Discovering the best things to do in Rome in June
Rome is an evergreen destination, always wonderful, always welcoming, but June is especially exciting! It is the beginning of summer, the culmination of spring, the sunny awakening of the city’s fauna, flora, citizens, and especially its social and cultural life. In this article are some suggestions regarding events, exhibitions, festivals and other activities to do if you are in Rome this June 2026. Get into the pulse of Roman life while the city is in a buzz!
National holidays and special days in Rome in June
2 June | Italy’s Republic Day
June 2, 1946 marks the birth of the Italian Republic. Rome is at the heart of the celebrations: the day’s ceremony traditionally includes the laying of a laurel wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria by the President of the Republic, a military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali, the flyover of the Frecce Tricolori across the skies of Rome, and the free opening of the Quirinale Gardens to the public.
29 June | San Pietro & Paolo
Patrons of the city and founders of the new Christian Rome, Saints Peter and Paul have always held great significance for the capital and have therefore been widely celebrated throughout history. Among the rituals still observed today are the “pallium,” the white wool stole that the pontiff gives to certain bishops as a symbol of the union between the universal and local churches, the kissing of the foot of the bronze statue of St. Peter, the procession that accompanies the chain of St. Paul, and the historic floral carpet on Via della Conciliazione, with natural paintings made of flowers by more than 1,000 master florists.
Another much-loved tradition is the Girandola, the spectacular fireworks display historically linked to the feast, which lights up the Roman sky in a tribute to the city’s Baroque celebrations. The center of the festivities is, of course, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, together with the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in the EUR district.
Exhibitions this June in Rome
This June, Rome’s cultural calendar brings together photography, contemporary art, music, architecture, ancient history, and major international exhibitions across some of the city’s most iconic venues.
At Palazzo Esposizioni Roma, June is especially rich. The World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 is on view until June 29, bringing together some of the year’s most powerful works of international photojournalism. In the same venue, Mario Schifano continues until July 12, offering a major look at one of the most influential figures of Italian post-war art. Also not to miss is ROMASUONA. Music in Italy 1970-1979, an exhibition that explores a crucial decade in Italian culture through music, visual experimentation, and social change.
A breath of fresh air comes from the Festival des Cabanes at Villa Medici, running until September 28, 2026. Now in its fifth edition, the festival transforms the historic gardens of the French Academy in Rome into an open-air laboratory of architecture and landscape, with six new installations and a multidisciplinary artistic programme.
At the Scuderie del Quirinale, Treasures of the Pharaohs has been extended until June 14, offering a final chance to visit one of the season’s most successful exhibitions, dedicated to the splendour of ancient Egypt.
Photography takes centre stage at the Museo dell’Ara Pacis with Robert Mapplethorpe. Le forme della bellezza, on view from May 29 to October 4, 2026, featuring around 200 works by one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. On weekend evenings, the monument also hosts L’Ara si rivela, an immersive light and sound experience.
At Palazzo Bonaparte, Hokusai continues until June 29, bringing the visionary world of Japan’s great master to Rome. Meanwhile, at MAXXI, Andrea Pazienza. Non sempre si muore celebrates one of Italy’s most original and rebellious creative voices.
Other major exhibitions continue across the city: Robert Doisneau at the Museo del Genio until July 19, From Vienna to Rome. Habsburg Masterpieces at Museo del Corso, Palazzo Cipolla until July 5, and Bernini e i Barberini at Palazzo Barberini until June 14.
From contemporary photography to Japanese prints, Egyptian treasures, Baroque masterpieces, and architectural installations in historic gardens, Rome in June is a feast for the curious eye.
Best events in June in Rome
Live music
The month of June has got artists from a variety of musical traditions and backgrounds performing on various stages around the city. Check them out and pick your favourite!
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until 12 July | Cinema in Piazza
The outdoor movie theater Cinema In Piazza returns this summer, transforming Rome’s beautiful piazzas into open-air cinemas from 28 May till 12 July. You can enjoy free screenings, special events, and retrospectives in three locations: Piazza San Cosimato in Trastevere, the Casale della Cervelletta in Tor Sapienza, and the Monte Ciocci Park in Valle Aurelia.
