Discovering the best things to do in Rome in May
Rome in May promises to be dynamic and exciting, with a wide range of events and activities to experience. From festivals and art exhibitions to musical performances by distinguished national and international artists, you’ll be spoiled for choice this spring. Whether you are an art/music/food lover or simply looking for a reason to rejoice, Rome eagerly awaits your arrival. This article groups the most important events in May to help you plan your visit.
National holidays and special days in Rome in May
May 1 | International Workers’ Day
One of the most important festivities in May is Workers’ Day, celebrated with a grand free concert in Piazza San Giovanni, while many museums and shops remain closed to honour the contributions of workers.
Exhibitions this May in Rome
This May, Rome continues to buzz with cultural energy, offering a rich mix of exhibitions across the city.
The spotlight shines on the 2026 edition of the World Press Photo exhibition, opening May 7 at Palazzo delle Esposizioni, showcasing the most powerful and thought-provoking photojournalism from around the globe. Also in the realm of photography, Agnès Varda. Here and There, Paris-Rome at Villa Medici offers a compelling look at the celebrated filmmaker and artist’s visual universe, while from May 20 the venue also hosts the Festival des Cabanes. Another highlight is Doisneau’s Photographs at the Museo del Genio, dedicated to the iconic images of one of France’s most beloved photographers.
Until July 12, Palazzo delle Esposizioni also hosts an exhibition dedicated to Mario Schifano, one of the most influential and experimental figures in postwar Italian art. The show offers a fresh look at his visual language, exploring his bold use of color, iconic imagery, and constant dialogue with media, popular culture, and contemporary society.
While several major shows continue to draw visitors, this season’s highlights include Treasures of the Pharaohs at the Scuderie del Quirinale, and VENUS at PM23, presented by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, which brings Joana Vasconcelos into dialogue with Valentino’s world.
Also not to miss are Bernini and the Barberinis at Palazzo Barberini, and From Vienna to Rome. Habsburg Masterpieces from the Kunsthistorisches Museum at Museo del Corso, Palazzo Cipolla. Together, these exhibitions offer a rich mix of ancient treasures, Baroque masterpieces, fashion, and imperial art history across some of Rome’s most important cultural venues.
Finally, do not miss Hokusai at Palazzo Bonaparte, a major exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Japanese master, offering visitors the chance to explore his iconic works and the enduring influence of his vision on the history of art.
Best events in May in Rome
Live music
The month of May begins with the grand landmark concert, but the city’s musical scene doesn’t end there. Artists from a variety of musical traditions and backgrounds will perform on various stages around the city throughout the entire month.
discover more Concerts in Rome in May
until 17 May | BNL International Tennis Tournament
From April 28 to May 17, Rome will host the BNL international tennis tournament, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The top names in Tennis will be coming to duke it out on the clay courts of Foro Italico, a historical stadium built for the Olympic Games of 1960. This is one of the best events in Rome and this fabulous competition will combine men’s and women’s tournaments. This tournament will give us a week of intense tennis under the glorious sunshine of May.
Foro Italicodiscover more BNL International Tennis Tournament
30 April – 3 May | 100 Pittori di Via Margutta
I Cento Pittori di Via Margutta, one of Rome’s most beloved open-air art exhibitions, returns from April 30th to May 3rd, 2026. This year marks the 125th edition of the historic event, which will be dedicated to the especially timely theme “Nature in Transformation”. As always, Via Margutta will turn into an open-air gallery, welcoming visitors to discover works by Italian and international artists in one of the city’s most iconic streets. A long-standing rendezvous for art lovers, the exhibition continues to celebrate creativity, dialogue, and the enduring charm of Rome’s artistic soul.
Via Marguttadiscover more 100 Pittori Via Margutta
6 – 10 May | Taste of Roma
From May 6 to 10, 2026, Taste of Roma returns with a new edition celebrating the very best of Rome’s culinary scene in an exceptional setting: the Gazometro. Five days entirely dedicated to taste, featuring top restaurants, signature dishes, wines to sample, cocktails, masterclasses, talks, music, and new experiences to enjoy.
An event designed for food lovers eager to discover new trends, meet chefs and producers, and be guided through a journey of flavors, creativity, and conviviality. A festival to be savored to the fullest, with tastings, toasts, and moments to share.
Gazometrodiscover more Taste of Roma
7 May – 29 June | World Press Photo 2026
World Press Photo Contest returns to the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. The exhibition presents a national preview of the finalist photos of the international photojournalism competition which since 1955 awards the best professional photographers every year. For its 71st edition, the competition saw the participation of 3,747 photographers from 141 countries with 57,376 photographs and open format contributions. The exhibition invites viewers to see the news with fresh eyes and to critically reflect on important issues in our world.
Palazzo delle EsposizioniWorld Press Photo in Rome
7-10 May | Race for the Cure
The Race for the Cure is the largest event for the fight against breast cancer both in Italy and globally. This year, Rome will host the 27th edition of the Race for the Cure, organized by Komen Italia, from 7 to 10 May. Four days of free initiatives for health, sport and solidarity that culminate on Sunday with an exciting 10 km race, a 5 km race and 2 km walk in the streets of the city center. In addition, the runners will have free access to Rome’s main museums. At the Villaggio della Salute in Circo Massimo, health screenings for women are offered for free.
