FESTIVAL LATINO to Relocate to Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre
The free, family-friendly event marks its 29th year after moving from its longtime home at Genoa Park.
CAPA has announced that, for 2026, Festival Latino will be held at Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre, marking a change from its longtime home at Genoa Park.
By relocating to Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre, Festival Latino aims to provide a more secure, accessible, and welcoming environment for all participants while providing all of the activities and entertainment that festivalgoers have enjoyed in the past. These venues offer greater infrastructure and resources that can help ensure a setting where attendees can gather with confidence and focus on celebrating culture, music, food, and heritage.
This decision has been made with careful consideration and a deep commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and peace of mind of all attendees, performers, vendors, and partners. Festival Latino has always been a space for joy, cultural pride, and community connection, and organizers are taking thoughtful steps to preserve that spirit in a changing environment.
“Festival Latino exists to uplift and celebrate the richness of Latino culture in Columbus,” said Chad Whittington, President & CEO of CAPA. “We are excited to bring Festival Latino to the Commons and to explore the programming possibilities that exist with access to CAPA's historic Ohio Theatre.”
“Moving Festival Latino to Columbus Commons ensures our families can celebrate culture in a space designed for comfort, accessibility, and safety. It's about honoring our community while making sure everyone feels welcome and protected,” said Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Council Member and Festival Latino Steering Committee member.
Festival organizers are working closely with community leaders, partners, and local stakeholders to ensure that the event remains inclusive, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of the community it serves.
Additional details about Festival Latino 2026, including programming and vendor information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Festival Latino, the largest Latino event in Ohio, is a two-day, free, family-friendly event celebrating family and community. Festivalgoers can enjoy an entertainment lineup that includes national headliners and local artists, food, children's activities, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America.
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