Italian Festival, Columbus Day Parade Filling Streets In Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — Celebrate Italian heritage at the Italian Festival in Seaside Heights this weekend, culminating with the 35th Annual Columbus Day parade on Sunday.

The festival, which opened Friday, includes all manner of Italian culinary treats, live entertainment, plenty of vendors selling Italian wares, and more.

Here are the details:

FESTIVAL

The festival is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday on Grant Avenue, from the Boulevard to Ocean Terrace.

PARADE

The parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday on the Boulevard. Staging is at J Street in Seaside Park, and the parade route ends at Hiering Avenue.

Any changes in the parade due to the weather will be announced on the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee Facebook page.

PARKING

There is streetside parking along Sherman Avenue to the north of the festival and Blaine Avenue to the south, and parking areas along Central Avenue, all within three blocks of the festival and the parade route. Parking meters are still in effect, so be prepared to pay for your parking.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

There is a variety of groups and organizations performing. Here is the entertainment schedule: