Discovering the best things to do in Rome in March
March signals the arrival of spring, making it a wonderful time to visit Rome. With temperatures usually mild and pleasant, it’s the perfect opportunity to wander the city’s streets. Plus, there’s a variety of exciting events in Rome, including exhibitions, concerts, and the renowned Rome marathon.
Here’s our list of the top events in Rome in March 2026, to make the most of this month.
Exhibitions this March in Rome
Rome is always buzzing with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences, and March 2026 is no exception. Baroque lovers can dive into “Bernini e i Barberini” at Palazzo Barberini, a major show exploring the artist’s relationship with his most powerful patrons. Fashion and contemporary art meet at PM23 with “VENUS, Valentino Garavani through the eyes of Joana Vasconcelos”, a poetic, modern take on Valentino’s creative universe.
It’s also the final call for Art Nouveau fans: “Alphonse Mucha” at Palazzo Bonaparte runs only until March 8, 2026, making it one of the month’s must-sees. For classic painting, “Impressionism and Beyond. Masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts” at Museo dell’Ara Pacis brings a stellar selection of modern European works to Rome. And if you want something epic and timeless, “Treasures of the Pharaohs” at the Scuderie del Quirinale offers a deep dive into ancient Egypt with extraordinary loans and museum-grade highlights.
Best events in March in Rome
Live music
If you’re a fan of live music, Rome has you covered with a plethora of concerts to choose from – Giorgia and Achille Lauro perform at the Palazzo dello Sport, Max Richter at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, and much more!
Live music in March28 February – 1 March | Rome Whisky Festival
After a remarkable edition last winter, the Roma Whisky Festival returns to the Salone delle Fontane in EUR for an entire weekend dedicated to the “king of all distillates.” The event is a comprehensive experience, welcoming all kinds of attendees, from beginners – offered a dedicated introductory mini-course “ABC of Whisky” – to seasoned enthusiasts.
Roma Whisky Festival1 March | RomaOstia Half Marathon
The RomaOstia Half Marathon marks more than half a century of running: founded on March 31, 1974, it returns for its 51st edition on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Created by Luciano Duchi and developed by the GSBRun-RomaOstia team, it has been co-organized with RCS Sports & Events for the past eight years.
Entries are on the rise: one month before the race, 11,600 runners were already registered. The fast course is confirmed, starting in EUR (near the Palazzo dello Sport) and finishing at Ostia’s Rotonda, following Via Cristoforo Colombo for the classic 21.0975 km distance.
romaostia.it1-2 March | Formaticum (To Be Confirmed)
Don’t miss the latest edition of Formaticum, the market-exhibition dedicated to cheese and Italian dairy rarities at Città dell’Altra Economia. Formaticum promises to be an exciting event featuring tastings, seminars, and quality awards, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in this sector of the Italian agri-food industry.
formaticum.info7 February | Italy vs. England – Six Nations Rugby Championship
The Six Nations Rugby Championship is back, bringing Europe’s top rugby nations to battle it out for the trophy. One of March’s biggest dates in Rome is Italy vs England on March 7, played at the Stadio Olimpico. Expect an electric atmosphere in the stands, and once the final whistle blows, follow the crowds into the city’s pubs for rugby’s legendary “third half” of post-match drinks and celebrations, no matter the result.
Six Nations Rugby Championship8-9 March | Vini Selvaggi
Vini Selvaggi, the independent fair of natural wines, arrives at San Paolo District in Rome. Tastings, food proposals, and talks on topics related to natural agriculture and low-intervention wine production will enrich the event, aimed at industry professionals and wine enthusiasts alike.
Vini Selvaggi21-22 March | Run Rome the Marathon
Not for the faint of heart, the 31st edition of the Rome Marathon will cover the usual 26 miles. The route will start from the Fori Imperiali and the Colosseum and will finish at the Circo Massimo. The race will circle around the Vittoriano and Piazza Venezia, pass by the Circo Massimo, and zigzag across the Lungotevere,
Castel Sant’Angelo, and Via della Conciliazione. f you’re looking for a lighter workout, you can register for the non-competitive Fun Run that will take place on Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 AM, with a 5 km route starting and finishing at the Circus Maximus.
Markets
Explore Rome’s various markets, including vintage and antique markets, which offer unique treasures and artifacts, as well as food markets, with traditional and experimental delicacies.
Markets in Rome
