While it is hard to believe we are so late in the year already, October is my favorite month in Rome.
The air takes on just a hint of crispness, while the admittedly shorter days stay mostly sunny.
It is a month to finally catch up with everyone who disappeared to various corners of the world during summer.
But October is also straight up busy. There are festivals (my favorite being where wine shoots directly out of a fountain in the town of Marino), there are concerts, and there are most definitely new openings around town.
Whether you want a cooking class or an acoustic session – here are all of the events on in Rome in October:
1 October: My first Roman neighborhood, quirky old San Lorenzo, is hosting a street festival. The San Lorenzo Carnival 2016 will start at 3 pm and go until midnight, with food stands, music and games.
1 October: Last day of the Garbatella Jazz Festival.
2 October: Many of Rome’s museums are free today. Some, such as Palazzo Braschi, are free to residents and require you to show ID. However, others such as Palazzo Barberini, are free to all. A full list (in Italian) is here.
Through 2 October: Ex-Dogana is throwing a Festa della Caramella – a candy festival, buuuuut I am pretty sure that it is just an excuse to eat gummies while you drink and dance to DJ sets.
Through 2 October: A new month, a new street food festival. This one (the International Street Food Parade) will feature a range of trucks at the Città dell’altra Economia in Testaccio. Entrance is free and purchases are up to from there.
Through 3 October: Oh yes, it is that time of year again. The 92nd edition of the Marino Wine Festival returns! It is one of my favorite festivals near Rome. Go to eat porchetta and drink some vino. The highlight will be Sunday at 6 pm when the main fountain spouts white wine instead of water.
5 October: At 6 pm, Termini will inaugurate the Mercato Centrale Roma – a new marketplace on the terrace level that aims to be similar to the Mercato Centrale in Florence. Given that it is at TERMINI, I am super skeptical but will be checking it out.
5-7 October: Famed Italian composer Ennio Morricone will give three concerts at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. A few tickets are left.
6-9 October: “Gnam” = “Yum” so the GNAM! Fest is all about street food. You will have to head out to EUR to partake in the international food fest. Perhaps before EurHop!
7-9 October: A beloved local festival, Ottobrata Monticiana, returns to the picturesque streets of Monti.
7-9 October: Oh please. Rome wouldn’t let a month go by without some kind of beer festival. If you are willing to head our to EUR, you can indulge at EurHop! Roma Beer Festival through out the weekend.
8 October: The lastest edition of Testaccio market’s Open Day is on Saturday night. Go, drink and be merry into the wee hours of the night.
10 October: Unplugged Monti returns with an acoustic concert with Steve Wynn at BlackMarket. Tickets are available for €12, but there will be only 50 in total.
13-23 October: The Rome Film festival returns!
15 October: Have you ever thought to yourself – “my god, I wish I could combine accessory shopping and craft beer drinking“? Well, has Stavio got an event for you. Their handmade night will feature 3 artisans who will open shop from from 6 pm to 11 pm.
18 October: Indie band Postcards, hailing from Beirut, will play a show from 10 pm to 2 am at na cosetta. Book a table for dinner and stay for the session.
22 October: The minister of culture has declared today to be the day of the theatre- la Giornata del Teatro. All of Italy’s grand theatres – both public and private- will be open for free tours.
24 October: Gabriele Bonci of Pizzarium fame will be sharing his dough and topping secrets at a cooking class. If you have ever wanted to recreate the pizza at home, this might be your best shot.
28 October to 1 November: Rome’s most famous artistic street becomes an open-air exhibit with more than 100 painters displaying their art along Via Margutta. The art show takes place along the street from 1o am to 9 pm every day.
30 October: The Cure’s Twilight Sad Tour comes to Rome at the Palalottomatica. Tickets are currently sold out but maybe you’ll get lucky?
31 October: Celebrate Halloween at Mercato Testaccio’s Open Day. The market will be open late (until 1 am) and is perfect for a relaxed market fresh dinner and few beers before heading out to more celebrations.
Note: Remember that 1 November is a holiday in Italy. Expect some closures Monday the 31st as some people take the ‘ponte’ – long weekend.
Ongoing Exhibits this month in Rome:
October has brought with it a new wave of shows and art exhibits in Rome! There are quite a few that I am hoping to see over the next few months.
Outdoor festival: From 1 to 31 October, the Outdoor festival bring cinema, installation art and the occasional vintage market day to Rome. Check the full program of events here.
Contemporary art meets love: Through 19 February 2017, contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Tom Wesselmann, Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, and Gilbert & George will be shown together at Chiostro Bramante. The theme? Love, so I do appreciate that timing runs through Valentine’s Day!
Edward Hopper at the Vittoriano: From 1 October 2016 to 12 February 2017, one of America’s most beloved painters of the 20th century will be on show at the Complesso del Vittoriano. Pop by the terrace for a coffee with a view of the Colosseum when you are doing exploring more than 60 works on display.
Roma Anni Trenta: This is the last month to visit the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Villa Borghese to see the show which brings together a mix of styles and techniques around the 1930s theme. You have until 30 October to catch it.
Night visits to the Colosseum: Still not exactly an exhibit, but through 29 October you can explore the Colosseum by moonlight thanks to Coopculture. If the weather holds, I am definitely going to try to make it out! Tours are 20 euro and are available every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tours run from 8:10 pm to 11 pm and can be booked in English or Italian. Reserving online is required.
Still looking for more? Try my posts on things to do in Rome or get off the beaten path and explore the unexpected Rome.
I will update this post as more information on October events in Rome is released!
So excited to visit Rome ag the end of the month. And even happier that I can pretty much use your blog to plan everything!
Thanks, Caitlyn! I hope you have a fantastic trip to Rome!