Roma Eterna: All Roads Lead to Rome
For centuries, Rome has stood as the beating heart of Italy—a timeless center of culture, faith, art, and tradition. Known as La Città Eterna (The Eternal City), Rome has shaped generations through its enduring influence, where every road truly leads back to its rich history and vibrant spirit.
In that same spirit, Saint John the Baptist Church has long served as the Italian cultural hub of Central Ohio—a place where community, heritage, and faith come together year after year. As we celebrate the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival, we invite you to experience Roma Eterna right here in Columbus—where tradition meets community, and all roads lead us back to what matters most: family, culture, and connection.
This year, all Roads lead to Rome, and Columbus!
2026 Festival Hours
Friday, October 9 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, October 11 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday’s Catholic Mass is Celebrated under the Main Tent on the Carfagna’s Traditional Stage at 10:15 AM
This year’s Italian Festival Kick-Off Dinner will be on Monday October 5th at The Berwick, featuring music from Ray Massa’s EuroRythms.
More info to come soon!
Columbus Italian Festival Parade and High School Marching Band Competition
Sunday, October 11th – 1:00 PM
The parade steps off at 1:00 PM from Goodale Park, traveling down High Street to Warren Street before making its way into the Columbus Italian Festival grounds.
2026 SIGNATURE SPONSORS
Our sponsors’ invaluable support is what makes the Columbus Italian Festival such a memorable celebration year after year. Their generosity helps bring the festival to life—fueling the entertainment, activities, incredible food, and refreshing drinks that our community looks forward to each October.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors and vendors who help create this unforgettable experience.
We are especially grateful for the continued support of Rosati Windows, WBNS 10TV, Sunny 95, and Carfagna’s Market. Your sponsorship keeps our traditions strong and our festival thriving.
![WBNS Logo[2]](https://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/WBNS-Logo2-e1565359491472-150x150.jpg "WBNS Logo[2]"){kind=logo}
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Columbus Italian Festival.
For almost five decades, this event has thrived because of the time, energy, and passion of people who step up to serve—whether it’s welcoming guests at the gate, preparing food, supporting activities, or helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes.
Volunteering is more than just lending a hand—it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful. It’s about preserving traditions, strengthening our community, and creating an unforgettable experience for the 35,000+ attendees who join us each year on the steps of Saint John the Baptist Church and throughout the streets of Italian Village.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or getting involved for the first time, there’s a place for you on our team. Come share in the spirit of the festival, meet great people, and help us continue a tradition that brings our community together year after year.
We couldn’t do it without you.
“My heart is filled with great joy and gratitude to God for giving us the inspiration and the strength to do what we have done.” – Fr. Casto Marrapese, founder of the Columbus Italian Festival, reflecting on the organizers and volunteers who brought the very first festival to life in 1980.
