2026 LOCATION UPDATE:
AUGUST 22 & 23, 2026
Columbus Commons & Ohio Theatre, Downtown Columbus
Saturday 12pm–8pm | Sunday 12pm–7pm

¡Festival Latino! is a free, family-friendly event celebrating family and community with two days of children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America.

Announcing this year’s Festival Latino headliners!

OKAN: Cuba – Afro-Cuban Jazz
Mazizo Musical: Mexico – Durangense
Oro Sólido: Dominican Republic – Merengue
José Alberto “El Canario”: Dominican Republic – Salsa

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

DJ Cale

Derek Amaya, professionally known as DJ Cale, is widely recognized as one of Ohio’s premier DJs. For more than 15 years, DJ Cale has been a featured performer at the Columbus Latino Festival, one of the Midwest’s largest Latin cultural celebrations. Beyond the stage, DJ Cale comes from a family deeply rooted in Columbus’ nightlife, owning and operating Bodi Columbus and The Cave Bar & Lounge. Today, he continues to be one of the most sought-after DJs in Ohio, bringing professionalism, energy, and world-class entertainment to every event. 

Schedule:12PM Saturday, August 22

Golpe de Estado

Golpe de Estado is a rising Música Mexicana band from Columbus, blending the raw energy of sierreño with the evolving sounds of the new generation. In just over two years, the band has built a loyal following and has performed in cities including Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, and St. Louis, alongside established acts in the regional Mexican scene. With the release of their singles “Piel Rosita” and “Mirando al Cielo,” Golpede Estado continues to represent a new wave of artists proving that great Mexican music can emerge from unexpected places. 

Schedule:12:15PM Saturday, August 22

Carlos Rubio – Salsa Lessons

Take a salsa dance lesson from “The Salsa King of Ohio.” Carlos Rubio is an instructor at the Salsamante Dance Academy and Ohio’s all-time winning-est salsa dancer, with more than 20 years of teaching experience.

Schedule:1:15PM Saturday, August 22

OKAN

Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, Yoruba, and Spanglish, OKAN is led by the Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees. OKAN’s recent release Okantomi was awarded the 2024 Juno Award (the band’s second Juno recognition). 

Schedule:2PM Saturday, August 22

Salsamante Dance Academy

Enjoy salsa performances from instructors and students of Columbus’ first and only salsa dance studio.

Schedule:3PM Saturday, August 22

Mazizo Musical

Mazizo Musical was founded in 2003 in Chicago by the Obregon Brothers: Raul, Ricardo, and Diego Obregon. They are originally from Canatlan de las Manzanas, Durango, Mexico. The band has released nine albums and has over 25 million views on YouTube. They have performed on the most important stages in Mexico, such as the Estadio Azteca twice in front of more than 100k people, touring most of the states in Mexico and the United States. 

Schedule:4PM Saturday, August 22

El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico

Toledo-based dance company El Corazón de Mexico Ballet Folklorico (The Heart of Mexico) will demonstrate the beauty and charm of traditional Mexican dances.

Schedule:5:30PM Saturday, August 22

Oro Sólido

Oro Sólido was formed by Raúl Acosta, nicknamed “El Presidente.” Coming from a family of musicians, Acosta and his brothers began performing when they were growing up in the Dominican Republic. When the family moved to the U.S., Raul continued his pursuit of music and performing. In 1994, he formed the merengue band Oro Sólido, which has established itself as one of the most important Latin music groups in the world. Acosta has been nominated for and won numerous awards over the years, including Estrella Awards, ACE Awards, and Lo Nuestro Awards. The group has shared the stage with artists like 50 Cent, LeAnn Rimes, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Fat Joe, Johnny Ventura, Wilfrido Vargas, Tito Puente, El Gran Combo, and The Temptations. 

Schedule:6:30PM Saturday, August 22

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

DJ Cale

Derek Amaya, professionally known as DJ Cale, is widely recognized as one of Ohio’s premier DJs. For more than 15 years, DJ Cale has been a featured performer at the Columbus Latino Festival, one of the Midwest’s largest Latin cultural celebrations. Beyond the stage, DJ Cale comes from a family deeply rooted in Columbus’ nightlife, owning and operating Bodi Columbus and The Cave Bar & Lounge. Today, he continues to be one of the most sought-after DJs in Ohio, bringing professionalism, energy, and world-class entertainment to every event. 

