Festival Latino Moves to New Location in Columbus Ohio CAPA Announces

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Festival Latino, Ohio’s largest celebration of Latino culture, will relocate this year to a new downtown venue, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) announced Monday.

The two-day, free event will move from its longtime home at Genoa Park to Columbus Commons and the adjacent Ohio Theatre, according to a statement from CAPA. The festival is scheduled for August 22 and 23, 2026, with daily hours from 11 a.m. To 8 p.m.

Expanded Venue Aims for Greater Accessibility and Security

The relocation is designed to provide a “more welcoming, secure and accessible environment for festivities,” CAPA said. The new sites offer additional infrastructure and resources to support the festival’s activities, which include live music, dance performances, local food vendors, children’s activities, and art displays.

“Festival Latino exists to uplift and celebrate the richness of Latino culture in Columbus,” said Chad Whittington, President and 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.”

The event will remain free to attend, and organizers have pledged to maintain all the entertainment and activities that have been part of past festivals.

Festival History and Community Impact

Festival Latino has been a cornerstone of Columbus’s cultural calendar for more than two decades, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year. The event showcases the diversity of Latino heritage through performances, culinary traditions, and family-friendly programming.

The move to Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre marks the first major venue change for the festival in its history. Genoa Park, located along the Scioto River, had served as the festival’s home for previous editions.

What Attendees Can Expect in 2026

While full programming details will be released in the coming weeks, the festival’s official website and social media channels have confirmed that the event will retain its signature elements. These include live performances by local and regional artists, a children’s activity zone, artisan markets, and a wide selection of Latin American cuisine.

The new location at 160 South High Street places the festival in the heart of downtown Columbus, near major transit lines and parking facilities. Organizers have emphasized that the change is intended to enhance the experience for all participants while preserving the festival’s core mission of cultural celebration.

Additional updates, including performer lineups and vendor information, will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.