A single-day ticket to the Columbus Italian Festival costs $15. Children under 12 get in free, and festivalgoers can park free at Columbus State Community College before taking a free shuttle to St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church. The festival runs Oct. 9-11 on the church grounds at 168 E. Lincoln St., and a three-day pass costs $30.
Who Pays to Attend
According to an event spokesman, about 35,000 people attend each year. The article lists ticket prices and attendance, but doesn't report the festival's revenue, expenses, vendor earnings or how it uses ticket income. It also doesn't name the event's organizers.
Admission includes live music and entertainment, cuisine, wine and desserts, cooking demonstrations, local vendors, cultural exhibits, church tours, Sunday Mass and other activities. A three-day pass costs twice as much as a single-day ticket. Children under 12 enter free, while parking and shuttle transportation are also free.
The shuttle will run throughout the weekend between the festival and the parking garage at 534 E. Long St. The article doesn't say how many shuttle trips it will make, how many passengers it can carry or how much free parking is available.
What the Festival Offers
The theme, “Roma Eterna – All Roads Lead to Rome,” honors Rome as a hub of culture, faith, art and tradition. The festival website describes it as a city “where every road truly leads back to its rich history and vibrant spirit.”
Bocce courts and Piazza del Bambini, a spot with activities for younger festivalgoers, are new additions. The courts’ ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Oct. 9. The Columbus Italian Festival Bocce Classic will take place there throughout the weekend.
Sorelle, a trio of Ohio sisters and finalists on season 23 of NBC's “The Voice,” will perform at 7:45 and 9:45 p.m. Oct. 9. Crew Cat from the Columbus Crew is expected that evening and again in the afternoon Oct. 11.
The parade leaves Goodale Park at 1 p.m. Oct. 11, travels through Italian Village and ends at the festival. Columbus Blue Jackets player Dante Fabbro will serve as grand marshal. A High School Marching Band Competition follows, and organizers scheduled a meet-and-greet with Fabbro for 2 p.m.
What the Report Leaves Unspecified
The festival schedule includes church tours and Sunday Mass, along with performances, food, vendors and children's activities. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 10, and noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 11.
The article reports no wages, employment numbers, worker accounts, union activity, strikes or disputes involving vendors or festival staff. It names no government action or public subsidy and reports no reform proposal. Those questions aren't answered by the event details provided.
Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch features and entertainment reporter, published the article Oct. 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. The publication said it may earn a commission from purchases through links on the page, while its editorial recommendations are made independently of that compensation. Tickets and additional information are available at columbusitalianfestival.com.