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Rome events in March 2026 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do
Rome events in March include International Women's Day, the Feast Day of Santa Francesca Romana, Father's Day (Festa di San Giuseppe), and more!
One of my favorite March happenings in Rome is on March 9, the feast day of Santa Francesca Romana - the one day a year you can visit this stunning convent dedicated to her.March always feels to me like the real beginning of the busy tourist season.
There is always so much going on!
Check it out here:
Rome events in March 2026 - What's happening
March is a great time to visit Rome for a lot of reasons, whether you're hoping to come in a slightly quieter season, are on a school holiday, or are looking forward to seeing Rome right before spring comes into full bloom.
March weather in Rome is still fairly cool, which makes it comfortable for sight-seeing.
It's also a good time to enjoy some hot Roman lunches and dinners indoors with some good wine.
It also occasionally includes the Easter festivities.
Keep reading for more info about the best Rome events in March 2026:
- Holidays in Rome in March
- Current exhibits at Rome's museums
- Sports/sporting events in Rome in March
- Vatican events in March
- Free things to do in Rome in March
- Strikes and public transport disruptions in March
- Concerts and operas in Rome in March
- Tours to take in Rome in March
- Day trips to take in Rome in March
- Things to do with kids in Rome in March
Holidays and special dates in Rome in March
Special dates in March in Rome include International Women's Day, the Feast Day of Saint Frances of Rome, Father's Day, and more.
Early March - Day of the catacombs
So far the spring edition for 2026 has not been announced.
Usually for the spring edition of the Day of the Catacombs, seven Roman catacombs are open to the public for free visit.
There also are special tours and activities to take part in.
While entrance is free, booking is necessary - find out more details on our dedicated catacombs page.
đ Discover the secrets of Rome's catacombs and most famous crypt đ
Venture into ancient catacombs where early Christians found refuge, walk along the historic Appian Way, and brace yourself for the eerie Capuchin cryptâa unique reminder of life's fragility, adorned with monks' bones.
With comfortable minibus transport, this is a memorable dive into Romeâs mysterious past.
March 8 - International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a major international holiday around the world (for some reason that escapes me, it's barely heard of in the U.S.).
In early March, expect to see bouquets of mimosa flowers for sale around Rome. You can buy them for yourself or for the women in your life to commemorate International Women's Day.Although it's not a bank holiday, it's still widely recognized.
The tradition is to give some mimosa flowers to the women in your life.
In early March, you will see a lot of these flowers for sale in Rome.
On this day, all of Rome's CIVIC museums are free for women.
This includes the Capitoline Museums, Trajan's Market, the Ara Pacis, Palazzo Braschi, and many more.
March 9 - Feast Day of Saint Frances of Rome
Saint Frances (1378-1440) founded an order called the Olivetan Oblates of Mary, and eventually the Tor de' Specchi monastery, right near Capitoline Hill.
One of the most special things to do in March is the one-day opening of the convent of Tor de' Specchi, where you can see these stunning frescoes by Antoniazzo Romano.The monastery is only open on March 9 each year, the anniversary of the death of the saint.
It's free to visit but you will find a line and some crowds.
If you are on Rome on this day, I highly recommend visiting this site.
The frescoes are stunningly beautiful.
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March 15 - The Ides of March
On this day in 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was assassinated in the heart of Rome, by his friends and colleagues in the Roman Senate, who were concerned about his growing power.
This act marked a major shift in ancient Rome, leading to a civil war which the first emperor Augustus won.
The ruins at Largo Argentina mark the spot where on the Ides of March, March 15, 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was assassinated. One of the more unusual Rome events in March is the re-enactment of this episode on this spot.Because it was such a significant event, to this day Romans remember the Ides of March.
There is a re-enactment of the assassination in the ruins at Largo Argentina on March 15 - this is where it actually happened, not in the Roman Forum.
Check out the website of the Gruppo Storico Romano for more details.
March 17 - Saint Patrick's Day
In recent years, in honor of Saint Patrick's Day, March 17, Tourism Ireland lit up the Colosseum in green.
One of the most unusual Rome events in March is watching the Colosseum turn green on Saint Patrick's Day.This was part of their #globalgreening initiative.
They haven't done it the last few years, so this may not happen again, but I thought I'd leave this photo here, since it's pretty cool to see the Colosseum in green!
March 19 - Father's Day
March 19th is Father's Day in Italy.
In Italian it's called La Festa di San Giuseppe.
Giuseppe is Italian for Joseph and of course, Father's Day here is named for the one of the most famous fathers, at least in Catholic history.
If you have a sweet tooth, one of the best Rome events in March for you will be La Festa di San Giuseppe, Father's Day. You will find these scrumptious bignÚs at pastry shops and cafés all around Rome in March.Why is this important if you're visiting Rome in March?
