Rome Summer: Events, Festivals, and Nightlife

August in Rome? No problem. The city has a wide range of events and activities lined up for summer 2024. With a diverse and comprehensive calendar that actively involves all 15 of the city’s municipalities, aided by local associations and municipal entities, there's something for everyone.
The schedule includes everything: film screenings, theater performances, concerts, exhibitions, tours, workshops, and much more, awaiting Romans and tourists alike to experience a month that will light up the capital’s nights from north to south. In this article, we’ll guide you through what you can experience in the shadow of the Colosseum, dividing it by genre. Grab your pen and paper to jot down your favorite events – Roman summer awaits!

Outdoor Cinema
There are 26 open-air cinemas, each with its own schedule of screenings and events. Out of the 26, 12 are free to enter and are well distributed across all municipalities, with particular attention to central areas like Trastevere, Testaccio, Aventine, and Esquilino.
Notable mentions include: San Lorenzo Cinema con Sapienza (Municipio II), Il Cinema Oltre – Arena Cinema Parco Labia (Municipio III), Cinema sul tetto – Visioni periferiche (Municipio V), Pigneto Film Festival (Municipio V), Cinematic – Così lontani così vicini (Municipio V), Karawan – Festa di Cinema Commedie e Culture (Municipio V), La periferia raccontata dal Cinema (Municipio VI), Cinema alle Mura… e non solo (Municipio VII), L’aperossa – Archivi, Musica e Memoria (Municipio VIII), Punta Sacra Film Fest (Municipio X), Cinecorviale Estate (Municipio XI), Ciak Cinema Arena (Municipio XV). The other three arenas are: Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio (Municipio I), Arena Garbatella (Municipio VIII), and Arena Cinevillage Monteverde (Municipio XII).
There are also various initiatives organized by the Fondazione Cinema per Roma. A special mention goes to Municipio VII, with Il Cinema alle Mura... e non solo curated by Comitato Mura Latine, running until September 7. The series, with free admission, is organized in three different areas and offers a program ranging from quality children’s films to iconic Italian and foreign cult classics.
Moving a bit towards the eastern part of Rome, the CINEMA SUL TETTO – Visioni Periferiche series continues at Casilino Sky Park, offering a calendar of screenings on a panoramic terrace.
Of undeniable charm is the programming of Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio, in the gardens of the eponymous park in the heart of the Esquilino neighborhood.

Live Music
Live music of high quality can be found in various parks scattered throughout the capital. Starting with the Jazz Village Roma, running until September 7, which hosts the Village Celimontana music series at Villa Celimontana, while in the adjacent Parco del Celio, Jazz&Image runs until September 22. Meanwhile, the Villa Ada Festival continues until August 15 at Villa Ada. The XXXIV edition of I Concerti nel Parco Estate 2024 continues at the Parco della Casa del Jazz until August 2.
There is also live music at the cavea of the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, with the Roma Summer Fest 2024, dedicated this year to the recently deceased music critic Ernesto Assante. The stage will see performances from rock and pop legends – from Deep Purple to Take That, from Loredana Bertè to Simple Minds, from The Kolors to Colapesce and Dimartino.
Classical music enthusiasts can head to the Terme di Caracalla, where the summer lineup from the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma pays tribute to Giacomo Puccini, marking 100 years since his passing.
We conclude the overview of music events in Rome’s summer with the summer lineup at Santa Cecilia.

Exhibitions and Shows
At the Palazzo Esposizioni Roma, there’s the MATERIAE exhibition project, which presents works by Mexican artist Javier Marín, a sculptor, designer, and painter who has been honoring Italian culture and art history for over 30 years. Also, until September 1, the Carla Accardi exhibition curated by Daniela Lancioni and Paola Bonani, promoted by Roma Capitale, is still open.
At the MACRO museum, all current exhibitions continue until August 25.
In the Ostiense district, at the Gazometro, the "Videocittà – Il Festival della Visione e della Cultura Digitale" event takes place. This project, curated by Videocittà srl, is dedicated to audiovisual arts and explores different disciplines and expressions of moving images, with three days of screenings, AV performances, educational and informative talks, monumental and immersive installations, video mapping, and video art.

Outdoor Evenings
Rome in August also offers pleasant evenings of celebration and entertainment, both in the heart of the city and away from the crowds. Besides the famous locales in Trastevere, the Historic Center, and Ponte Milvio, with their outdoor tables where you can enjoy excellent cocktails while watching the sunset over the city, from June to September, the banks of the Tiber are also brought to life with the "Lungo il Tevere... Roma" event. You’ll find artisanal markets, riverside restaurants, food stalls, art exhibitions, and live music. A walk along the river offers a unique nighttime view of Rome, stretching from the Tiber Island to the Vatican.
Outside the historic center, at the Capannelle racecourse, another great season of “Rock in Roma” is setting record after record, earning the title of the most anticipated music festival of Rome's summer. As always, the participation of national and international artists is strong, with a program covering various music genres, from rock to pop, from metal to indie. “Rock in Roma” is a must-visit for music lovers.

Conclusion
Rome’s summer is varied and dynamic, capable of satisfying every taste and preference. The city always has something to offer, whether you’re a visitor or a local. Get ready to experience unforgettable nights in the Eternal City, discovering every evening a new and exciting event, concert, exhibition, or hidden corner!