This weekend marks the return of an Ocean County autumn tradition featuring the celebration of Italian-American heritage coordinated by the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee. The celebration includes an Italian Heritage Festival starting Friday evening and continues through Sunday when the 30th Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade takes place.

After a year’s interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Columbus Day Weekend Italian Festival is back and will take place along Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights, between Ocean Terrace and W Central Avenue. As always, the festival will feature a variety of delicious food and Italian specialties, craft and merchandise vendors, and entertainment.