Food, music and dancing will be part of the 38th Italian Festival this weekend at the St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 168 E. Lincoln St. in Columbus. “It washes your soul with happiness,” said Landa Masdeo Brunetto, festival spokeswoman. “It’s more than a good time -- it’s heartfelt.” Tickets are $5 at the door; children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free.

Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. Brunetto said patrons should bring an appetite for the multitude of Italian delicacies for sale, including a Sicilian-style pizza set on a deep, airy crust. She said the pizza is made once a year by festival volunteers and “people come from miles around” to get a slice or two.