Rome events in October 2026 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do

February 4, 2026

Rome events in October include these amazing sunsets we get, referred to as the Ottobrata Romana.

October in Rome is very special because of a phenomenon called the "Ottobrata Romana", which means we get these incredible sunsets like these.

It's also one of the busiest times of year in Rome.

The weather is wonderful, the days are still long, and everything is open and happening.

Find out all the things to see and do in Rome in October 2026.

Rome Events in October 2026 - What's Happening

October is a beautiful month to visit Rome.

The days are warm, sunny, and comfortable, making it perfect sight-seeing weather.

There is no specific holiday in Rome in October (other than Halloween, which is not really an Italian thing), but there is a lot happening.

Keep reading for more info about the best Rome events in October 2026:

Holidays in Rome in October

There are no bank or religious holidays per se in October in Rome. But there are some interesting Rome events in October.

Jewish Holidays

Several Jewish holidays fall in early October, including Rosh Hashanah (October 3–4, 2025), Yom Kippur (October 12–13, 2025), and Sukkot (October 17–24, 2025).

While these are not public holidays in Italy, some restaurants and bakeries in the Jewish Ghetto may close on these days.

Halloween in Rome

While Halloween is not really a thing in Italy, in recent years it's grown more popular.

These "Halloween" cakes at Roscioli bakery are made with pumpkins and they look like pumpkins.

If you are in Rome for Halloween and want to get into the Halloween mood, you might want to visit one of Rome's beautiful and historic cemeteries, or you could take a Rome Ghost Tour.

End of Daylight Saving Time

In Europe, we turn our clocks back one hour on the last Sunday of October, and return to Standard Time.

In 2026, we turn the clocks back and gain one hour on Sunday, October 25th.

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Current Exhibits and Events in October 2026

There are several Rome events in October at various museums around the city.

These are confirmed for 2026:

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.

Rome events in October - Free things to do

If you're looking for some fun Rome events in October that are free, the below are confirmed for 2026.

Rome's special Roseto Comunale Rose Garden, on the Aventine Hill overlooking the Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill, is usually only open briefly in spring.

Since 2016, they have decided to also open this lovely garden again in October when the roses are in their second bloom.

Tiber Day/Tevere Day

For 3 years in a row, Rome has celebrated "Tiber River Day", a day in which activities along the river are promoted, in an effort to bring awareness to this important site in Rome.

The lifeblood of Rome since long before the Roman Empire, the Tiber River is often neglected and forgotten.

"Tevere Day" is an effort to promote and protect the river.

Even though it's called "Tevere Day", the events stretch from 6-12 October 2025.

You can learn more on their Facebook page here.

Rome Art Week

A citywide celebration of contemporary art. Galleries, cultural spaces, and artists’ studios open their doors with free exhibitions, talks, and guided visits across Rome.

It’s a unique opportunity to discover Rome’s modern art scene.

October 20 – 26 2025

Find out more here.

No matter when you visit Rome, there are five things you should always bring:

Toutacoo, Adjustable Bucket Rain Hat, Nylon-Look (03-Navy Blue/M-L)

A hat

If you're visiting Rome in the fall, you'll be happy to have a rain hat with you.

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Waterproof, Drizzle/Mint, 5 M

Comfortable shoes

Even if it's a bit warm in the beginning of fall, I'd suggest close-toed shoes. Even better if they are waterproof, just in case.

No matter what, they must be comfortable for all the walking you will do.

Pendleton Women's Jacquard Scarf, Saddle Mountain, One Size

A scarf

Romans wear scarves year-round.

In autumn, you will be glad you have a scarf for chilly days and evenings.

I suggest a wool scarf for warmth.

40%

Travelon Backpack,Black,One Size

$74.99

A backpack

A pickpocket-proof backpack is the ideal way to sight-see.

It leaves your hands free for picture-taking, holding onto rails, and riding a bike or scooter if you decide to rent one.

Travel/trip insurance

I know this is not a thing to pack per se, but it's such an important part of travel these days.

If you think you are already covered by your credit card's insurance, you should double check the fine print. It's not likely to cover what you really need when travelling.

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Free Sunday Rome Events in October 2026

Once again we will have the Free Sunday event in which state sites and museums are free the first Sunday of the month, and the Vatican Museums are free the last Sunday of the month.

In October 2026, the Free Sunday is October 4.

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.

In October 2026, the Free Sunday at the Vatican Museums is October 25.

On the last Sunday of the month, the Vatican Museums are open and free.

Hours are reduced (9:00am - 2pm, with last entry at 12:30pm).

Expect long lines.

If you are on a budget, or have limited time, this can be a great opportunity.

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.

Rome in Autumn

Rome Food Markets

Best Places for Outdoor Dining

Rome Photography Tips

Strikes and Public Transport Disruptions in October 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 October 2026

There are no strike dates currently confirmed for October 2026. We are closely monitoring official announcements and will keep this page updated as new information becomes available.

Navigating Italian Strike Action

If there is a public transport strike, don't assume you can easily get a taxi instead. These will be in high demand so if you have specific plans, you're better off booking a private transfer in advance instead to ensure you don't miss out. Click here to secure your ride.
Make plans for the day that allow you to easily walk between sites in case you have no other option. This goes for taxi strikes as well, as the buses and Metro will be packed on these days.
For longer-distance travel, try to get a seat on a guaranteed service or change your departure time to a point outside the strike window.
The rail companies are pretty good about changing travel plans and will generally allow you to make changes without significant extra charges.
Air travel strikes are the hardest to navigate as apart from changing your flight altogether, there isn't really any way to escape them. I've found that contacting your airline directly is the best way to make any necessary changes.

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Rome Events in October - Concerts, Operas, Shows

Enjoy the opera in Rome's beautiful Teatro dell'Opera (Opera House.)

Rome Opera Tickets

At the Rome Auditorium, you can attend wonderful concerts and other events.

Concert tickets

I Virtuosi dell'opera di Roma: La Traviata - St Paul's Church Within the Walls

Enjoy Verdi's La Traviata! The libretto by Francesco Maria Piave is based on the novel and play 'La Dame aux Camelias' by Alexandre Dumas' son.

Don't miss the chance to see this incredible 3-act opera at this spectacular location.