Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival
Free three-day Italian street festival on Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights, with the Columbus Day Parade Sunday at 1 PM.
2026 edition
The published 2026 dates include today. Check the organizer for schedule changes, admission and any weather updates before leaving.
Event Details
Date
October 9-11, 2026
Time
Fri 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location
Seaside Heights
Grant Avenue
Admission
Free
Plan a stay near Seaside Heights
Confirm the event date first, then compare the same dates and group size. Check the full cost, arrival time and cancellation terms before reserving.
Book Your Stay
Find hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs in Seaside Heights
Check Seaside Heights AvailabilityPowered by Booking.com
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Consider staying in nearby towns:
Same trip, same weekend
Other things happening nearby around the same dates.
Oct 11 · Long Beach Island
LBI 18-Mile Run & 12K
53rd annual 18-mile race the length of Long Beach Island.
Oct 10 · Surf City
Jeff Bajek Memorial Surf Fishing Tournament
9th annual ASAC surf tournament out of the Surf City Fire Hall.
Oct 11 · Seaside Heights
Ocean County Columbus Day Parade
Columbus Day parade on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights.
Oct 9–10 · Ship Bottom
LBI FLY International Kite Festival
International kite festival with giant kites and magical night fly.
Keep your next Shore outing moving
Get the free Shore Insider Guide after confirming, followed by event and seasonal planning tips. Check each organizer for current dates, schedules and weather changes.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
About Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival
Three days of Italian food, wine tasting, crafters and live entertainment on Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights over Columbus Day weekend. The organiser brings a folk group over from Italy each year (2026: Pro Loco Castrovillari), and the 35th Ocean County Columbus Day Parade steps off on the Boulevard Sunday at 1 PM. Free admission. Driving in: Garden State Parkway to Exit 82B (Route 37 East), then left at the welcome sign; the organiser's GPS address is 100 Grant Avenue.
Highlights
Free admission, Friday evening through Sunday
Folk group from Italy: Pro Loco Castrovillari
Italian food, wine tasting and crafters
35th annual Columbus Day Parade, Sunday 1 PM on the Boulevard
Grand Marshals: Ray and Dawn Marzarella and family
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival?
Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival is listed for October 9-11, 2026 in Seaside Heights, NJ. The event typically runs Fri 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Is Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival free?
Yes, Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival is free to attend.
Where is Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival held?
Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival takes place at Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights, Ocean County. Address: 100 Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Explore Seaside Heights
Compare your Seaside Heights stay, in any season
Build a shortlist for your dates, check the complete price, and choose the room setup and terms that fit your trip.
Same trip, same group
Use the same dates and all travelers. Include every room or rental your group needs in the quoted stay price.
Complete the total
Add taxes, required fees, and parking only when they are not already in the quote. Enter zero for an included cost; leave an unknown cost blank until you confirm it.
Check what will be open
Confirm the property’s operating dates and the specific amenities you need. Ask about pools, kitchens, beach access, and nearby services for your travel dates.
Read the reservation terms
Compare minimum stays, deposits, cancellation deadlines, pet rules, and occupancy limits before paying. Ask how a refundable deposit differs from a required charge.