Discovering the best things to do in Rome in February
In February, Rome may be chilly, but that’s no reason to stay home! With a plethora of indoor events to keep you warm and entertained, from exhibitions to festivals and concerts, there’s something for everyone. Moreover, as is tradition in many Italian cities, Rome also celebrates Carnival during February–the city is alive with festivities, and you can expect to encounter masked children strolling through the streets.
Check out our list of the top events in Rome in February 2026, and make the most of this month.
Exhibitions this February in Rome
Plan ahead for Rome’s exhibitions in February 2026, with a mix of ongoing shows and new openings across the city. From major retrospectives and blockbuster museum displays to contemporary art highlights, February is packed with reasons to keep your museum calendar busy, whether you’re into modern masters, photography, design, or immersive installations. Keep an eye on key venues like Palazzo Bonaparte, Scuderie del Quirinale, Ara Pacis, the Capitoline Museums, and Palazzo delle Esposizioni, where some of the season’s most talked-about exhibitions are set to continue (or debut) this month.
Don’t miss this month’s Zanabazar at the Galleria Borghese: the exhibition showcases two extraordinary works by the greatest Mongolian sculptor of the modern era, celebrating a unique dialogue between East and West.
Also worth flagging is VENUS – Valentino Garavani through the eyes of Joana Vasconcelos at PM23 (Piazza Mignanelli), a fashion-meets-contemporary-art show where Vasconcelos’ monumental, craft-driven installations dialogue with iconic Valentino creations.
Keep in mind that the first Sunday of the month, February 1, Rome’s Civic Museums are free for everyone, and the Vatican Museums will open their doors for free on Sunday, February 22. Don’t miss these opportunities to explore Rome’s rich artistic heritage.
Best events in February in Rome
Live music
February in Rome sets the stage for a diverse range of concerts, and, as always, the opera scene in Rome promises to be nothing short of amazing.
Live music in FebruarySeveral dates | Accademia di Santa Cecilia Classical Music Concerts
When it comes to exceptional music venues, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia stands proudly at the forefront. For aficionados of classical music and symphonic repertoire visiting Rome, an evening at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is an absolute must.
In February 2026, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia offers four Symphonic Season concerts at Sala Santa Cecilia: 5–7 with Lorenzo Viotti and Sheku Kanneh-Mason (Elgar; Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5), 12–14 with Alexander Soddy (Fauré and Ravel), 19–21 with Petr Popelka and Hélène Grimaud (Martinů, Gershwin, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky), and 26–28 with Daniel Harding conducting Haydn’s The Creation.
The Chamber Season (Sala Sinopoli) includes 11 February with Asmik Grigorian and Lukas Geniušas, and 18 February with pianist Emanuele Arciuli (including Rzewski’s The People United Will Never Be Defeated!).
Accademia di Santa Cecilia3-8 February | La Bayadère Ballet at Teatro dell’Opera
From 3 to 8 February 2026, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma will stage La Bayadère, one of the great classics of Romantic ballet: a tale set in an imagined India, where love and fate intertwine, celebrated for its spectacular scenes and for the famous “Kingdom of the Shades” act—one of the most iconic moments in the repertoire.
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Season 20267 February | Italy vs. Scotland – Six Nations Rugby Championship
The annual 6 Nations Rugby Championship will commence in February 2026. Six elite rugby nations – Italy, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and France – will go head-to-head in this hundred-year-old tradition, and just like the Ancient Romans, these rugby warriors will be fighting to the death, or rather to the trophy. Italy will host two matches at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico this 2026. Watch the players roar, claw, and run to victory. Be prepared for fans to swarm into pubs after the games for the legendary “third half,” known to be a time of copious drinking and celebration of rugby, no matter which team won or lost.
Six Nations Rugby Championship14 February | Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day in Rome is a dream come true for romantics. The city’s charm sets the perfect backdrop for love. Whether you’re having a candlelit dinner, enjoying a relaxing spa day together, or strolling hand-in-hand through Rome’s parks, Rome offers countless ways to celebrate.
Valentine’s Day in Rome16 February – 2 March | Rome CocktailBar & Restaurant Week
Rome’s first semi-annual dining and drinking event bringing together food, cocktails, and wine makes its debut in the Eternal City: Rome CocktailBar & Restaurant Week, running Feb 16–Mar 2 and Mar 16–30, 2026. Designed to spotlight Rome’s hospitality scene and get people through the door, RCRW invites locals and visitors to explore the city through special menus and limited-time offers. Expect everything from internationally acclaimed cocktail bars and rising Michelin-star restaurants to long-loved institutions, hidden underground gems, and hot new openings, including venues inside some of Rome’s most iconic five-star hotels.
coming soon15-16-17 February | Rome Carnival
By mid-February, Rome slips into Carnival mode, with the liveliest days building up to Mardi Gras on 17 February 2026: there isn’t one single “official” city-wide carnival like Venice, but plenty of smaller, local celebrations: family events, costume parties, and themed activities across town. For easy, solid picks, you’ve got “Il Carnevale dei Burattini” at Teatro San Carlino in Villa Borghese (7–15 Feb 2026) for kids and families, and “La Tarantella del Carnevale” at the Auditorium Parco della Musica (15 Feb 2026, 18:00) for a big, folk-energy night out; plus, just outside the city, Fiumicino’s “Carnevale AMare” brings markets, street entertainment and a grand parade on 15 February (with another full day of activities on 8 February).
Carnevale Romano: The Story of Rome’s Carnival1 – 8 – 15 February | Carnevale di Ronciglione
The Carnival of Ronciglione 2026 promises to be a spectacular celebration of tradition, creativity, and joy. Known as one of Italy’s most vibrant and historic carnivals, this event will feature its iconic masked parades, breathtaking floats, and lively music that fills the streets with energy. Visitors can enjoy the unique horse races without riders, traditional costumes, and local delicacies, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages. A perfect blend of history and entertainment awaits in this small Italian town!
carnevaledironciglione.org/it/
