The free, long-running outdoor festival has become a regional draw, luring attendees from surrounding states to enjoy music, art and more.
The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA)—the organization that oversees the Ohio, Southern, Lincoln and other Downtown theaters—was never in the business of outdoor festivals. Yet, about a decade-and-a-half ago, CAPA made its first venture into festival management—and did so for a good cause.
In 2009, Festival Latino—a weekend-long annual event that brings together Latin-American music, art, food and more—had reached a fork in the road when the city of Columbus, which had shepherded the festival into existence in 1996, was no longer in a financial position to keep the festival going solo. Enter CAPA.
“It’s been 16 years now that we’ve really run the festival, gone out into the community and raised the money, not only to maintain it but to grow it over time,” says Chad Whittington, CAPA’s CEO. “As the Latino population in Columbus continued to grow, we felt like we were in the best position to make sure the festival grew along with it.”
Indeed, Festival Latino—which, this year, is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 9-10 in Genoa Park—has emerged as the region’s largest Latino festival, Whittington says. Some 150,000 attendees gather yearly to take in all the sights, sounds and eats. “We know that we’re drawing not just from central Ohio but all over the region—as far as Toledo, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis,” Whittington says.
To enhance its attractiveness to community members and visitors alike, CAPA does not charge for admission. “Accessibility is important,” Whittington says. “If we’re going to serve the role that we’re supposed to have in the community, we’ve got to make sure we’re accessible to lots of different folks.”
Those who turn out for Festival Latino this year will find no shortage of entertainment and education. The amphitheater will host both local bands and musical artists from around the country and the globe, while vendors will present Latin-American-influenced art. All of the senses are engaged—including taste. The festival also offers children’s activities and health and wellness areas. “My favorite part of the festival is walking around food vendors,” Whittington says “There’s the full range of Latino representation—Venezuelan, Colombian, Mexican. Whatever you’re into in terms of Latino food, you can find it.”
This story is from the June 2025 issue of Columbus Monthly. Subscribe here.
