Things happen in Rome, always have, always will. You aren’t going to pack into the Colosseum to see gladiators do battle with beasts (unless the night takes a particularly dark turn), but the best events in Rome are worth making the trip for.
Given the proximity to Vatican City, it is no surprise that many religious holidays here are marked by elaborate celebrations and big crowds, while each neighbourhood seems to have its own calendar of charming events. That’s how Rome is, there’s always something happening here. Whatever time of year you’re visiting, here are the best events in Rome.
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Livia Hengel is an Italian writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
When is it? March 15
Each year on March 15, or the Ides of March, Rome marks the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s untimely death with a period reenactment. Caesar was one of Rome's most important dictators and he was murdered by his own senators during a meeting in 44 BC near the Largo Argentina archaeological site. This unique event sees dozens of actors and actresses dress up in Roman togas and engage in animated discussions before dealing Julius Caesar the final blow.
When is it? June
When in Rome, you can’t miss the chance to taste all the wine, and a great place to do just that is at VinòForum, a wine festival held in the north of Rome each June. The event features over 2,500 wines from 500 producers, along with pop-up restaurants serving gourmet foods prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. You can also sign up for master classes and guided wine tastings at the VinoForum Academy.
When is it? April 21
According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus on April 21, 753 BC and the city continues to mark its date of birth with a series of festivities and events, including concerts, a parade and historical reenactments at Circo Massimo. Events for Natale di Roma vary widely but you can expect fireworks and gladiators on display in the city centre.
Time Out tip: Peek into the Pantheon at 12pm on April 21 to see the sunlight illuminate the doorway through the temple's oculus.
When is it? October-November
First held in 1976, the Rome Jazz Festival is now one of the city's most popular music events and attracts jazz lovers from around the world. It hosts events at three venues in Rome: the Auditorium Parco della Musica (designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano), Casa del Jazz (a garden villa off the Appia Antica), and Monk Club (a hipster bar and club in Pigneto). The festival brings together international and local musicians across a range of styles, from more classical jazz to jazz-rap and jazztronica. Prominent artists include Kamasi Washington, Ibrahim Maalouf and Rita Marcotulli.
When is it? September
If you’re in town at the end of September, Taste of Roma should be on your to-do list. This enormous food festival is a great way to eat your way through the city and sample the cuisines of Rome’s best chefs and emerging food personalities. Check the website for more details closer to the date of the event.
When is it? June-August
The Estate Romane, or Roman Summer Festival, is an unmissable annual highlight. Held from June through August, the festival boasts an outdoor cinema on Isola Tiberina, bar and restaurant specials along the Tiber River, outdoor operas and ballets in the Baths of Caracalla, a lively calendar of nightlife events at Gay Village and many more shows throughout the city. Some of the most interesting events are held within cultural heritage sites, like the Concerti del Tempietto held beneath the arcades of Teatro Marcello.
When is it? Spring
If you've got a green thumb and love basking in the sun come springtime, you should make it to Rome’s annual garden festival, Festival del Verde e del Paesaggio, held at Parco della Musica in North Rome. Designed by famed architect Renzo Piano, this impressive music complex is the perfect location for a festival that exalts plants, flowers and nature in all their glory. Admire colourful flora, pick up artisanal gifts, taste local street foods and take part in creative children’s workshops – it’s a great event for families.
When is it? October
Since 2006, Rome Film Fest has turned the contemporary Auditorium Parco della Musica into one of the world’s largest red-carpet events, complete with dozens of screenings and retrospectives, plus tributes and panels led by Italian and international celebrities from the world of cinema. Tickets sell out in advance so consult the online calendar to plan your visit and make sure to catch your favourite films.
When: December
Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year in Rome: the Eternal City comes alive with religious celebrations, markets and events to mark the important season. The festivities begin with a Christmas tree lighting and a nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square on December 7 or 8. On Christmas Eve, expect a midnight mass at the Vatican and, on Christmas Day, a large mass in St. Peter's Square listens to the Pope's Urbi et Orbi speech. Also, visit the lively annual Christmas market in Piazza Navona.
When is it? January
Every year on January 6, Italy’s Christmas season concludes with La Befana, or Epiphany Day. In Italian tradition, La Befana is a friendly – if unsightly – witch who leaves sweets and trinkets for children in a sock. This public holiday is celebrated with numerous gatherings in Rome’s main squares (meetings that include a whole lot of witches). At Vatican City, the Pope hosts a solemn mass to commemorate the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus.
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