What’s On in Rome Cultural Agenda in October 2025: Free Events, Beatles Marathon & More

As October arrives, Rome embraces the golden light of autumn and becomes a stage for cinema, art, music, and timeless traditions. From the glamour of the Rome Film Fest to the contemporary energy of Rome Art Week, from opera premieres at Teatro dell’Opera to jazz marathons at the Auditorium, the city offers experiences that bridge past and present. Street festivals celebrate harvests in the Castelli Romani, while Halloween transforms clubs, parks, and piazzas into late-night celebrations.

October 1, 2025

The Great Opera Arias Concert at Palazzo Poli

Address: Palazzo Poli (Trevi Fountain area), Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, central Rome
Official site: classictic.com
Overview: A chamber concert of famous arias by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, and Mozart in an elegant palazzo.
How to get: Metro A to Barberini or Spagna, then a short walk; buses serving the Trevi area.
Highlights: Intimate opera evening in a historic Roman palazzo.

October …1-2, 2025

Rome International Art Fair (ITSLIQUID Group)

Address: ITSLIQUID Art Space, Rome (Via Margutta area)
Official site: itsl i quid.com
Overview: A contemporary art fair featuring photography, video, painting, installation, and performance art focused on body and space.
How to get: Metro A to Spagna, then a short walk to Via Margutta.
Highlights: International exhibitors and immersive artistic experiences in a historic art district.

October 2–5, 2025

Romics — International Festival of Comics, Animation, Cinema & Games (Autumn Edition)

Address: Fiera di Roma, Via Portuense 1645
Official site: romics.it
Overview: One of Italy’s biggest pop-culture fairs with cosplay contests, guest speakers, exhibitions, merchandise halls, and gaming areas.
How to get: FL1 suburban train from Roma Trastevere or Termini to Fiera di Roma station; local buses to the entrances.
Highlights: Massive cosplay contests, exhibitions, and special guest appearances.

October 3, 2025

Napoli nel Cuore 2025

Address: Teatro Studio Borgna, Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale Pietro de Coubertin 30
Official site: auditorium.com
Overview: An evening tribute to Neapolitan music, performed by well-known artists in one of Rome’s major concert halls.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2 to Apollodoro/Flaminia-Reni stop.
Highlights: Traditional Neapolitan songs with modern arrangements.

October 4, 2025

21st Italian Contemporary Art Day at MAXXI ( Free )

Address: MAXXI Museum, Via Guido Reni 4A
Official site: maxxi.art
Overview: Free entrance and guided tours at Italy’s National Museum of 21st Century Arts.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2 to Apollodoro/Flaminia-Reni.
Highlights: Free access to contemporary art exhibitions and special events.

Edoardo Ferri Trio (Jazz Concert)

Address: Casa del Jazz, Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55
Official site: casadeljazz.com
Overview: A modern jazz performance in Rome’s dedicated jazz venue inside Villa Osio park.
How to get: Metro B to Piramide, then bus 628/671.
Highlights: Young talent in a renowned jazz house.

October 5, 2025

Maratona Beatles (Beatles Marathon)

Address: Spazio Risonanze, Auditorium Parco della Musica
Official site: auditorium.com
Overview: A full-day music marathon celebrating the Beatles’ legacy.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2.
Highlights: Performances and talks on the Fab Four’s cultural impact.

Domenica al Museo – Free Sunday at State Museums and Archaeological Sites

Address: Multiple locations across Rome, including Galleria Borghese, national museums and other sites.
Official site: beniculturali.it
Overview: On the first Sunday of each month, state museums and archaeological parks across Italy open their doors with free admission for all visitors. In Rome, confirmed participating sites include:
- Galleria Borghese (reservation required)
- Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica – Palazzo Barberini & Palazzo Corsini
- Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GNAM)
- Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
- Museo Nazionale Romano (Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, Terme di Diocleziano)
- Galleria Spada
- Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo
- Museo Nazionale degli Strumenti Musicali
- Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi (Decorative Arts, Costume & Fashion)
- Museo Hendrik Christian Andersen
- Castello Giulio II (Ostia Antica)
- Istituto Centrale per la Grafica – Palazzo Poli

Highlights: A unique opportunity to explore Rome’s world-class museums, archaeological sites, and art galleries free of charge on a single day.

Eri Yamamoto & Enzo Favata (Jazz Duo)

Address: Casa del Jazz, Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55
Official site: casadeljazz.com
Overview: A collaboration between Japanese pianist Eri Yamamoto and Italian saxophonist Enzo Favata.
How to get: Metro B to Piramide, then bus 628/671.
Highlights: Cross-cultural jazz dialogue.