Schedule:12PM Sunday, August 23

Los Borirengues del Swing

Los Borirengues del Swing is a Puerto Rican musical group based in Columbus dedicated to bringing the joy of tropical music and Puerto Rican flavor to stages and events throughout the region. With a repertoire full of merengue, bachata, salsa and other Caribbean rhythms, the group has won the affection of the public for its energy, charisma and the connection it achieves with each presentation. Their mission is to keep Puerto Rican culture alive through music, making each event a celebration to dance, sing and share with the family. Throughout their career, Los Borirengues del Swing have shared the stage with renowned artists such as Maelo Ruiz, Zacarías Ferreira and Luis Vargas. 

Schedule:12:15PM Sunday, August 23

Carlos Rubio – Salsa Lessons

Take a salsa dance lesson from “The Salsa King of Ohio.” Carlos Rubio is an instructor at the Salsamante Dance Academy and Ohio’s all-time winning-est salsa dancer, with more than 20 years of teaching experience.

Schedule:1:15PM Sunday, August 23

Romero Norteño

Romero Norteño has captivated audiences across the Midwest with their dynamic performances and authentic sound. The band was founded in 2010 by a father and son duo, sharing the Romero surname, whose deep-rooted passion for traditional Mexican music laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated musical ensemble. The band’s unique sound is characterized by the traditional norteño instrumentation of accordion, bajo quinto, bass, and drums. Their rise to fame in the Columbus Spanish music scene is a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to their craft. 

Schedule:1:45PM Sunday, August 23

Salsamante Dance Academy

Enjoy salsa performances from instructors and students of Columbus’ first and only salsa dance studio.

Schedule:2:45PM Sunday, August 23

Chupeta de Ajo

Columbus-based Venezuelan singer, songwriter, and musician Víctor Zancudo is a longtime local performer with a variety of bands. His latest, Chupeta de Ajo, is a rock group covering the best rock en Español classic hits by bands from Mexico, Argentina, and beyond. 

Schedule:3:15PM Sunday, August 23

El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico

Toledo-based dance company El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico (The Heart of Mexico) will demonstrate the beauty and charm of traditional Mexican dances.

Schedule:4:30PM Sunday, August 23

Jose Alberto “El Canario”

José Alberto Justiniano, known as “El Canario”, is a prominent tropical music singer born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Throughout his 50-year career, he has ventured into various musical genres such as Salsa, Son, Guaracha, Bolero, Merengue, Vallenato and Mambo, presenting his show on stages around the world. He has collaborated with several influential Latin music artists such as Celia Cruz , Johnny Pacheco, Tito Puente, Milly Quezada, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar De Leon, Pablo Milanes, Jorge Celedon, and Victor Manuel, to name a few. With 27 albums and numerous awards, he has achieved 15 Gold and Platinum Records, three Latin Grammys, has been nominated for the Grammy, two Hispanic Heritage Awards, Emmy Awards and more. Alberto is known for his charisma, improvisations, and abilities as a singer, producer and conductor, being nicknamed “El Showman de la Salsa.” 

Schedule:5:30PM Sunday, August 23

Get exclusive festival info

FOLLOW THE FESTIVAL

#FestivalLatinoCbus

⚾ ¡Únase a nosotros para la noche de Los Veleros de los Columbus Clippers el 13 de agosto! Consiga sus entradas, anime a los Clippers y pase por nuestra mesa para conocer más sobre el Festival Latino de este año. ¡Nos vemos allí!

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⚾ Join us for the @clbclippers’ Los Veleros night on August 13! Grab your tickets, cheer on the Clippers, and stop by our table to learn more about this year's Festival Latino. See you there!

#FestivalLatinoCbus #ColumbusOhio #ColumbusCommons
El Festival Latino celebra las vibrantes culturas de América Latina a través de la música, la danza, la comida y las tradiciones. Es un espacio donde personas de todos los orígenes pueden reunirse, conectarse, aprender y celebrar la diversidad.

