September 2017 Events in Rome: Calendar of What to do

After the August lull, Rome is back for September! Literally – all of the Romans have wrapped up their summer vacations and the city feels nearly full again.

That means there are a lot of events in Rome this September, and the shops and markets are all re-opening. Expect the last holdouts to return to business on September 4th.

Without further ado, here is your guide to September events in Rome:

Every weekend: Now that summer has passed, Mercato Monti is back for pop up vintage shopping every weekend.

Through 23 September: The Roma Fringe Festival returns for its 6th edition. See the website for more information about dates and performances across various genres.

1 September: Rome’s Orange Garden will serve as a stunning backdrop for theatrical readings starting at 9 pm.

2 September: Actor Julian Sands will read select works at the Keats Shelley House next to the Spanish Steps. Advanced booking is required but the €10 fee also gets you access to a prosecco reception.

7 September: Expect mosh pits and headbangers at the Hardcore Open Air Festival.

8-10 September: Eataly is hosting an event dedicated to gelato artigianale.

9 September: Enjoy a late night of street food and music as Testaccio Market stays open until midnight.  I love Open night at Mercato Testaccio because when else does the butcher offer to grill your meat on the spot AND sell you beer?

11-15 September: Up your digital game with a series of talks and events for Rome’s Social Media Week.

13 September: Lilith Ai will open the 7th season of Unplugged in Monti concerts.

15-16 September: A mobile cinema (in an ape truck!) is coming to Centrale Montemartini. All of the various cultural events are free.

16 September: Are you a fan of romantic novels and quirky get togethers? Well then, consider the Jane Austin Picnic happening in Villa Borghese.

16-17 September: There is a weekend of Mexican Fiestas planned at Citta dell’altra Economia in Testaccio. Dinner comes with an entry fee, but during the day there are free activities for the family.

17 September: I will be sleeping in, but if you are so motivated you could join the Rome Half Marathon today.

21-24 September: The 6th edition of Taste of Rome will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.

24 September: Free entry to the Vatican Museums today!

30 September – 2 October: Yes, yes, yes! One of my favorite festivals near Rome takes place this weekend and runs through 2 October. Marino’s Sagra dell’uva will take place with all kinds of food and especially wine. A final schedule of events will be posted here on 13 September.

Ongoing September Exhibits in Rome:

Enjoy: Chiostro del Bramante is hosting an exhibit of installations dedicated to “where art meets fun.” ENJOY opens on September 23rd and runs through 25 February 2018.

Arazzeria Pennese: There are just a few days left to see the MACRO’s exhibit of tapestries woven at the Arazzeria Pennese workshop near Pescara. (Closes 3 September).

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.

L’Ara com’era: Through October 14th, you can see the Ara Pacis as it was. Using virtual reality, the temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Pax is brought back to life. The exhibit runs from 8:45 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturday nights. Groups are split by language, and booking information is available on the Ara Pacis website.

Chao Ge: 100 contemporary works by Chinese artist Chao Ge will be on display at the Vittoriano through September 26th.

Unmissable Marilyn: Over 200 objects once owned by Marilyn Monroe are on display at the Palazzo degli Esami in Trastevere through 5 November.

This post will be updated as more information on September Events in Rome becomes available. 

Still looking for more? Try my posts on things to do in Rome including 50 free things to do in Rome.

For even more suggestions of what to do, see and eat, get the Discover Rome App for iPhone or Android.

3 thoughts on “September 2017 Events in Rome: Calendar of What to do

  1. Taylor says:

    I love ROMA! I met my husband there, and we can’t wait to go back and visit his family this fall (hopefully)! Such a fantastic list of things to do this fall- will you be making a list for the holiday season? We will for sure be there in December and would love to learn about what cool things are going on!

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