What’s on in Rome this month?
Sustainable fashion shows, Summer sales, concerts in ancient Roman theaters, races and more. There’s so much to do in Rome this July 2026!
Without wasting a lot of time, let’s dive into these super exciting things to explore in the city! 🤩
Things to do in Rome in July 2026
Rally di Roma Capitale 2026 on 3-5 July
This 3-day rally event will take place in one of the most scenographic tracks in the world! The event will start by the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità), the pass by the Colosseum and continue over 900 km across the Lazio Region, on July 3rd, 4th and 5th.
The event is free to attend. The goal of the event is to promote the national and international car-tourism, as well as raise awareness about road safety education.
More info: https://www.rallydiromacapitale.it/?lang=en
Summer sales – from July 4th
When we say that sales in Italy can get you real deals, we mean it. In the Lazio region (hence Rome too) the Summer sales start on July 4th. All the shopaholics of Italy look forward to the sales, which usually take place in January (winter sales) and July (summer sales) for a period of 6 weeks.
At the beginning the discounts will be lower, starting from around 20-30%. it is good to shop at the beginning of the sales if you already know exactly what to get and you don’t want to risk not finding it anymore.
But the more you wait, the more the discounts increase, leaving the last weeks of sales with discounts as high as 50-60-70%. Of course in that case you’ll have a limited selection of sizes and colors. But that is also when the best bargains can be made.
Where to shop in Rome city center? There are many places such as Via del Corso, via Cola di Rienzo, Monti district, in the little streets near Campo de’ Fiori, and many more.
Happy shopping!
Planning a last-minute trip to Rome and didn’t have time to book a tour? Check our remaining availability in the next 20 days here 😉
Cinema in Piazza – outdoor cinema every night at 9:15PM
Every summer Rome offers a lot of outdoor events, such as outdoor cinemas!
The Piccolo America association will return this Summer with the so-called “Cinema in Piazza” (cinema in the square). Dates are still to be confirmed.
There will be three locations: Piazza San Cosimato in Trastevere, Monte Ciocci and Cervelletta.
Free entrance, no booking necessary. All the movies start at 9:15PM. Movies will be in original language with Italian subtitles. In case of Italian movies there will be English subtitles.
Here you will find the full program:https://ilcinemainpiazza.it/
Cinema on the Temple of Venus by the Colosseum
This is surely one of the most spectacular outdoor cinemas in the world!
Right on the ruins of the Temple of Venus and Roma and overlooking the Colosseum, the archaeological park organized 10 days of outdoor cinema. The theme of the movies that will be screened this year is the relationship between horror and parody, with movies such as The Fearless Vampire Killers of Roman Polanski, Nosferatu of Werner Herzog, Young Frankenstein of Mel Brooks.
There will be 10 movies screened in original language from July 7th to July 16th. Each night the movies will be introduced by directors, writers, actors or journalists.
Free entry, but reservation is required. For info on bookings and the full movie schedule go to this link.
Caracalla Baths by Night – special opening on July 23rd
This Summer you have the chance to visit the ancient Baths of Caracalla by night! This ancient Roman bath complex was a gigantic structure able to accomodate up to 1500 people at the same time.
It was an ancient “spa”, where the Romans would experience a sequence of rooms at different temperatures, just like our modern spas today! Caracalla’s baths are the biggest thermal bath ruins in Rome. And the magical atmosphere of the ruins illuminated at night is so special that in the Summer it also becomes the background of concerts and ballets.
On specific dates you’ll be able to access the magic of Caracalla’s baths illuminated at night. The dates are:
- July 16th
- July 23rd
- August 2nd
- September 19th
- September 26th
- October 15th
You can find all the details and tickets at this link: https://portale.museiitaliani.it/b2c/buyTicketless/c763f66b-8295-4800-a92d-b96a26659396
Festa de’ Noantri in Trastevere
This is a truly local celebration happening in the heart of Trastevere since 1535!
The Festa de’ Noantri is a festival that will take place for about a week at the end of July.
The grand finale on July 26th includes a procession of the cedar wood statue of the Madonna boarded on a boat and traveling along the Tiber river until it reaches Trastevere. When arrived at Ponte Garibaldi, the procession will transfer on the land and continue until the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Something very unique and local to see if you are around these days!
To learn more about this celebration, read this: “Festa de’ Noantri”: a truly local celebration in Trastevere, Rome
Opera at Circo Massimo 2026
From June 29th until July 31st, the Circus Maximus will host the Summer events of the Rome Opera. What better place than the ancient Roman chariot race track to enjoy a night at the opera under the stars?
Among the shows there will also be the Gladiator movie by Ridley Scott, with live music from the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Orchestra and Chorus; the Aida and Romeo and Juliet.
More info on the official website.
Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit at the Ara Pacis
Robert Mapplethorpe once said that, had he lived centuries earlier, he would have been a sculptor rather than a photographer. In fact, the feeling you get when looking at his photographs in this exhibition is that you are looking at sculptures rather than pictures.
The muscles, curves, and torsions of the bodies he photographed recall those of Michelangelo’s sculptures, of which Mapplethorpe was a great admirer.
This exhibition at the Ara Pacis is a journey through Mapplethorpe’s creative evolution: from his early collages made from found images (because he could not yet afford photographic equipment) to his use of himself as a model while developing his photographic style. It also explores his relationship with the musician and poet Patti Smith.
The two met as struggling young artists in New York and inspired each other’s careers. Mapplethorpe famously photographed the cover of Smith’s iconic 1975 album Horses, one of the most recognizable album covers in music history.
The exhibition also includes several ancient statues of athletes, referencing the classical sculpture that inspired the work of this iconic photographer.
The exhibition will run until October 4, 2026. More information is available here.
Colosseum by night on Tuesdays and Thursdays
This Summer the Colosseum reopens his gates to special visits under the moonlight. Night visits include the underground and arena section of the Colosseum and tickets also allow you to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill the day prior, the same day or the following day.
Availability is limited, so book in advance. We are also available for private tours of the Colosseum by night, so if you wish to have this magical experience with us, just get in touch through the video chat on the bottom-right corner!
More info on the Colosseum website here.
Vittoriano by Night
This is one of the most beautiful terraces of Rome, with breathtaking views over the city. You can get to the top of the Vittoriano all year long, but in the Summer, on specific dates, you can stay until late and watch the city changing color through sunset!
You can stay upstairs until 11:30PM! (Last entry 10:45PM – always check the official website for the most accurate info)
- July 24th
- August 7th
- August 21st
- September 11th
- September 26th
This means you’ll be able to watch the sunset and then the stars, over the skyline of Rome. 🧡
Piazza Venezia is currently under construction, but the 360° views are still going to be super amazing.
Live a unique experience with us!
If you want to make your June Rome trip special and looking for something fun, unique, personal… you’re in the right place!
Our small group walking tours grew from the legacy of our media content online, meaning that we focus on showing you Rome “behind-the-scenes”.
We explore the iconic neighborhoods of Rome where you get to discover lots of hidden gems and secrets hiding in plain sight, that most tourists miss.
And we do it in small groups only, to keep the experience personal and interactive 😊
Discover more about how our Rome tours work, the best Rome tours or browse all our small-group tours to see the experiences currently available.
