Rome was built for summer.
The city is not exactly well equipped to deal with the heat, but somehow the lack of AC is partially forgiven when the breeze picks up in the evenings and the burnt terra-cotta colors of the city seem to deepen in the lingering light.
In July, all of Rome moves outside. The opera leaves its stately house and moves into the Terme di Caracala. The terrace at Castel Sant’Angelo becomes an intimate stage, and the river bars return for cocktails by the water.
Here are the events happening this July in Rome – which includes A LOT of concerts.
All July: Through all of July, the Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema returns to host a nightly movie in Piazza San Cosimato. It is a very cool nighttime transformation for the piazza that normally hosts a market by day. The screenings start at 9:15 pm every night, and range from animated flick Ratatouille to Full Metal Jacket directed by Stanley Kubrick. For 60 summer nights, you can enjoy a different movie under the stars. A full program, detailing the film schedule is available here.
Multiple dates in July: La Casa del Jazz is hosting its summer concerts series, with multiple Italian and internationally recognized musicians playing throughout the month.
Every Tuesday and Thursday through 25 July: The Barracco Museum (in between Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona) offers a free 25 minute performance of music or theater every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 pm, 1 pm and 1:30 pm. For more information see this website (in Italian).
Every weekend in July: The Monti Vintage Market offers one-of-kind goodies and great fashion options in a unique shopping experience from 10 am – 8 pm.
2 July: The first Sunday of the month always means Domenica al Museo – when many of the state museums are free. Some require that you show proof of residency (looking at you, Centrale Montemartini), but other sites like the Colosseum and Terme di Caracalla are totally free.
4 July: Hoping to celebrate the Fourth of July in Rome? There are quite a few options ranging from a cookout at the American University of Rome, to an overly fancy take on the old burger at Hotel Eden, as well as festivities at Hard Rock Cafe Roma. (All require booking ahead).
6 July: Unfortunately, there is a public transportation strike planned in Rome. Service will only be guaranteed during rush hour (until 8:30 am, and then again from 5 pm – 8:30 pm). Here are some tips on taking a taxi in Rome in case you need one.
6-9 July: The beautiful people are among us for Rome’s fashion week, known as AltaRoma.
8 July: It is Open Day at Mercato Testaccio (which seems to happen about once a month now). Strangely, it seems to be sponsored by a Planet of the Apes film? However, it means a chance to visit the market after hours and enjoy food and music.
9 – 26 July: Teatro Vascello in Monteverde is hosting and international festival of contemporary dance called Fuori Programma.
9 July: Lauryn Hill is in concert at the Postepay Sound Rock in Roma.
9 July: FatBoySlim will be headlining at the Just Music Festival, hosted at the ex-Dogana.
10 July: The xx are playing at Postepay Sound Rock in Roma.
10 July: The Lumineers are in concert at Auditorium Parco della Musica.
13-16 July: There will be a free film festival inside Parco degli Acquedotti (near Chiesa di S. Policarpo). More information available on the festival’s Facebook page.
15 -16 July: Serra Madre, a garden/farm on the edge of the city, is hosting the Wave Market Fest with more than 70 artists present and plenty of craft beer and street food available. Entrance is free from 5 pm – 1 am.
15-16 July: U2 will be in concert at the Stadio Olimpico.
20 July: Unfortunately, there is a public transportation strike. Buses, metros and local trains are only guaranteed until 8:30 am, and then again from 5 pm to 8 pm. In between, you may well be out of luck. Here is more information from the official transportation website (in Italian).
20 July: The Red Hot Chili Peppers have a (currently sold out) concert at Postepay Sound Rock in Roma.
22 July: Phoenix is playing at Postepay Sound Rock in Roma.
Ongoing exhibits in Rome:
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Chiostro del Bramante is hosting an exhibit of the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat through July 30th.
Giovanni Boldini: This is your last chance to see an exhibition featuring the works of Giovanni Boldini is running through 16 July at the Vittoriano. The painter is best known for his beautiful portraits of high society Parisians. (Jimmy liked it so much, he’s been back twice!)
Arazzeria Pennese: Through September 3rd, the MACRO is hosting an exhibit of tapestries woven at the Arazzeria Pennese workshop near Pescara.
Botero: Also at the Vittoriano is a major retrospective of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. 50 works from 1958 through 2016 will be on display until 27 August.
Boom, Beat, Bubble: The Japanese Cultural Institute has partnered with the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna on a new show that features Japanese prints from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The exhibit runs through 18 October at the Istituto Giapponese di Cultura via Antonio Gramsci 74.
This post will be updated as more information on July Events in Rome becomes available.
Still looking for more? Try my posts on things to do in Rome or get off the beaten path and explore the unexpected Rome.
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