A Guide to the Main Events in May 2024 in Rome

Discovering the best things to do in Rome in May

Rome in May promises to be dynamic and exciting, with a wide range of events and activities to experience. From festivals and art exhibitions to musical performances by distinguished national and international artists, you’ll be spoiled for choice this spring. Whether you are an art/music/food lover or simply looking for a reason to rejoice, Rome eagerly awaits your arrival. This article groups the most important events in May to help you plan your visit.

National holidays and special days in Rome in May 

May 1 | International Workers’ Day

One of the most important festivities in May is Workers’ Day, celebrated with a grand free concert which this year will take place at Circo Massimo, while all museums and shops remain closed to honour the contributions of workers.

Exhibitions this May in Rome

If you are passionate about art, this May Rome offers a series of very interesting exhibitions. Embark on a journey through human emotions with “Emotion” at Chiostro del Bramante, or delve into the world of traditional Japanese art at Palazzo Braschi’s Ukiyoe exhibition. Discover the artistic heritage of Naples with “Napoli Ottocento” at the Scuderie del Quirinale, and “Raffaello, Tiziano and Rubens“, showcasing fifty masterpieces from the Galleria Borghese. Lastly, don’t miss “Day for Night: New American Realism” at Palazzo Barberini, showcasing the works of contemporary American artists.

Best events in May in Rome

Live music

The month of May begins with the grand landmark concert, but the city’s musical scene doesn’t end there. Artists from a variety of musical traditions and backgrounds will perform on various stages around the city throughout the entire month.

6- 19 May | BNL International Tennis Tournament

From 6 to 19 May, Rome will host the BNL international tennis tournament, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The top names in Tennis will be coming to duke it out on the clay courts of Foro Italico, a historical stadium built for the Olympic Games of 1960. This is one of the best events in Rome and this fabulous competition will combine men’s and women’s tournaments. This tournament will give us a week of intense tennis under the glorious sunshine of May.

8 May – 9 June | World Press Photo 2024

The exhibition of the World Press Photo returns to the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. The exhibition presents a national preview of the finalist photos of the international photojournalism competition which since 1955 awards the best professional photographers every year. For its 67th edition, the competition saw the participation of 3,851 photographers from 130 countries with 61,062 photographs and open format contributions. The exhibition invites viewers to see the news with fresh eyes and to critically reflect on important issues in our world.

9-12 May | Race for the Cure

The Race for the Cure is the largest event for the fight against breast cancer both in Italy and globally. This year, Rome will host the 25th edition of the Race for the Cure, organized by Komen Italia, from 9 to 12 May. Four days of free initiatives for health, sport and solidarity that culminate on Sunday with an exciting 10 km race, a 5 km race and 2 km walk in the streets of the city center. In addition, the runners will have free access to Rome’s main museums. At the Villaggio della Salute in Circo Massimo, health screenings for women are offered for free.

18 May | La Notte dei Musei

La Notte dei Musei – The Night of Museums, now a tradition, offers the opportunity to visit museums during evening hours, with an entrance fee of one euro (unless otherwise stated). The program includes various events and live performances. The museums participating include the Capitoline Museums, the Museum of Rome and the Gallery of Modern Art, among others.

22-26 May | Piazza di Siena International Horse Show

Rome this May will be hosting once again the prestigious international horse show, Piazza di Siena, which will showcase top international riders competing in traditional riding displays during a four-day event.

25-26 May | The Best Film Music in Rome

Experience the magic of your favorite movie soundtracks live at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome! Enjoy three film music concerts: “The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit & The Rings of Power, “Harry Potter“ and “Hans Zimmer”. 

26 May | Giro d’Italia Grand Finale

In 2024, for the fifth time in the history of the event and for the second consecutive year, Rome will once again host the twenty-first and final stage of the Giro d’Italia, departing from EUR and ending at the Imperial Forums. The race will begin at 3:30pm and the arrival is expected by 6:45pm.

28 May – 2 June | Unarchive: Found Footage Fest

The festival dedicated to creative reuse of archive cinema is returning to Rome. It will include artistic experiences and events such as screenings, debates, concerts, and audio-visual performances to rediscover cinematic footage. The festival will be hosted by several venues, including: Cinema Intrastevere, Alcazar, the Spanish Academy (Accademia di Spagna), Live Alcazar and Casa Internazionale delle Donne.

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