Because you will want to load up on some bignĂš di San Giuseppe, which are pastry bombs filled with cream - a must!
As March 19 is a Christian holiday, St. Joseph's Day, the Vatican Museums will be closed on this day.
No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:
Last weekend of March - Daylight saving Time begins
The last Sunday of March is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in Europe (this date differs from the U.S. and some other parts of the world).
We move the clocks forward and LOSE one hour.
In 2026, we set our clocks ahead on the night of Saturday March 28th for the time change at 2:00 AM on March 29.
Be aware of this if you have any Sunday morning plans like a tour or flight.
Rome Marathon
The Rome Marathon will be held on Sunday March 22, 2026.
This really won't affect you much unless you run the marathon, or are staying or planning any cultural visits near the route.
For more info, visit the official website of the Rome Marathon.
Current exhibits and events at Rome's museums in March 2026
The cooler winter months are a great time to take in the arts indoors.
Keep in mind that some museums stay open later on the weekends.
Here are some of the best events in March at various museums around the city:
Capo Bove Complex
Impressions from Life. The Appian Way and the Via Latina in the Drawings of Maria Barosso
The exhibition delves into the history of work done along the Via Appia and the Via Latina, thanks to the works of Maria Barosso (1879-1960). She was the first archaeological draftsman of the Directorate of Antiquities and Fine Arts, who documented the excavation work and the major urban transformations that changed Rome in the first half of the twentieth century.
The Capo di Bove complex is located on the Appian Way and well worth a visit by itself too.
November 15 2025 - April 12 2026
Find out more about the exhibition here.
The Capitoline Museums
Cartier and Myths
This prestigious exhibition features some of the refined masterpieces from the Maison Cartier, most of which are from the Cartier Collectionâs heritage.
Combining art and beauty, these splendid pieces, created by Cartier's craftsmanship are on display with the marble works of the Albani Collection and a set of artefacts of exceptional historical and artistic value, showing how ancient Greece and Rome have been an extraordinary source of inspiration for the Maison's iconic jewellery.
November 14 2025 - March 15 2026
Find out more details here.
Scuderie del Quirinale
Treasures of the Pharaohs
This prestigious exhibition will explore the ancient and fascinating Egyptian civilisation through a selection of masterpieces from Egypt's most important museum sites.
The exhibition path will wind through six thematic sections, telling about a timeless civilisation, with 130 masterpieces on loan from the most renowned Egyptian museums, such as the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Luxor Museum, joined by the contribution of the Egyptian Museum in Turin with a precious artefact.
October 24 2025 - May 3 2026
This is a popular exhibition so secure your tickets in advance - all details are here.
National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini
Bernini e i Barberini
This exhibition explores the extraordinary relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, Bernini's first and most important patron, who was elected pope in 1623 with the name of Urban VIII, highlighting how the ambition of a pope and the genius of an artist rewrote the aesthetics of an entire era.
February 12 2026 - June 14 2026
For more details, click here.
National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alla Terme
Submerged Memories - The Bronzes of the Valentinian Bridge
Built in the 4th century over an earlier structure to connect the Circus Flaminius with Trastevere, the ancient bridge was destroyed by a flood of the Tiber in 729 and replaced centuries later by the current Ponte Sisto.
The bronzes from this bridge resurfaced at the end of the 19th century during work on the Tiber embankments, and were long stored in the museum's storage rooms. Now they are once again visible thanks to in-depth restoration and study that has allowed them to be completely contextualized.
December 4 2025 - April 12 2026
See more and book tickets here.
There are a lot of smaller exhibitions in March.
To see a complete list of them, visit this page of the Rome Tourist Board where you can filter to see all the events happening in Rome in March, or drill down further by category such as dance, music, etc.
Sport/sporting Rome events in March
The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome
Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.
In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and much more.
And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.
Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.
Vatican Events in March
When the Pope is in town, you can attend the Wednesday Papal Audience, or watch the pope give the Angelus in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.
Both are free.
For the Papal Audience, you need tickets. For the Angelus, you don't.
March 19, 2026 is Father's Day, and a Catholic Holiday (Festa di San Giuseppe), so the Vatican Museums are closed this day.
This does not affect the opening hours of St. Peter's Basilica, or Vatican Square, which are both open and free.
Rome events in March - Free things to do
If you're looking for some fun free things to do in March, the below are confirmed for 2026:
Rome's civic museums, including the Capitoline museums, Trajan's Market, Ara Pacis and others are offering free admission to women on March 8, 2026 in honor of International Women's Day.
The first Sunday of the month, Rome's Civic Museums are free for everyone.
On Sunday, March 1 2026, you can visit the Capitoline Museums, Ara Pacis, Villa Torlonia, Trajan's Market and many others for free.
In 2026 the Vatican Museums are free and open the last Sunday of the month, March 29.