October …1-6, 2025

Sagra dell’Uva (Grape Festival in Marino) ( Festival entrance free )

Address: Town of Marino, Castelli Romani (near Rome)
Official site: comune.marino.rm.it
Overview: Traditional grape harvest festival with food, wine tastings, and street celebrations.
How to get: Regional train from Roma Termini to Marino.
Highlights: Local wine flowing from fountains, festive atmosphere.

October 7, 2025

Concerto per i 100 anni della Treccani

Address: Sala Petrassi, Auditorium Parco della Musica
Official site: auditorium.com
Overview: A concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Italy’s national encyclopedia Treccani.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2.
Highlights: A cultural evening combining music and history.

October 9–16, 2025

Adriana Mater (Opera)

Address: Teatro Costanzi (Opera House), Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1
Official site: operaroma.it
Overview: A contemporary opera staged in Rome’s historic opera house.
How to get: Metro A to Repubblica or Termini, then walk.
Highlights: Bold, modern opera in a grand setting.

October 10–12, 2025

Longines Global Champions Tour (Equestrian Show Jumping)

Address: Circus Maximus, Via del Circo Massimo
Official site: gcglobalchampions.com
Overview: Rome hosts the prestigious international show jumping circuit in a unique archaeological setting.
How to get: Metro B to Circo Massimo; Tram 3 to Parco Celio.
Highlights: World-class equestrian sport against the backdrop of ancient ruins.

October 11–12, 2025

Damiano David (Måneskin, Solo Concerts)

Address: Palazzo dello Sport, Piazzale Pier Luigi Nervi 1 (EUR district)
Official site: palazzodellosportroma.it
Overview: The Måneskin frontman performs two solo shows in Rome’s largest indoor arena.
How to get: Metro B to EUR Palasport, short walk.
Highlights: Two sold-out pop-rock shows in EUR.

October 13, 2025

Jason Palmer Quartet (Jazz Concert)

Address: Casa del Jazz, Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55
Official site: casadeljazz.com
Overview: The acclaimed Boston/New York trumpeter leads his quartet in Rome.
How to get: Metro B to Piramide, then bus 628/671.
Highlights: Cutting-edge American jazz in Rome.

October 14–15, 2025

Olly (Concert)

Address: Palazzo dello Sport, Piazzale Pier Luigi Nervi 1
Official site: palazzodellosportroma.it
Overview: Italian pop sensation Olly performs two nights at the EUR arena.
How to get: Metro B to EUR Palasport.
Highlights: Youthful energy and Italian pop hits.

Dates: October 16–19, 2025

Romadiffusa

Address: Various venues across Rome (libraries, archives, palaces, courtyards)
Official site: romeing.it
Overview: A city-wide festival bringing performances and artistic encounters into unconventional spaces, from historic libraries to private courtyards.
How to get: Locations vary; most are accessible by Metro A/B to the city center plus short walks or buses.
Highlights: Experimental performances, open studios, and community engagement in unique urban settings.

October 15–26, 2025

Rome Film Fest (20th Edition)

Address: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale Pietro de Coubertin 30
Official site: romacinemafest.it
Overview: Rome’s biggest cinema event with international premieres, red carpet events, and talks.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2 to Apollodoro/Flaminia-Reni.
Highlights: Red carpets, premieres, and global film industry presence.

Alice nella Città (Independent Youth Film Festival)

Address: Various venues, base at Auditorium Parco della Musica
Official site: alicenellacitta.com
Overview: A parallel film festival dedicated to young audiences and new directors.
How to get: Same access as Rome Film Fest.
Highlights: Independent premieres and rising filmmakers.

October 18–24, 2025

Il diario di uno scomparso / La voix humaine (Double Bill)

Address: Teatro Nazionale, Piazza G. da Fabriano 5
Official site: operaroma.it
Overview: A double opera program of Janáček’s “The Diary of One Who Disappeared” and Poulenc’s “The Human Voice.”
How to get: Metro A to Repubblica, then walk.
Highlights: Two intimate operas performed back-to-back.

October 19, 2025

Sunday Concert at Palazzo del Quirinale (Paolina Chapel) (Free )

Address: Palazzo del Quirinale, Piazza del Quirinale, Rome
Official site: quirinale.it
Overview: The Quirinale Palace hosts its regular Sunday classical concert series in the historic Paolina Chapel. Entry is free but requires advance booking.
How to get: Metro A to Barberini, then a 10-minute uphill walk to Piazza del Quirinale.
Highlights: World-class musicians performing in an intimate historic setting.

Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon (Jubilee Edition)

Address: Start at Circus Maximus, finish at Via degli Annibaldi (near Colosseum)
Official site: romehalfmarathon.it
Overview: A scenic 21km race through central Rome during the Jubilee Year.
How to get: Start: Metro B to Circo Massimo; Finish: Metro B to Colosseo.
Highlights: Run past Rome’s landmarks in an official half marathon.

October 20–25, 2025

Rome Art Week (RAW) ( Free )

Address: City-wide (galleries, ateliers, cultural institutions)
Official site: romeartweek.com
Overview: A week dedicated to contemporary art with more than 200 free exhibitions and open studios.
How to get: Locations vary; consult ATAC journey planner.
Highlights: Discover new artists and independent galleries across the city.

October 21, 2025

Salmo (Rap Concert)

Address: Palazzo dello Sport, Piazzale Pier Luigi Nervi 1
Official site: palazzodellosportroma.it
Overview: Italian hip-hop star Salmo brings his high-energy show to Rome.
How to get: Metro B to EUR Palasport.
Highlights: One of Italy’s top rap voices live in concert.

October 23–27, 2025

Wagner: Die Walküre — Daniel Harding (Accademia di Santa Cecilia)

Address: Sala Santa Cecilia, Auditorium Parco della Musica
Official site: santacecilia.it
Overview: Opening of the symphonic season with Wagner’s monumental “Die Walküre,” performed in concert version.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2.
Highlights: Major Wagner performance with full orchestra and choir.

October 24–29, 2025

Marco Spada (Ballet)

Address: Teatro Costanzi, Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1
Official site: operaroma.it
Overview: A full ballet production by the Opera di Roma ballet company.
How to get: Metro A to Repubblica or Termini.
Highlights: Classic ballet closing October at the Opera House.

October 25, 2025

Jubilee Audience of the Holy Father ( Free )

Address: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Official site: iubilaeum2025.va
Overview: Special papal audience during the Holy Year 2025. Free entry (tickets via the Prefecture).
How to get: Metro A to Ottaviano, then walk.
Highlights: Spiritual highlight of the Jubilee calendar.

MOACASA — Interior Design Fair (Opening Day)

Address: Fiera di Roma, Via Portuense 1645
Official site: moacasa.com
Overview: A large fair for furniture, interiors, and design solutions.
How to get: FL1 suburban train to Fiera di Roma.
Highlights: Italian design and home innovations.

October 27–31, 2025

Rome Jazz Festival (Opening Days)

Address: Auditorium Parco della Musica & other venues
Official site: auditorium.com
Overview: Rome’s most important jazz festival with international and Italian stars.
How to get: Metro A to Flaminio, then Tram 2.
Highlights: Global jazz artists in world-class venues.

October 31, 2025

Ritual Halloween Ball @ L’Alibi Club

Address: L’Alibi Club, Via di Monte Testaccio, 00153 Rome
Official site: dice.fm
Overview: A legendary Halloween nightclub event with live DJs, costumes, and performances at one of Testaccio’s most famous clubs. Admission requires ARCI/ARCO membership.
How to get: Metro B to Piramide, then 7–10 min walk to Monte Testaccio. Buses 170, 781, 83 also stop nearby.
Highlights: All-night party, costume ball, underground Roman nightlife.

Cinecittà World — Halloween Night

Address: Cinecittà World, Via di Castel Romano, 200, Rome
Official site: cinecittaworld.it
Overview: Italy’s movie theme park transforms with haunted houses, themed shows, costume parades, and DJ sets running late into the night.
How to get: Shuttle bus from Metro B EUR Palasport station; or Cotral bus from Roma Laurentina to Castel Romano stop.
Highlights: Themed attractions, park-wide decorations, and Halloween shows for all ages.

Halloween Pub Crawl Rome

Address: Starting point: The Highlander Pub, Vicolo di San Biagio 9 (near Piazza Venezia)
Official site: halloweeninrome.com
Overview: A guided Halloween-themed pub crawl through multiple central Rome bars with costume contests, games, and drink specials.
How to get: Metro A to Barberini or Spagna, then a short walk; several buses stop at Piazza Venezia.
Highlights: Multi-bar Halloween party with international crowd, DJs, and best costume prizes.