A Guide to the Main Events in May 2025 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

This May, Rome continues to buzz with cultural energy, offering a rich mix of exhibitions across the city.

The spotlight shines on the 70th edition of the World Press Photo exhibition, opening May 6 at Palazzo delle Esposizioni, showcasing the most powerful and thought-provoking photojournalism from around the globe. Also in the realm of photography, “Chromotherapy” at Villa Medici explores the emotional power of color through striking visual compositions.

From May 13, Palazzo delle Esposizioni will also host “From the Heart to the Hands”, a much-anticipated exhibition by Dolce & Gabbana, following its premiere in Milan and stop in Paris. This immersive experience blends haute couture, craftsmanship, and artistic storytelling.

While new exhibitions arrive, several major shows continue to draw visitors: “Caravaggio 2025“ offers a groundbreaking journey through the master’s Baroque genius; “Salvador Dalí. Between Art and Myth“ invites viewers into the surrealist’s dreamlike visions; and “Munch. The Inner Scream“ captures raw emotion through the Norwegian artist’s intense brushstrokes.

Don’t miss “Picasso the Foreigner“, an exploration of identity and exile through the lens of Picasso’s life in France, “Franco Fontana. Retrospective“, a vibrant photographic journey through one of Italy’s most influential photographers, and “Global Baroque” at the Scuderie del Quirinale.

Finally, dive into Rome’s Renaissance past with “The Farnese in 16th Century Rome” at Villa Caffarelli, or enjoy the poetic beauty of nature in “FLOWERS“, the stunning contemporary art exhibition at Chiostro del Bramante.

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.

7- 18 May | BNL International Tennis Tournament

From 7 to 18 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.

6 May – 8 June | World Press Photo 2025

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 70th edition, the competition saw the participation of 3,778 photographers from 41 countries with 59,320 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.

8-11 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 26th edition of the Race for the Cure, organized by Komen Italia, from 8 to 11 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.

10 May | Quartiere Vino Pigneto

After the great success of its first edition, Quartiere Vino Pigneto returns on Saturday, May 10th — an event that offers the opportunity to discover Pigneto, a neighborhood in constant transformation, through the guiding thread of natural wine.

Participants will have the chance to meet fifty winemakers from Italy, France, Spain, and Slovenia, who will take part in the Widespread Tasting event, offering samples of over 400 natural wine labels, all produced according to organic and biodynamic farming principles.

10-11 May | Era di Maggio

On May 10–11, the Botanical Garden of Rome comes alive with Era di Maggio, a two-day event celebrating the powerful connection between women and nature. Now in its fifth edition, the festival offers inspiring guided tours, family-friendly activities, and exclusive access to hidden corners of the garden—like a rarely opened wing of Palazzo Corsini. This year, join multilingual tours and discover botanical wonders, vibrant blooms, and the stories of extraordinary women who shaped our relationship with the environment.

16 May – 21 June | FuturoRoma – International Festival of Dance and Contemporary Culture

Futuro Roma is the International Festival of Dance and Contemporary Culture, hosted at Teatro Brancaccio and throughout the city, returning from May 16 to June 21, 2025, with a vibrant program of performances, urban interventions, workshops, and talks.

The festival brings together more than 300 artists from both Italy and abroad, taking place across seven diverse venues, including traditional theaters and unexpected urban spaces.

This year’s edition will feature sixteen performances, including eight national premieres, offering audiences an immersive journey through the language of contemporary dance and cultural innovation.

17 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.

21-25 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. Spectators will be allowed in for free to enjoy the ancient stands as well as the ‘natural’ ones surrounding the arena.

23-25 May | Hypertrattoria Festival at Officine Farneto

Welcome to the first festival dedicated to the contemporary Italian trattoria. For three days, the Officine Farneto in Rome becomes the stage for 15 of Italy’s best trattorie, each serving up one iconic dish. From Franceschetta58 to Santo Palato, Mimì alla Ferrovia, Trecca, and more—come taste the evolution of tradition.

Enjoy natural wines from top producers like Emidio Pepe and Colle Brunacchi, specialty coffee, talks with chefs and artisans, good music, and the unmistakable warmth of Italian hospitality. An unmissable celebration of food, culture, and community.

24 May – 1 June | Open House Rome

Experience the breathtaking architecture and design of contemporary structures, historical landmarks, and even private residences throughout Rome. Open House Rome, an international event spanning several cities worldwide, offers visitors and tourists alike the opportunity to explore over 200 sites.

26-27 May | Roma Bar Show

This May, the Roma Bar Show returns — the event that brings together all the key players of the beverage industry and the vibrant world of Italian mixology. Two days dedicated to spirits, cocktails, tasting experiences, and masterclasses with top international bartenders. From industry professionals to cocktail lovers, Roma Bar Show is the place to discover trends, innovations, and the art of great drinking.

27 May – 1 June | Unarchive: Found Footage Fest

It will feature a range of artistic experiences and events, including screenings, debates, concerts, and audiovisual performances aimed at rediscovering cinematic footage. The festival will take place across several venues, including Cinema Intrastevere, Alcazar Live, the Spanish Academy (Accademia di Spagna), the Botanical Gardens, and more.

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