Piazza San Cosimato, Casale della Cervelletta, Monte Ciocci
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4 June | Golden Gala
The Golden Gala Pietro Mennea returns to Rome as the fifth stage of the Wanda Diamond League, bringing an exceptional line-up of international athletics stars to the capital. This year’s cast includes athletes with a combined 43 Olympic and World Championship gold medals and more than 80 global medals overall, making it one of the most anticipated sporting events of the season. A unique chance to see some of the world’s greatest track and field champions compete in the iconic setting of Rome.
Stadio Olimpico
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5 June – end of August | Lungo il Tevere 2026
Get into the vibrant atmosphere of the riverside at the Lungo il Tevere summer festival along the Tiber, celebrating art, food, and nightlife. Enjoy free shows, cool shops, delicious cuisines, and cultural delights from July until late August.
31 May – 7 June | BNL Italy Major Premier Padel 2026
The BNL Italy Major Premier Padel at the Parco del Foro Italico is one of the world’s most prestigious padel tournaments. Part of the elite Premier Padel circuit, it brings together the top international players for a week of high-level competition in one of Rome’s most iconic sports venues.
Ale Galán and Fede Chingotto, champions of the last two editions, are enjoying an exceptional start to the season. At the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel 2026, they will be aiming for a third consecutive title. Their main rivals remain world No. 1s Coello and Tapia.
Centrale del Foro Italico
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9 June – 18 July | Rock in Roma
The Rock in Rome Festival began in 2009 and, sixteen years later, has grown into one of Italy’s leading international rock festivals. This must-attend event for rock music lovers features two months of programming, running from mid-June to the end of July at the massive Ippodromo delle Capannelle. For thousands of fans, it’s one of the unmissable highlights of the Roman summer!
June Line-up: The Offspring + A Day To Remember + Sleep Theory (9 June), Pippo Sowlo (13 June), Gemitaiz (18 June), Negramaro (20 June), Caparezza (26 June), Olly (30 June).
Ippodromo delle Capannelle
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12 June – 15 September | Roma Summer Fest
The incredible architectural space of the Auditorium della Musica Ennio Morricone once again becomes the beating heart of the capital’s warm nights for the Roma Summer Fest 2026. Renowned as one of the best open-air music festivals in Europe, this summer-long celebration hosted by the Fondazione Musica per Roma brings an incredible mix of global icons and premier Italian talent to the stage. From rock and indie acts to orchestral masterpieces and contemporary pop, it is the ultimate soundtrack to the Roman summer.
June Line-up: Serena Brancale (13 June), Niccolò Fabi (15 June), Genesis – One Night with the Orchestra (16 June), Kneecap (17 June), Ludovico Einaudi (19-22 June), Marco Castello (23 June), Laura Esquivel & Brenda Asnicar (27 June), Mari Froes (27 June), Mac DeMarco (28 June), Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals (29 June), Stefano Bollani All Stars (29 June).
Auditorium Parco della Musica – Cavea
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13 June – 7 August | Summertime at Casa del Jazz
Starting on 13 June, Italian and foreign stars, jazz-rock legends, great orchestras, leading pianists, contaminations and new trends… the summer season of the Casa del Jazz, produced by the Fondazione Musica per Roma, offers once again this year a program full of novelties and surprises. More than 40 concerts and performances will take place on the open-air stage set up in the park of Villa Osio on Viale di Porta Ardeatina.
June Line-up: Paolo Fresu, Antonello Salis, Furio Di Castri (13 June), Doctor 3: Danilo Rea, Enzo Pietropaoli, Fabrizio Sferra (14 June), Stefano Di Battista & The New Generation (16 June), Rita Marcotulli & Under 29 But Me (19 June), Bobo Stenson Trio (20 June), Peppe Barra + Medit Orchestra (21 June), Roberto Gatto 4et feat. Pietro Tonolo (23 June), Enrico Pieranunzi Quintet (24 June), Chiara Civello (25 June), Raphael Gualazzi & Francesca Tandoi (26 June), Mari Froes (27 June), Omaggio a Carla Bley, MeJO Orchestra (28 June), Israel Galván & Michael Leonhart (29 June).
