Columbus weekend picks: Meatballs, music and a toddler rave
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The leaves are turning, the air is crisp — it's the perfect time to eat a meatball outdoors.
🇮🇹 Our pick: The Columbus Italian Festival.
What's inside: The streets of Italian Village become a party this weekend with a variety of food, games, cultural traditions and music.
- There's an astounding array of Italian eats, a parade and the incredibly Italian Bocce Classic.
- Plus, a once-a-year pizza that some swear is their favorite in Columbus.
Flashback: The first festival was in 1980 at the fairgrounds, inspired by the Catholic Bishops' "Year of the Family" proclamation.
- Those Catholic underpinnings remain, with St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church at the center of the festival.
- The event has grown into one of Columbus' favorites.
🎟️ If you go: 5-11pm Friday, 10am-11pm Saturday, noon-7pm Sunday, 168 E. Lincoln St.
- Tickets are $15 online or at the festival entrance — kids 12 and under are free with adults.
What else is happening:
🏒 The Blue Jackets host the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday night.
🎻 The Columbus Symphony's "Hollywood Sci-Fi Spectacular" features classics from the likes of John Williams and Hans Zimmer Friday and Saturday night.
🍎 It's the 53rd annual Groveport Apple Butter Day Saturday at Heritage Park.
🏈 Ohio State football hosts Maryland Saturday afternoon.
- If you're trying to catch an "affordable" game this year, you can still get in the door for around $80.
🎸 Indie legends Interpol play Kemba Live Saturday night.
🎧 Australian DJ Lenny Pearce brings his international hit toddler rave to Kemba Live Sunday afternoon.
🎛️ DJ Shadow celebrates 30 years of his debut "Endtroducing....." at the Bluestone Sunday night.
Plus: 🐎 The All American Quarter Horse Congress continues through Oct. 24.