The annual Columbus Italian Festival will be held on Columbus Day weekend, October 7-9. The festival is presented by and located on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church.

The 2016 festival theme, according to general chair Rick Brunetto, is Festa Della Musica celebrating the composers and music of Italy.

On Saturday and Sunday, Opera Project Columbus will be performing costumed scenes from classic Italian Operas. In our cultural tent (along with cooking demonstrations), enjoy history presentation of Italian composers by Columbus State Community College professor Rocco DiPietro.

Friday night: Pittsburgh’s Italian Swing Band Dr. Zoot will perform Italian classics.

Saturday night presents Two Gents & the Lady featuring Elio Scaccio, Vincent Ricciardi & Julie Anna Gulenko accompanied by The Rick Brunetto 17-piece orchestra. Experience a classical-pop crossover style showcasing songs from Italian greats Pavarotti, Bocelli, Caruso, and Lanza. Sunday features Italian pop band, Cavaliers, also from Pittsburgh. Street musicians and singers will be roving the festival grounds. All three days will see performances by the San Giovanni Dancers.

Along with great Italian music goes the finest in Italian foods. Admission $5, parking across from festival on 4th Street or Columbus State Community College with shuttle service. www.columbusitalianfestival.com