Casa del Jazz
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19-22 June | Language & Wine Retreats
Experience the beauty, culture, and flavours of Italy through an unforgettable Language & Wine Retreat in Tivoli, close to Rome. Designed for Italy lovers, this immersive retreat combines language learning with authentic Italian experiences, delicious food, wine, and meaningful connections in one of Italy’s most inspiring settings.
Participants can choose to learn or improve their Italian or English in a relaxed and supportive environment. All language levels are welcome.
Tivoli
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20 June | Roma Pride
Rome Pride 2026 is ready to march through the streets of the capital, 32 years after the first historic Italian Pride in 1994. Each year, around 50,000 people gather to celebrate and affirm the importance of values like equality, respect, diversity, and inclusion.
This June, the parade will start at Piazza della Repubblica and end at Viale delle Terme di Caracalla.
In the days leading up to the main event, a series of events, performances, concerts, and daily debates — known as The Pride Croisette — will take place from May 28 in an 8,000-square-meter space at the Baths of Caracalla.
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Until 5 September | Village Celimontana
This summer, Village Celimontana returns to the Eternal City for its tenth edition. One of Rome’s most beloved jazz and swing festivals, the event will run until September 5 in the beautiful setting of Villa Celimontana. Over the coming months, the villa will host more than 100 free concerts, with a rich programme of jazz, swing, manouche, rock’n’roll, Brazilian rhythms, dance nights and family-friendly events.
Villa Celimontana
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18-21 June | Rome Chamber Music Festival
The Rome Chamber Music Festival returns to the historic Teatro Argentina for its 23rd season. Founded by world-renowned violinist Robert McDuffie, this acclaimed event masterfully bridges the gap between legendary international masters and the brightest rising classical stars. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 2026 edition delivers iconic works by American composers.
Teatro Argentina
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21 – 24 June | Tim Summer Hits
Get ready for TIM Summer Hits in Rome! From June 21st to 24th, Piazza del Popolo will turn into a huge open-air stage for one of Rome’s most anticipated summer music events. Four nights of live music, energy and summer vibes under the Roman sky, all with free entry from 8pm.
Hosted by Carlo Conti and Andrea Delogu, the event will bring some of the biggest names in Italian music to the heart of the city. The full line-up of artists has yet to be revealed, so stay tuned for updates.
Piazza del Popolo
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21 – 30 June | La Traviata at Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera
From June 21 to 30, Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata returns to the stage of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in the elegant production directed by Sofia Coppola, with sumptuous costumes by the Maison of Valentino Garavani. Inspired by Alexandre Dumas fils’ La dame aux Camélias, the opera tells the tragic love story of Violetta and Alfredo, set against the glittering backdrop of Paris.
First staged at the Costanzi in 2016, this acclaimed production blends the great Italian operatic tradition with the glamour of fashion and cinema, featuring sets by Nathan Crowley, an international cast, and the Teatro dell’Opera orchestra conducted by Francesco Ivan Ciampa.
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21 June – 15 September | Jazz&Image (TBC)
Until the 15th of September the Parco del Celio will be hosting the event JAZZ&IMAGE organised by the historic Jazz Club of Rome Alexanderplatz Jazz Club, with the artistic direction of Eugenio Rubei. It will be home to both Italian and international musicians alike, performing throughout the end of the summer.
29 June – 31 July | Teatro dell’Opera at Circo Massimo
This summer, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma moves from the Baths of Caracalla to the Circo Massimo while restoration works are underway. From June 29 to July 31, 2026, the historic venue will host opera, ballet, cinema, symphonic music and special performances under the Roman night sky, with a capacity of up to 6,000 spectators. The season opens on June 29 with Alessandro Barbero: San Francesco, un santo scomodo, followed in July by The Gladiator in Concert, Aida, Roberto Bolle and Friends, Romeo e Giulietta, Patti Smith and Carmina Burana.
Circo Massimo
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