What are the best things to do in Rome in April?
Rome, the Eternal City, is always full of events and activities throughout the year, and April 2025 is no exception. This spring Rome offers a variety of events, from concerts by international and national artists, to traditional holidays, art exhibitions and festivals and more… Whether you are a music or art lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a reason to celebrate, there is something for everyone this April in Rome. In this article we will explore the main events to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city.
National holidays and special days in Rome in April
Easter
April is a month full of national holidays and special days in Rome. One of the most important festivities is Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. This means that Easter Sunday will fall on April 5 this year.
How to spend Easter in RomeApril 21 | Natale di Roma
On April 21 Rome celebrates its annual birthday, known as Natale di Roma. Rome celebrates this year its 2779th birthday with a weekend of art, culture and festivities. The celebrations include cultural events, exhibitions, street performances and concerts – plus, there will be free access to Roma Capitale Museums and other cultural venues.
April 25 | Liberation Day
Another important April holiday is Liberation Day, which falls on April 25 and marks the end of the Italian occupation during World War II. The city celebrates this day with parades and other festivities, including shows and fireworks. Being a national holiday, schools, banks and shops are closed.
Exhibitions this April in Rome
This month, Rome is alive with an exciting mix of cultural experiences. The highly anticipated “Caravaggio 2025” takes center stage, offering a groundbreaking look at the Baroque master’s work. Art lovers can also step into the dreamlike world of “Salvador Dalí. Between Art and Myth”, while “Munch. The Inner Scream” captures the raw emotion of Edvard Munch’s masterpieces. For those intrigued by the intersection of art and identity, “Picasso the Foreigner” delves into the artist’s outsider status in France. Photography enthusiasts won’t want to miss “Franco Fontana. Retrospective. Meanwhile, history and art merge in “The Farnese in 16th Century Rome” at Villa Caffarelli. And for contemporary art lovers, “FLOWERS” at the Chiostro del Bramante offers a stunning celebration of floral beauty in art.
Best events in April in Rome
Live music
Live music concerts are happening all around Rome, featuring diverse genres of music and singers from several nationalities, with performances taking place in a variety of venues throughout the city.
Concerts in Rome in April7 – 11 April | Rendez-Vous French Film festival
This 5-day event showcases the best of contemporary French cinema and offers talks with directors and guest actors. It will be held at Cinema Nuovo Sacher, where films and guests of the festival will be welcomed. The journey, starting from the capital, will then make stops, with special sections and guests, in: Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, and Turin.
Cinema Nuovo Sacherdiscover more Rendez-Vous
7 – 15 April | Asian Film Festival
From April 7 to 15, Cinema Farnese in Rome will host the 23rd edition of the Asian Film Festival, a long-standing event that for over twenty years has brought the best of Far Eastern cinema to the capital, establishing itself as a key reference point in Italy for contemporary Asian film.
The 2026 edition will present 36 feature films — 18 in competition, 9 in the Newcomers section, and 9 out of competition — as well as 10 short films, offering a cinematic journey across Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Cinema FarneseAsian Film Festival
9 – 12 April | Romics
Romics is the major international exhibition on comics, animation, cinema, and games, organized by Fiera di Roma. It’s four days of non-stop celebration with events, meetings, and shows. Serving as a crucial meeting point for industry professionals and the public, it provides an opportunity to assess the state of Italian and international comics, while also showcasing highlights from cinema and shows.
Nuova Fiera di Romadiscover more romics.it
9 April | Harlem Globetrotters
On April 9, 2026, the PalaTiziano in Piazza Apollodoro will host the Harlem Globetrotters, stars of one of the most iconic and anticipated basketball shows in the world. As part of their 100Years World Tour, the Globetrotters will perform incredible tricks, spectacular dunks, and pure entertainment.
PalatizianoHarlem Globetrotters
10 – 12 April | Festival del Verde e del Paesaggio
The festival takes place at the Auditorium in Rome, offering the urban community four guided tours exploring biophilia—the innate connection between humans and nature. A journey filled with insights and inspiration for a happier, more sustainable urban life.
Auditorium Parco della Musicadiscover more festivaldelverdeedelpaesaggio.it
11 – 12 April | Unique Mkt
On April 11 and 12, Unique Mkt returns to animate the spaces of Industrie Fluviali, in the heart of Rome’s Ostiense district. For one full weekend, the former factory with its industrial charm transforms into a vibrant hub of contemporary creativity, where aesthetic research, craftsmanship, and a culture of beauty come together across three levels filled with atmosphere, from indoor rooms to bright terraces.
With more than 50 exhibitors from across Italy, the market offers a curated and varied route designed for those who love discovering independent brands, artisanal production, and high-quality creative work.
Industrie Fluvialidiscover more Unique Market
24-25-26 April e 1-2-3 May | Festival dell’Oriente
The Festival dell’Oriente returns to Rome with a rich program celebrating the traditions and cultures of Asia. Throughout the event, the stages host dozens of live performances running continuously from opening to closing, featuring artists from Japan, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea, Tibet, Thailand, Mongolia, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and many other countries. From traditional dances and music to colorful costumes and performing arts, the festival offers an immersive journey through the diverse cultures of the East.
Fiera di Romadiscover more festivaldelloriente.it
12 – 13 April | Hanami at the Botanical Garden (TBC)
On April 12 and 13, the Rome Botanical Garden holds “Hanami at the Botanical Garden”, a special event celebrating the breathtaking cherry blossom season. A spring weekend dedicated to discovering the meaning of Hanami, an ancient tradition symbolizing the fleeting beauty of nature and the art of living in the moment. Experience the Japanese philosophy of appreciating life’s impermanence through cultural activities like ikebana, calligraphy, and origami. Enjoy forest bathing, witness powerful Taiko drum performances, and dive into Japanese culture by learning about tea ceremonies, modern Kokeshi dolls, and Japanese gardens
