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 2025, 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.
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 Cecilia7 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 ChampionshipTo Be Confirmed | Equilibrio Dance Festival
Rome is ready to host the 19th edition of Equilibrio, the festival dedicated to contemporary dance and choreographers. The 2025 program spans two weeks, featuring some of the most significant names on the European scene, such as Maud Le Pladec, Trajal Harrell, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Radouan Mriziga, Jesús Rubio Gamo, and Marco da Silva Ferreira.
Equilibrio Festival14 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 Rome1 – 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/
