Rome events in October 2024 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do

Capitoline Museums - Villa Caffarelli Garden

The Colossal Statue of Constantine

See the striking reconstruction of the Colossus of Constantine, one of the most representative works of late antique Roman sculpture.

February 6 2024 - December 31 2025

Free to enter, follow the path up to the right to reach the garden entrance. 

Don't miss my video all about the statue!

Villa Torlonia

Visit the Bunker and Air Raid Shelters at Villa Torlonia

Located below the Casino Nobile of Villa Torlonia, the two underground structures are reopening with a new multimedia set-up allowing for an immersive visit, reconstructing the Bunker's historical memory including information about Mussolini's life at the villa.

April 5 2024 - December 31 2024

Visit the website for all details and booking information.

Chiostro del Bramante

EMOTION.

The exhibition at the Chiostro del Bramante, curated by Danilo Eccher, describes the emotions of twenty artists through their works to let visitors know which and how many emotions inspire an artist.

November 29 2023 - September 25 2025

For more information and tickets, click here.

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

Since 2016, they open this lovely garden again in October, as the roses are in their second bloom.

Awaiting confirmation of the dates for 2024

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.

There will be events on October 6th , 7th and 8th all along the river banks. You can learn more on their Facebook page here.

A hat

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

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.

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.

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.

In October 2024, the Free Sunday is October 6.

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 2024, the Free Sunday at the Vatican Museums is October 27.

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.

When in Rome . . . why not attend a gladiator battle? This fantastic show is produced by the Gruppo Storico Romano, with professional re-enactors, and real weapons and armor.

Take your seat in the re-constructed arena, not far from the Colosseum, and enjoy realistic gladiator fights, and other shows including ancient dances, rites of the Vesta, and more.

At the end of the show, you'll be treated to a small aperitif consisting of food and drink made with recipes from Ancient Rome.

Fridays and Sundays. 25€.

Visit the Colosseum by moonlight!

You can visit the Colosseum at night and I'd say this is one of the very best Rome events in October as you get to see the Colosseum lit up at night, and it's much less crowded than during the day.

Entry for night visits to the Colosseum is NOT part of the Roma Pass.

Awaiting confirmation of dates for 2024

If you are a movie buff, enjoy the movie-stars and new releases at the Rome Film Festival then this festival is for you! The events are held throughout October.

The festival takes place in many locations around Rome. For details, click the picture to visit the official site.

There is lots of wonderful opera in Rome in October, right in Rome's beautiful Teatro dell'Opera (Opera House.)

The Rome Auditorium is open and you can attend wonderful concerts and other events.

Get your Rome Opera Pass to choose from a number of shows inside a scenic and suggestive setting in central Rome (locations vary).

These wonderful opera singers put on a mini-production of various operas, often in full costume.

Visit the extraordinary Capuchin Crypt, then head into the recently restored church to listen to sacred music in a gorgeous setting.

Thursday afternoons.

Don't miss this unique opera + aperitivo on one of Rome's most amazing rooftops, the Borromini Terrace. Combine beautiful music, with the stunning baroque setting on Piazza Navona, and a special aperitivo, to make for a fabulous evening in Rome.

There's a maximum 30 people (including an art historian guide), to keep this experience exclusive and special.

Friday evenings.

The Three Tenors - Nessun Dorma

See the "Three Tenors" in a beautiful church setting.

You will be treated to three of Rome's most famous tenors singing some of the best-known and loved songs of Neapolitan opera, accompanied by the Mandolin Orchestra.

Music from La Traviata, Rigoletto, Tosca, and many others. 

Saturday evenings. From 25€.

Enjoy private access to one of Rome's most exclusive rooftops right on Piazza Navona, while sipping your aperitivo and listening to Italian opera classics from Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini.

Sunday evenings.