In Rome you can already feel the air of the Roman Summer.
As soon as the days start to get longer and the temperatures start to rise, Rome lights up with events.
What is the Roman Summer?
It is not just a season: it is a real fixed appointment. A tradition that for decades has transformed the Capital into a large open-air stage. The Roman Summer was born in 1977 thanks to an idea of the then culture councilor, Renato Nicolini. The idea was simple but brilliant: to bring culture out of theaters and museums, directly into the squares and among the people. The Roman Summer usually begins in mid-June and continues until late September. Sometimes until October, thanks to the wonderful Ottobrata romana, literally the Roman October. Making the most of the warm evenings, the shocking sunsets and the starry nights that only Rome can offer.
Roman Summer 2025
Every year the city changes the theme of the event and the main locations, but the spirit remains the same. It is always about making culture accessible to everyone and experiencing Rome in a different, more convivial way. This year the central focus is the Jubilee, celebrated with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. It focuses on the dimension of pilgrimage as a metaphor for the journey of life, a path of hope towards redemption and inner peace. Another main theme that will be the backdrop to this Roman summer concerns Pasolini. It is the fiftieth anniversary of the tragic death of Pierpaolo Pasolini and the city of Rome also wanted to celebrate the genius of this famous writer and director. Also because his gaze is very current on the diversity of the realities of the Roman neighborhoods.
When the Romans have fun
During the Roman summer months, the city fills up with events for all tastes. There are concerts (from classical music to rock), open-air cinema, theater shows, street food festivals and cultural events in magical places like Castel Sant’Angelo, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus or the Auditorium Parco della Musica. One of the most anticipated moments is Lungo il Tevere (Along the Tiber river), an initiative that transforms the banks of the river into a long promenade of bars, crafts, street food and shows. In short, you stroll along the Lungotevere with a gelato in your hand or perhaps with a glass of wine, among lights, music and summer scents.
What to do during the Roman Summer
Music
Roma Summer Fest 2025 will host many artists this year, including Ludovico Einaudi (June 12-June 18) or Sting (July 7). At Rock in Roma 2025, at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle, you can attend the Smashing Pumpkins concert (August 1). Other concerts are scheduled during the Summertime 2025 Festival at the Casa del Jazz or at Villa Ada Festival 2025.
Entertainment
The Caracalla Festival 2025 activities, titled Between Sacred and Human, include shows such as West Side Story, directed by Mariotti (July 5-July 17), and Roberto Bolle and Friends (July 15-July 16). From July 12 to 17, Rome will also host an extraordinary event by Dolce & Gabbana. The city and the beauty of Made in Italy will be celebrated at its best. During all five days, five iconic locations will be presented. Via Veneto with a fashion show and photography exhibition open to all. Villa Adriana with high jewelry. The Roman Forum with women’s high fashion. Ponte Sant’Angelo and tailoring and finally one last event still secret. In addition, from May 14 to August 14, a large exhibition will be held at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, with international performances and a unique story of the Maison Dolce & Gabbana.
Where to eat during the Roman Summer
Romans love eating alfresco during the beautiful summer days, especially at dinner, when the city fills with lights and atmosphere. Let’s see together the best places to spend a nice evening with good food!
WunderKong – (Via Ulisse Aldrovandi, 1) Inside the Galleria Nazionale di Roma, this secret bar in the summer is the right place for a space drink and DJ set.
Appio Estate – (Via dell’Almone,105) Inside the Parco Egeria, the Appio Park offers quality street food and always different events throughout the summer.
Testaccio Estate – (Largo Dino Frisullo) Events galore, open-air cinema, music and obviously food for all tastes.
Flora Rooftop – (Via V. Venete, 191) Inside the Hotel Marriott. This terrace is perfect for admiring Villa Borghese from above and enjoying an aperitivo in the dolce vita.
Jacopa – (Via Jacopa de’ Settesoli, 7) In the heart of Trastevere, a more informal place to have an aperitivo or even dine on great classics of Roman cuisine.
