Columbus Italian Festival returns with pizza, pasta, music, dance, bocce and much more
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Festival season may be coming to a close for the year, but not before one of Columbus' biggest annual festivals takes center stage.
The 42nd Columbus Italian Festival, which normally welcomes more than 35,000 visitors, will take place from Friday through Sunday with a parade and marching band competition, multiple musical acts, kids' rides, a multi-day bocce tournament, cultural and religious education and, of course, plenty of food.
The weather forecast looks great for the outdoor festival, so don't miss the chance to get outside, enjoy some good food and a slice of Italian culture!
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Where is the Italian Festival Columbus Ohio?
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 168 E. Lincoln St.
What are the hours?
5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
How much are tickets?
$10, or $15 for a three-day pass. Kids younger than 12 are free with adult admission.
What about parking?
Free parking is available at the Columbus State Community College south lot on the corner of Long and Cleveland. Free shuttles are provided from the parking lot. Shuttles will run from 3:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday,10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Masks are required on the shuttles. Handicapped parking is available at the Capital City Awning lot, 569 N. 4th St., and at meters along 4th Street.
What's new this year?
Guests of the Italian Festival will get a first glimpse at the works of art that Genoan artist Edoardo Alfieri left to the city in his will. Alfieri created the statue of Christopher Columbus that Genoa gifted to Columbus in 1955. (It's planned that later this year his works will be on view at the Columbus Historical Society.)
“He fell in love with Columbus, and he wanted to be remembered here,” said Landa Masdea-Brunetto, the festival's publicity coordinator.
Although the original art works won't be on display, photos and descriptions of them will be available for viewing in the cultural center tent.
What's the biggest musical offering this year?
Nick Cosgrove, who played Frankie Valli in the Broadway production of “Jersey Boys” and in the first two touring productions will present a tribute to Frankie Valli accompanied by the Rick Brunetto Big Band, including songs such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Oh What a Night” and more. Cosgrove moved to Columbus in 2020. The show will be presented on Saturday night and then will close out the festival on Sunday afternoon.
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“Nick wrote the show,” Masdea-Brunetto said. “It's about his suddenly being thrust into the world of Franky Valli. He unravels this cool tale of behind the scenes in 'Jersey Boys' in a beautiful, inquisitive way. He's half Italian, and you fall in love with his grandmother and his mom and his whole family. By the end of the show, you just want to meet them all.”
What else will be going on musically?
Music will be playing on two stages throughout the festival. The Contemporary Stage will host upbeat bands such as Columbus' Long Play, the Gas Pump Jockeys and Popgun, while the Traditional Stage will host opera singer Julie Anna Gulenko, female trio Tre Bella, the Italian Concert Band and more.
Is the traditional parade happening?
Yes. Under the direction of grand marshal Dino Tripodis from Sunny 95, the parade and marching band competition will kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday and wind through Victorian Village, the Short North and Italian Village.
What if I like to dance?
Rock out to the acts on the Contemporary Stage or learn Italian folk dances and drinking songs — and, for the energetic, the tarantella — with the San Giovanni Dancers.
What about the Ohio State game on Saturday?
The cultural center will transform into a viewing-party area while the game is on, with two television screens and adult beverages available nearby.
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What if I want to watch some live (though perhaps lower-key) sports?
Grab an espresso and get a feel for the intricacies of bocce as teams compete for prizes and glory throughout the festival in the bocce area, where there is seating for observers to enjoy food and beverages.
What can I learn at the festival?
Italian-language students from many of the area's Catholic high schools, as well as other festival volunteers, will invite visitors to play Trivial Pursuit, Italian style, teach a little Italian for travelers, and demonstrate how to make pasta, limoncello, meatballs, cannoli and more from scratch.
What if I get hungry?
You'll have plenty of options. Pasta of all sorts, pizza round or square, grilled Italian sausage with peppers and onions, chicken and veal Parmesan, stromboli, fried eggplant and more will be available. Cleveland's Corbo's will be there with four stands, including one with gelato and other desserts and one with their special Italian pastries.
Where can I get more information?
Check out www.columbusitalianfestival.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Italian Festival 2022 offers music, parade and lots of food
