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- Rome 2025 is packed with festivals celebrating art, culture, and history, from the Carnival of Rome to the Rome Film Fest.
- Major events include religious processions, outdoor concerts, and neighborhood festivals like La Festa de' Noantri.
- Whether you're into ancient traditions or modern celebrations, Rome's festival lineup has something for everyone.
Rome—the Eternal City, where ancient history and modern culture collide in the most spectacular ways. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, or food, 2025 is packed with festivals that will take your experience in Rome to the next level. From grand religious processions to art festivals in historic piazzas, Rome’s festival scene is rich with variety and tradition. Here’s your go-to guide to the top festivals you can’t miss in 2025.
1. Epiphany Festival (January 6, 2025)
Kicking off the year, the Epiphany Festival is a major celebration in Rome, especially at the Vatican. This religious holiday marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus, and in Rome, it’s celebrated with solemn Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a traditional procession. In Piazza Navona, the city also hosts a vibrant street market with festive stalls selling toys, sweets, and Christmas decorations.
How to Get There: St. Peter’s Basilica is easily reachable by bus or metro, while Piazza Navona is a short walk from most central Rome locations.
Tickets: Free to attend the Mass and the market, but early arrival is recommended for good views.
Must-See: The "La Befana" procession, where participants dress up as the Three Wise Men and travel through the streets on horseback.
Local Tips: Piazza Navona’s market is a great spot to try traditional Italian sweets like torrone (nougat) or panettone.
2. Carnival of Rome (February 18-25, 2025)
Rome’s Carnival is a colorful, lively celebration that brings out the playful spirit of the city. Carnival in Rome is less wild than Venice’s famous version but equally spectacular with its parades, mask-wearing traditions, and street performances. The city’s historic center becomes a stage for music, theater, and costumed processions, turning Rome into a living work of art.
How to Get There: The festivities take place mainly around Piazza del Popolo and Via del Corso, both easily accessible by metro or bus.
Tickets: Free to attend, with some VIP seating options available for prime parade viewing.
Must-See: The grand parade through Via del Corso, featuring elaborate floats, dancers, and performers in Renaissance-inspired costumes.
Local Tips: Wear a mask and join in on the fun—it’s not just for kids! Rome’s Carnival is all about getting into the festive spirit.
3. Rome Film Fest (October 18-29, 2025)
For cinephiles, the Rome Film Fest is a can’t-miss event that lights up the Eternal City with world premieres, red carpet glamour, and cinematic showcases from around the world. Held in the stunning Auditorium Parco della Musica, the festival attracts top international filmmakers and stars, offering a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and indie gems. It’s the perfect time to catch some cutting-edge films and possibly rub shoulders with celebrities.
How to Get There: The festival takes place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, easily reachable by bus or tram.
Tickets: Individual screening tickets start at €10, with festival passes and VIP packages available.
Must-See: Keep an eye out for special screenings in historic venues like the Villa Borghese—it’s a movie experience like no other.
Local Tips: Buy tickets early! Many of the festival’s biggest screenings sell out fast, especially the red carpet events.
4. Festa della Repubblica (June 2, 2025)
Rome’s Festa della Repubblica, or Republic Day, is Italy’s national holiday celebrating the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. The highlight of the day is a grand military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali, with the Colosseum as the backdrop. Expect to see impressive air shows from the Italian Air Force, as well as live performances and fireworks in the evening.
How to Get There: Via dei Fori Imperiali is located near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and it’s easy to access by metro.
Tickets: Free to watch, but get there early to secure a good spot.
Must-See: The iconic flyover by the Italian Air Force, which releases trails of smoke in the colors of the Italian flag over the city.
Local Tips: After the parade, head to the Gianicolo Hill for panoramic views of Rome and a quieter place to watch the fireworks.
5. Roma Summer Fest (June-August 2025)
Love music under the stars? Roma Summer Fest is an epic outdoor concert series held in the impressive Auditorium Parco della Musica throughout the summer. The festival features a variety of artists, from international rock bands to Italian pop stars, and even orchestral performances. With its unique open-air setting, Roma Summer Fest is the perfect way to soak in some summer vibes while enjoying world-class music.
How to Get There: The Auditorium Parco della Musica is accessible by bus or tram from central Rome.
Tickets: Prices vary by event, with general admission starting around €30 for most concerts.
Must-See: Headlining acts like Imagine Dragons, Florence + the Machine, or famous Italian artists like Eros Ramazzotti.
Local Tips: Bring a jacket for evening concerts, as summer nights in Rome can get chilly.
6. Estate Romana (June-September 2025)
Estate Romana, or Roman Summer, is a city-wide festival featuring open-air cinema, concerts, theater, and art exhibitions. This event transforms Rome into a cultural playground during the summer months, with events held in historic squares, along the Tiber River, and even within ancient ruins. Whether you’re watching an Italian classic in a piazza or enjoying a jazz concert under the stars, Estate Romana is all about soaking up the city’s artistic energy.
How to Get There: Events take place across the city, so public transport is your best bet. Most venues are in central Rome.
Tickets: Many events are free, but some concerts and screenings require tickets, starting around €10.
Must-See: Catch one of the riverside concerts along the Tiber for an unforgettable experience.
Local Tips: Grab a gelato and head to the outdoor cinema near Castel Sant’Angelo—it’s a local favorite!
7. La Festa de' Noantri (July 18-26, 2025)
La Festa de' Noantri is a beloved neighborhood festival in the Trastevere district, celebrating the Virgin Mary. It’s a week-long event featuring religious processions, live music, street food, and cultural performances. The festival’s name means "of us others," highlighting the deep sense of community that defines this Roman celebration. While the religious aspects are central, the festival also offers a glimpse into local traditions and a lively street party atmosphere.
How to Get There: Trastevere is easily accessible by tram or bus. If you’re staying in central Rome, it’s a short walk across the Tiber.
Tickets: Free to attend, but bring some cash for food and drinks.
Must-See: The procession of the statue of the Madonna, carried through the streets of Trastevere.
Local Tips: This is the perfect time to explore Trastevere’s hidden gems and trattorias—just be ready for the crowds.
8. Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29, 2025)
Celebrating Rome’s patron saints, this religious holiday is one of the city’s most important spiritual events. Expect solemn Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, along with a grand fireworks display over Castel Sant’Angelo at night. It’s a day of reflection, celebration, and beauty, perfect for those who want to experience Rome’s deep religious traditions.
How to Get There: St. Peter’s Basilica is accessible by metro or bus, while Castel Sant’Angelo is a short walk away.
Tickets: Free to attend, but arrive early for Masses at the basilicas.
Must-See: The breathtaking fireworks show over the Tiber River, illuminating Rome’s ancient skyline.
Local Tips: Head to the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge for the best views of the fireworks and to snap some Insta-worthy shots.
Rome in 2025 is filled with festivals that span art, history, religion, and culture. Whether you’re exploring its ancient streets or dancing at a summer concert, the Eternal City offers something magical for everyone.
Stay connected for more tips, festival insights, and cultural experiences right here at Woke Waves Magazine.
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