Rome events in October 2025 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do

Capitoline Museums - Villa Caffarelli Garden

The Colossal Statue of Constantine

See the striking reconstruction of the Colossus of Constantine, one of the most representative works of late antique Roman sculpture.

February 6 2024 - December 31 2025

Free to enter, follow the path up to the right to reach the garden entrance. 

Don't miss my video all about the statue!

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.

Dates are pending for 2025.

You can learn more on their Facebook page here.

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.

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.

When in Rome . . . why not attend a gladiator battle?

This fantastic show is produced by the Gruppo Storico Romano, with professional re-enactors, and real weapons and armor.

Take your seat in the re-constructed arena, not far from the Colosseum, and enjoy realistic gladiator fights, and other shows including ancient dances, rites of the Vesta, and more.

At the end of the show, you'll be treated to a small aperitif consisting of food and drink made with recipes from Ancient Rome.

Fridays and Sundays. 25€.

Visit the Colosseum by moonlight!

You can visit the Colosseum at night and I'd say this is one of the very best Rome events in October as you get to see the Colosseum lit up at night, and it's much less crowded than during the day.

Entry for night visits to the Colosseum is NOT part of the Roma Pass.

Awaiting confirmation of dates for 2025

Enjoy the opera in Rome's beautiful Teatro dell'Opera (Opera House.)

At the Rome Auditorium, you can attend wonderful concerts and other events.

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.