The guide to Rome’s annual events and festivals
Cosmopolitan as it is, there is no shortage of events happening in Rome year-round. Here are some essential events that you must not miss in Rome each season.
The best things to do in Rome in winter
It may be cold outside, it may be wet, it may even be snowy — but Rome stays busy in the winter. You’ll be out and about walking those cobblestone streets bundled up and gazing about at the beautifully lit Vatican, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. It’s a wonderful time of year to be walking around with your sweetheart. Of course, Rome also really goes in on Christmas, so when you’re visiting winter attractions, don’t skip out on all of the Christmas events the city has to offer!
Sing in the new year at the annual Roma Gospel Festival, featuring the world’s foremost gospel choirs. Of course, if that’s not enough holiday season for you, check out any of Rome’s bountiful Christmas Markets. Of course, Christmas isn’t the only thing that happens in Rome during the winter. Check out the Six Nations Rugby Championship from February to March!
Check out our full guide to winter events in Rome
The best things to do in Rome in spring
With fewer tourists and milder weather than the hot summer months, spring is a marvellous time to visit Rome. You get shorter lines for all of the major attractions and even if you do have to wait, the mild spring weather means it will be very comfortable. Take a walk down Rome’s beautiful avenues and enjoy all the blooming flowers on your way to one of these events!
If you’re feeling sporty make sure to catch the BNL International Tennis Tournament, which will be entering its 77th year this spring! If you’re looking for something to participate in, maybe check out the Rome Marathon which will be entering its 26th year in March. Open House Rome will give you a rare peek inside of Rome’s architectural and design wonders. Set the gearshift for the high gear of your soul and run over to Rome’s yearly E-Prix, where you can watch the world’s foremost electric race car drivers duel it out. And if that’s a little fast for you, check out the Piazza di Siena International Horse Show!
Check out our full guide to spring events in Rome
The best things to do in Rome in summer
There’s a good reason summer is one of the most busy seasons in Rome. Though it can be hot, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat. Check out the city’s exciting nightlife or grab some gelato during the day. Drink from the city’s ever flowing water if you’re thirsty, and of course you have no shortage of options if you’re hungry.
There are so many events going on during the summer in Rome, it can be hard to choose. If you’re looking for food or drink, stop by the Vinòforum wine festival to taste some great wines from hundreds of Italian producerso. Another A-lister is the four-day Taste of Roma festival where you can taste dishes of Michelin-starred restaurants at a bargain. If you’ve got more of an arts/culture inclination, check out Lungo il Tevere, Festival di Caracalla, Rock in Roma, the Villa Aperta Festival, the Roma Summer Festival, or any of the many open air movie nights held throughout the city.
The best things to do in Rome in autumn
You’ll know it’s fall in Rome when you begin to find street vendors all over the city selling the famous Italian chestnuts, or castagne. As the weather cools down and the night comes earlier and staying inside curled up with a hot drink sounds better and better, there are still plenty of events going on in the city.
Fall is festival season, so don’t miss the Romaeuropa festival, Jazz festival, and Rome Film Festival. Don’t get fooled by the name, Rome’s Spring Attitude Festival happens in October and showcases some big names in innovative popular music including post-rock, electronic, and psychedelic musicians. Also be sure not to miss all of the big exhibitions in Rome, as they open in the fall and might not be there for you later! Be sure to check out our guide on the best events in Rome in autumn for the full selection.