Cuando compartimos nuestras culturas, construimos comprensión, creamos nuevas amistades y fortalecemos nuestra comunidad. 🌎🌟

Recordatorio: ¡El Festival Latino este año será en el Columbus Commons (160 S. High St., en el centro de Columbus)!

¡Nos vemos el 22 de agosto de 12 a 8 y el 23 de agosto de 12 a 7!

📸 Crédito de la foto: Randall L. Schieber

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Festival Latino celebrates the vibrant cultures of Latin America through music, dance, food, and traditions. It's a space where people from all backgrounds can come together, connect, learn, and celebrate diversity.

When we share our cultures, we build understanding, create new friendships, and strengthen our community. 🌎🌟

Reminder: Festival Latino will be at the Columbus Commons (160 S. High St., downtown Columbus) this year!

See you August 22 from 12-8 & August 23 from 12-7!

📸 Photo credit: Randall L. Schieber

#FestivalLatinoCbus #ColumbusOhio #ColumbusCommons
Prepárese para cantar, bailar y celebrar con los artistas principales del Festival Latino 2026 🎶

🎟️ Manténgase atento para más actualizaciones del festival.

Separa la fecha:
🗓️ 22 y 23 de agosto
📍 Columbus Commons + Teatro Ohio | 160 S. High St., contro de Columbus

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Get ready to sing, dance and celebrate with the Festival Latino 2026 headliners 🎶
 
🎟️ Stay tuned for more festival updates.

Save the date:
🗓️ August 22 + 23
📍 Columbus Commons + Ohio Theatre | 160 S. High St., downtown Columbus

#FestivalLatinoCbus #ColumbusOhio #ColumbusCommons #DowntownColumbus
ANNOUNCEMENT: This year, Festival Latino will be relocated to the Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre, marking a change from its longtime home at Genoa Park.

By relocating to Columbus Commons and the Ohio Theatre, Festival Latino aims to provide a more secure, accessible, and welcoming environment for all participants while providing all of the activities and entertainment that festival goers have enjoyed in the past. These venues offer greater infrastructure and resources that can help ensure a setting where attendees can gather with confidence and focus on celebrating culture, music, food, and heritage.

As always, Festival Latino will be free to attend!

Save the date: 
🗓️ August 22 + 23
📍Columbus Commons + Ohio Theatre | 160 S. High St., downtown Columbus
🤑 FREE to attend!

Additional details about Festival Latino 2026, including programming, and vendor information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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ANUNCIO: Este año, el Festival Latino se trasladará al Columbus Commons y al Teatro Ohio, marcando un cambio de su antigua sede en el Parque Genoa.

Al trasladarse al Columbus Commons y al Teatro Ohio, el Festival Latino quiere ofrecer un entorno más seguro, accesible y acogedor para todos los participantes, sin dejar al lado todas las actividades y el entretenimiento que los asistentes han disfrutado en el pasado. Estos recintos cuentan con una mayor infraestructura y recursos que pueden ayudar a garantizar un espacio donde los asistentes puedan reunirse con confianza y centrarse en celebrar la cultura, la música, la comida y la herencia.

¡Como siempre, el Festival Latino tendrá entrada gratuita!

Separa la fecha:
🗓️ 22 y 23 de agosto
📍 Columbus Commons + Teatro Ohio | 160 S. High St., centro de Columbus
🤑 ¡Entrada GRATUITA!

En las próximas semanas se anunciarán detalles adicionales sobre el Festival Latino 2026, incluida la programación y la información para los vendedores.

#FestivalLatinoCbus #ColumbusOhio #DowntownColumbus #ColumbusCommons #OhioTheatre
¡GRATIS! Get your costumes ready! 🎃

👻 Jueves, 23 de octubre
👻 Teatro Palace de 4-7 pm

CAPA Haunts the Palace returns Thursday, Oct. 23!

This free, weather-proof alternative to trick-or-treating includes treats and tricks from CAPA, CCT, Columbus Symphony, Opera Columbus, and Short North Stage — all for FREE! Plus a character from Castle on a Cloud Entertainment and creatures from Ohio School of Falconry 👻

Mark your calendar, and we’ll see you at a spookified version of the Palace Theatre!

¡Festival Latino! IS PRODUCED BY