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Rome events in October 2025 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do
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 2025.
Rome Events in October 2025 - 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 2025:
- Holidays in Rome in October
- Jubilee Events in October 2025
- Current exhibits and Events in October
- Free things to do in Rome in October
- Free Sunday Rome events in October
- Strikes and public transport disruption in October 2025
- Concerts and operas in Rome in October
- Tours to take in Rome in October
- Day trips to take in Rome in October
- Things to do with kids in Rome in October
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.
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 2025, we turn the clocks back and gain one hour on Sunday, October 26th.
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Jubilee Events in October 2025
If you are wanting to attend some of Rome’s Jubilee celebrations, two key dates fall in October.
On October 4 and October 25 the Pope will hold the Jubilee of the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square. These include special papal audiences and masses, with October 25 expected to be the largest gathering.
Tickets are required but always free. They must be booked in advance through the Vatican Prefecture of the Papal Household. For step-by-step instructions on how to request and collect them, visit our Papal Audience Tickets page.
You can also view the full program of Jubilee celebrations on the official Vatican Jubilee calendar.
Current Exhibits and Events in October
There are several Rome events in October at various museums around the city.
These are confirmed for 2025:
Museo di Roma in Trastevere
A mano libera - Arte e cinema d'animazione 1957-1977
This exhibition follows the connections between Italian artists and cinema animation between 1957 and 1977, a period when Italian animation was consolidated and attracted major artists.
June 13 2025 - October 12 2025
Find out more information here.
MAXXI museum
Stadi - Architecture of a Myth
This is the first major exhibition in Italy dedicated to the architectural genre of stadiums, which tell the story and identity of the cities that host them and the social and cultural transformations that have taken place there.
Traces the history of stadiums through drawings, models, architectural designs, works of art, historical posters, photographs, documents and more.
May 30 2025 - October 26 2025
Find out more and book tickets here.
Fiera di Roma
Romics 2025
The international exhibition dedicated to fans of comics, animation, cinema, and games returns for its 35th edition this month.
Over four days the event will carry you away into the fantasy universe with special events, cinema, shows, exhibitions, previews, masterclasses, workshops, meetings with prestigious guests and industry professionals, and guided tours.
October 2 - October 5 2025
Click here to find out how to join in the fun.
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 going to be a popular exhibition so secure your tickets in advance - all details are here.
Chiostro del Bramante
Flowers - Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence
This exhibition takes us on a journey through five centuries of art, culture and innovation.
Coming from 10 different countries around the world and from prestigious institutions including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay in Paris, botanical and scientific collections from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London and the Museo Civico di Zoologia in Rome, to demonstrate how flowers are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists of all ages.
February 14 2025 - January 18 2026
Find out more about the event here.
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Rome Film Festival
One of the city’s most important annual cultural events, bringing international premieres, red-carpet screenings, tributes, and meetings with filmmakers to venues across Rome.
Alongside ticketed screenings at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, there are also free events and screenings at other cultural spaces around the city.
October 15 – 26, 2025
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, Castel Sant'Angelo, 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 2025.
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 2025
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.
Visit Rome's Parks and Gardens
October is a beautiful time to visit a park or garden in Rome.
No matter when you visit Rome, there are five things you should always bring:
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.
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Free Sunday Rome Events in October 2025
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 2025, the Free Sunday is October 5.
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 2025, the Free Sunday at the Vatican Museums is October 26.
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.
Strikes and Public Transport Disruptions in October 2025
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 2025
- October 2-3 2025 - 24 hour general strike in Italy of specific unions, scheduled from 9PM Thursday October 2 to 9PM Friday October 3. Likely to affect rail travel and public transport outside of guaranteed services.
- October 13 2025 - 4 hour strike by ground staff at Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, currently scheduled between 12PM and 4PM. This could have a knock-on effect for flights landing after this time window so check with your airline if you think you could be affected.
- October 21 2025 - 24 hour strike by railway maintenance workers which could impact long-distance and regional trains (not public transport/metro trains currently)
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.
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 anyway 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
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.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Opera Serenades - The Princess secret apartment, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
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.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Freddie Mercury Opera Show - Opera da Camera di Roma Hall
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, inspires this unprecedented concert in Rome, promising a collection of extraordinary musical delights.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
The Three Tenors - Church of St Paul's Within the Walls
Three tenor soloists will be accompanied by a string quartet and grand piano in this delightful performance.
This concert features famous Italian opera arias from 'Tosca', 'La Traviata', and 'L'Elisir d’amore', as well as the most popular Neapolitan songs, like “O'sole mio” and “Torna a Surriento”.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Capuchin Crypt: Sacred Music - Casa per Ferie I Cappuccini
Embark on a unique musical and art historical journey in a fascinating location.
The musical program features Gregorian chant, as well as works of Roman Renaissance polyphony.
The composers of the musical program are the Sistine Chapel Masters: Palestrina, Victoria, Carissimi, Pitoni, and Agazzari.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
For more concerts and music Rome events in October, click here.
Tours to Take in Rome in October
It's a good idea to take a tour in October.
October is peak peak season.
So 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.
For tours to take in October, start here:
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!
Day Trips to Take in Rome in October
October is a wonderful time to take a day trip, especially if you are looking to escape the crowds in the city.
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 October
October is usually when many kids have gone back to school, but there are still plenty of tours and activities in Rome geared to children of all ages.
There are also lots of school breaks in Europe in October.
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 October, and most central.
For a complete list of Rome events in October, visit the website of the Rome Tourist Board.
Romewise's Top Travel Resources
Ready to book your trip to Rome? Take a look at these helpful links to companies we use and trust:
- Keep your travel spending simple with the Wise card, which removes all the worry about exchange rates and high transaction fees all over the world
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- Our complete guide to what to pack for Rome
- The number one travel accessory, a multi-point travel adapter and voltage converter
- Browse a huge range of tours in Rome and beyond
- Experience unique tours and special access to Rome's most popular sights
- Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance
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Top ROME SITES & ACTIVITIES
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