The Columbus Italian Festival is proud to announce that Joe Ingrassia has been named the new Director of Marketing and Communications for the festival, one of Central Ohio’s most beloved cultural traditions.
The 2026 Columbus Italian Festival will take place Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026, on the steps of Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio.
Founded in 1980, the Columbus Italian Festival has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier celebrations of Italian-American culture, heritage, and community. Each year, tens of thousands of attendees gather to experience authentic Italian food, live music and entertainment, cultural exhibits, religious traditions, and the iconic Festival Parade and High School Marching Band Competition. The festival serves not only as a celebration of Italian heritage, but also as a major fundraiser supporting Saint John the Baptist Church and local community initiatives.
In his new role, Ingrassia will oversee all marketing, branding, media relations, digital communications, and community outreach efforts for the festival, with a focus on expanding visibility, strengthening partnerships, and engaging new generations of attendees and volunteers.
A longtime Central Ohio resident who has called Columbus home for several decades, Ingrassia brings a unique blend of professional marketing expertise and deep community involvement to the role. By day, he is a senior account manager in the experiential marketing and trade show industry, where he specializes in transforming brand strategy into live, high-impact experiences. He is widely known in the industry for his ability to connect storytelling, design, and logistics to create memorable moments.
Ingrassia is also deeply involved in the Italian-American community as the Event and Marketing Director and New Member Chair for the Columbus Piave Club, Central Ohio’s oldest Italian-American civic and social organization, founded in 1919. Through his work with the Piave Club, he has helped grow membership, modernized marketing efforts, and launched new events and partnerships that have strengthened the club’s presence in the community.
“I’m incredibly honored to step into this role and to help tell the story of the Columbus Italian Festival,” said Ingrassia. “This festival means so much to our community — it’s about faith, family, food, culture, and pride in our heritage. My goal is to build on the amazing work that’s been done over the past four decades and help elevate the festival’s voice, reach, and impact for years to come. I'm grateful for all those who paved the way before me—especially Landa Masdea Brunetto for her guidance, mentorship, and support through this transition. Truly appreciate everything she's done to set the foundation.”
Festival leadership expressed confidence that Ingrassia’s energy, creativity, and deep roots in both marketing and the Italian-American community will help usher in an exciting new chapter for the Columbus Italian Festival.
Additional details about the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival, including entertainment, vendors, and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced in the coming months.