Circo Massimodiscover more raceforthecure.it
9 May | Quartiere Vino Pigneto
After the success of previous editions, Quartiere Vino Pigneto returns to Rome on May 9, 2026, transforming the neighborhood into a large open-air tasting route dedicated to natural wine. Rather than a traditional fair, the event is designed as a walking experience through the streets and venues of Pigneto, where visitors can stop, taste, meet producers, and discover the area at their own pace.
This year’s edition will once again bring together winegrowers from Italy and beyond, hosted across dozens of venues throughout the neighborhood. After collecting their pass, glass, and wristband, participants will be able to taste wines directly at the counters inside the participating bars and restaurants, speaking with producers along the way.
Pigneto Districtdiscover more quartierevinopigneto.it
9-10 May | Era di Maggio
On May 9–10, the Botanical Garden of Rome comes alive with Era di Maggio, a two-day event designed for families, bringing together nature, music, workshops, and outdoor activities. In this year’s edition, nature will be the guiding thread of a journey exploring the life, story, and teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.
The programme includes a wide range of activities for children, such as kids yoga, treasure hunts, games, and sensory workshops, as well as tea tastings, guided step-by-step tours through the plants of the Botanical Garden, botanical crafts, and music at Palazzo Corsini.
Botanical Gardendiscover more senseventi.com
15-17 May | Cocktails in the City
Cocktails in the City arrives in Rome, bringing one of the most popular international formats dedicated to contemporary mixology to the Botanical Garden. Born in London and now established worldwide, the festival brings together outstanding cocktail bars, creative bartenders, and leading brands in an immersive experience of iconic drinks, music, and an open-air atmosphere. In a unique setting like Rome’s Botanical Garden, nature, design, and conviviality come together to create a lively and contemporary event, designed for a curious, dynamic crowd always looking for the next great experience.
Botanical Gardendiscover more Cocktails in the City
16 May – 21 June | FuturoRoma – International Festival of Dance and Contemporary Culture (TBC)
Futuro Roma is the International Festival of Dance and Contemporary Culture, hosted at Teatro Brancaccio and throughout the city, returning from May 16 to June 21, 2025, with a vibrant program of performances, urban interventions, workshops, and talks.
The festival brings together more than 300 artists from both Italy and abroad, taking place across seven diverse venues, including traditional theaters and unexpected urban spaces.
This year’s edition will feature sixteen performances, including eight national premieres, offering audiences an immersive journey through the language of contemporary dance and cultural innovation.
futuroroma.com16 May | La Notte dei Musei
La Notte dei Musei – The Night of Museums, now a tradition, offers the opportunity to visit museums during evening hours, with an entrance fee of one euro (unless otherwise stated). The program includes various events and live performances. The museums participating include the Capitoline Museums, the Museum of Rome and the Gallery of Modern Art, among others.
La Notte dei Musei 202616 – 24 May | Open House Rome
Experience the breathtaking architecture and design of contemporary structures, historical landmarks, and even private residences throughout Rome. Open House Rome, an international event spanning several cities worldwide, offers visitors and tourists alike the opportunity to explore over 200 sites.
over 220 sites across the citydiscover more Open House Rome
26-31 May | Unarchive: Found Footage Fest
Returning to Rome from May 26 to 31, 2026, UnArchive Found Footage Fest will once again explore the creative possibilities of archival cinema through a rich programme of screenings, talks, performances, and cross-disciplinary events. Centered in Trastevere, the festival will take place across a range of venues including Cinema Intrastevere, Alcazar Live, Scena, the Real Academia de España, the Botanical Garden, and several other cultural spaces in the neighborhood.
Cinema Intrastevere, Alcazar Live, Real Academiade España en Roma, Botanical Garden, and more locations
Unarchive: Found Footage Fest
27-31 May | International Horse Show at Piazza di Siena
fter more than 90 years, Rome’s beautiful Villa Borghese is once again preparing to host its world-famous and glamorous International Horse Show, Piazza di Siena. This year, the official international competition will take place from May 27th to 31st, 2026. Spectators will once again be able to enjoy the event free of charge, whether from the historic stands or from the natural seating areas surrounding the arena. The 93rd edition of the CSIO di Roma – Piazza di Siena will showcase the thrilling competition of the world’s top show-jumping pairs, with elite riders and horses in peak form.
Piazza di Siena at Villa Borghesediscover more CSIO Piazza di Siena
29-30 May | Spring Attitude Festival
Spring Attitude Festival returns to Rome on May 29 and 30, 2026 for its 15th edition, taking place at La Nuvola Convention Center. Dedicated to contemporary music, new sounds, and digital arts, the festival will bring two days of electronic, indie, and alt-pop music, with live performances and DJ sets from afternoon until late at night. Among the most anticipated artists on the lineup are Nu Genea, Nathy Peluso, Palms Trax, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, and Ben Sterling.
La Nuvola Eurdiscover more Spring Attitude Festival
31 May | RTL 102.5 Power Hits Estate 2026
RTL 102.5 Power Hits Estate celebrates its 10th anniversary with a major live event taking place on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Centrale del Foro Italico in Rome. The evening officially kicks off the race for the song of the summer 2026, with a packed line-up bringing together some of the most beloved names in Italian music, from Annalisa to Blanco, from Fedez to The Kolors, as well as Achille Lauro, Biagio Antonacci, Bresh, Emma, Gabry Ponte, J-Ax, Levante, Marco Masini, Tommaso Paradiso, and Serena Brancale, along with many more artists and surprises.
Centrale del Foro Italicotickets RTL 102.5 Power Hits Estate 2026 Tickets
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