Normally you can expect large crowds on this day.
St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square are free and open daily.
You cannot buy tickets in advance for the Free Sunday, but you can book a tour of the museums through the Vatican.
If you don't want to book this tour, just come early.
By early I mean by 8am.
But otherwise I recommend you book your visit ahead of time and pay to go another day.
In March 2026, the Colosseum will be free to enter on Sunday, March 1.
You can expect the Colosseum to be pretty much a mob scene.
I'd highly recommend visiting one of the other sites that is also free on this day, like the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, or Ostia Antica.
Strikes and Public Transport Disruptions in March 2026
Occasional strikes do happen in Italy, which can affect airports, taxis, public transport and more.
Called 'sciopero' in Italian, it is entirely legal for workers to strike here, but there are specific rules that have to be followed.
There are guaranteed services that have to be provided regardless of the strike and strikes can only run for a set time period.
Strikes can be at a national or regional level, and as there are many unions workers can be members of, often it is not an entire workforce that is on strike at once.
However, these strikes can still be disruptive, so there are a few things to consider if one has been announced.
How to Check Confirmed Strike Actions
In theory you can see all upcoming strikes on the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website.
However, this is hard to decipher and to understand if your plans are going to be affected. So, instead, I recommend checking the official news/updates pages for the relevant organizations, namely:
- Trenitalia - for regional and high speed trains
- Italo - for high speed trains *these can also be affected by strike action even though they are a private company*
- ATAC - for public transport in Rome (buses, trams and Metro lines)
- Cotral - for the Metromare line to Ostia and other routes in Lazio
- Aeroporti di Roma - for information affecting flights in and out of Fiumicino and Ciampino airports
- Roma Comune - for information on Rome taxi strikes or other disruptions in the city
With all of these, you can also see general information about route changes or other things that could impact you so they are useful links to have saved.
On these pages, the affected organizations will not only confirm the details of a strike, but also the guaranteed services and timings of the strike action.
Very infrequently there are strikes by other unions that impact workers at museums or archeological sites, but if you have tickets that could be impacted by this, you will be contacted directly.
Strikes get called off or amended at the last minute all the time.
So if you think your travel could be affected, keep checking the official channels as there might be no need to change your plans.
Strikes in March 2026
Here are the strike dates currently confirmed for March 2026. We are closely monitoring official announcements and will keep this page updated as new information becomes available:
- March 7 2026 â Two related national strikes involving airplane unions are running on this day, one from 10AM - 6PM and the other from 1PM - 5PM. Check with your flight providers if you will be affected by these.
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Rome events in March - Concerts, operas, shows
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Tour and Concert - Catacombs of San Callisto
Experience the chants of the early Christians performed by our historically informed ensemble.
Through music, you will relive the dramatic moments of the early spread of Christianity.
This program includes compositions by renowned Renaissance composers such as Palestrina, Victoria, Morales, and other masters of the Sistine Chapel.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Easter Concert: Mozart's Requiem - All Saints Church
Explore a novel interpretation of Queen's iconic tracks, transformed for Italian opera virtuosos from the Opera da Camera di Roma ensemble and piano accompaniment.
Mercury's own passion for opera, famously showcased in his performances with soprano Montserrat Caballé, inspires this unprecedented concert.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Rooftop Bar Opera Show: The Great Beauty in Rome - Palazzo Pamphilj
Stunning by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and Bellini at Rome's treasured and worldârenowned 'La grande Bellezza', Palazzo Pamphilj.
The event includes a delicious aperitif: white or red wine or a nonâalcoholic drinks, a rich selection of Italian cheeses, cold meats, and sparkling wine for a final toast with the artists.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Great Symphonies at Piazza Navona - SantâAgnese in Agone
In this highlyâanticipated concert, hear the beautiful sounds of chamber music by Mozart and Beethoven at Rome's treasured Sant'Agnese in Agone.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Visit our dedicated page about concerts in Rome for more options.
Tours to take in Rome in March
Booking a tour is a good way to make sure you get tickets to the sites you want to visit, and also get to enjoy them without fighting the crowds too much.
And even if it's not too crowded, a tour is a great way to see the sights and get to know a bit about them as you go.
For more tours to take in March, start here:
Day trips to take in Rome in March
March is a wonderful time to take a day trip, especially if you want to try some food/wine ventures outside Rome.
We have lots of options for places to visit which you can easily reach within 1-2 hours of Rome.
For organized day trips, visit Get Your Guide.
Activities with kids in Rome in March
Whether you are visiting Rome in March for the holidays or just for a short getaway, if you are coming with kids, there are plenty of tours and activities in Rome geared to children of all ages.
If you're looking for some fun activities with kids, start here:
I've listed some of what I think are the most fun and interesting Rome events in March, and most central.
For a complete list of Rome events in March, visit the website of the Rome Tourist Board.
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