy—an event that let visitors eat their way through the country’s most iconic dishes—will not take place for the second consecutive year, there’s still more than enough on-hand entertainment to warrant a visit. You can try your hand at Cuciniamo, the festival’s on-site cooking demonstrations that teach participants to make a variety of classic Italian dishes, catch any of the live musical acts—from Big Bang vibes to classic Italian opera—or take part in the festival’s annual bocce ball competition. 

There are even rides and kid-friendly events to keep the little ones engaged.

Tickets for the Columbus Italian Festival are $10 at the door, and children under the age of 12 receive free admission.

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