June in Rome: fairs, open air cinemas and festivals

Summer has not yet arrived, at least not officially, but Rome has already started to move its activities outdoors – clubs are closing, concert halls are being maintained, and Romans and their guests are gradually starting to do more and more activities outdoors. Most of these take place in the evenings, after the heat of the day has dissipated (… somewhat).

Whether you’re here for the first time and unfamiliar with the city’s generous use of its gardens and parks, or you’re a returning visitor, we’ve put together a list of interesting things to do and see during “la bella stagione”!

Classical music

The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Rome’s very own opera house, traditionally closes its doors at this time of year to launch a calendar of events in the stunning setting of the Baths of Caracalla. Affectionately known simply as “Caracalla”, this year’s festival will, as usual, feature a mix of opera, classical music, ballet and pop concerts by local and international icons, including Il Volo and the veteran Ornella Vanoni.

Shows continue until August 3rd. The full program is here.

In the beautiful setting of the Accademia della Filarmonica Romana’s gardens on the Via Flaminia, traditional Japanese, Mexican or Argentinean music will be performed alongside the usual range of jazz and classical concerts.

Shows continue until July 4th. The full program is here.

Jazz

The Casa del Jazz hosts concerts throughout the year, but the “Summertime” program, an offshoot of the Auditorium Parco della Musica’s more diverse offerings, is not to be missed. Among the icons who have taken the stage at the venue by Porta Ardeatina are Enrico Rava, Meshell Ndegeocello, Brad Mehldau, Cécile McLorin Salvant and many more.

Shows continue until August 6th. The full program is here.

Rock, pop, etc.

The Auditorium Parco della Musica, Europe’s largest music center, has been taking its concerts outdoors since its inception. This year’s all-star lineup is sure to be one for the ages. It includes Ludovico Einaudi, Cat Power, Marisa Monte, Gary Clark Jr., Deep Purple and many more.

Shows continue until September 13th. The full program is here.

Rock in Roma is probably the biggest music festival in Rome. Held at Rome’s Capannelle racetrack, it boasts names such as Bruce Dickinson (of Iron Maiden fame!), Gigi D’Agostino, Japanese sensations Baby Metal, Placebo or 21 Savage (among others).

Shows continue until August 3rd. The full program is here.

Open-air cinemas

Every neighborhood has its own open-air cinema, so it is impossible to list all the ones that take place in Rome during the summer. Suffice it to say that if you’re staying in the city center, you’re bound to come across “Cinema in Piazza” in Piazza San Cosimato in Trastevere (until July 14th) or “Cinema a Piazza Vittorio” (until September 15th) in the Esquilino district.

Fairs

Lungo il Tevere is the obvious choice for this category: wave after wave of summer visitors to Rome are overjoyed by the number of stalls along the banks of the river offering food, books, handmade jewelry, souvenirs and more! It runs until August 25th. Access is from either Ponte Sublicio or Ponte Sisto (Trastevere).

Looking for more ideas? Our list is in no way comprehensive! More events are listed on Rome’s official tourism site, here (available in English, German, Spanish and French).