Summer concerts, movies and more: Rome “al fresco”

Visiting Rome during the summer means that there are a variety of activities you can do in the open, from sports to eating with friends and family, from cultural activities to shopping.

It’s the quintessential “al fresco” living, the English expression of Italian origin that – funnily enough – means something different… Something to do with being put in jail. Or in the fridge! We use a different phrase for all of those kinds of activities: “all’aperto”, meaning “in the open”. And Rome has plenty of them going on.

What follows is a list which is no way comprehensive, but it’s a good mix of staples as well as unexpected finds in the city!

For lovers or opera and classical music: Festival di Caracalla

Shortened as just “Caracalla”, the monumental Roman baths by the Circus Maximus are where the city’s Teatro dell’Opera moves its stage during the summer months (until August 7). Ballets, operas and classical concerts will alternate with more unusual shows.

For younger crowds: Rock in Roma

The racecourse in Capannelle, by the Appian Way, turns into a Glastonbury of sorts, with gigs every night until July 27. Mixing latin pop artists with local chart heroes and international acts, it’s recommended to younger visitors.

Music enthusiasts, rejoice! The Roma Summer Fest is on

Like clockwork, every summer the Cavea (the amphitheater-like outdoors space) at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, in the Flaminio district, turns into a classy stage for international and Italian artists alike.

This year’s program includes Diana Krall, Thom Yorke, The Cinematic Orchestra or Tears for Fears. Gigs will continue until August 2, with more concerts at the sister-stage of Casa del Jazz on Viale di Porta Ardeatina.

Shopping, food and more at Lungo il Tevere

A hit with foreign visitors, this unique event takes place every summer down the banks of the river Tiber, with craftsmen alternating with street food sellers and with dance, theatre and music shows, most of which are free. It will continue until the first few days of September.

Arthouse cinema in the open in Trastevere: il Cinema in Piazza

For the past 4 years or so, a group of twentysomethings has revived the cultural scene in Trastevere by showing movies absolutely for free in the picturesque Piazza San Cosimato. The audience sits, eats and watches on the very pavement, maybe bringing foldable chairs or simple cushions, as famous directors and actors join in to introduce the movie of that particular night.

More open-air cinemas set up by the same group of people are in the suburbs at Casale della Cervelletta and in Ostia and all will continue operate until August 1. See also this previous post for more movie showings in Rome’s piazzas!

Like ancient Romans did: shows at the Teatro Romano di Ostia Antica

Those wanting to visit the ruins at Ostia Antica may want to stick around after dinner, as this ancient Roman amphiteater will host a series of events, ranging from theatre to live music, until August 4.

Jazz and so much more: Village Celimontana

A jazz club in the open, in the delightful little park on top of Coelian Hill, uphill from the Colosseum. Villa Celimontana turns into Village Celimontana until September 10, hosting dozens of jazz concerts, as well as swing gigs, dance shows and hommages to such artists as Gene Kelly, Ennio Morricone or Nat King Cole.

Music at night in the park: Villa Ada Incontra il mondo

More city parks turn into stages in the summer, from Parco Nomentano in the north-east of the city, to Parco Schuster, by the Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls. The one in Villa Ada, dubbed “Villa Ada Incontra il mondo” is the biggest one, and the oldest too.

With a program including old glories from the international scene as well as local up-and-coming artists and renowned world music musicians, the shows take place on the island in the middle of the park’s pond, and this little village includes stalls with excellent food and drinks, one more extra reason to visit.