10 best events and exhibitions to attend in Rome in October 2025

October is one of the best months to visit Italy and Rome is especially magical during this time. The city comes alive with the warm colors and rich flavors of autumn. While the days remain pleasantly mild—perfect for outdoor strolls and al fresco dining in gardens and dehors—you might still want to keep a jacket or umbrella handy, just in case.

But what truly makes October in Rome unforgettable is its cultural calendar. The Eternal City hosts some of the most exciting events and exhibitions of the year, blending art, history, and local traditions. Whether you're a lover of contemporary art, a film addict, or a fan of gourmet experiences, this month offers something for everyone. In this article, you will find 10 unmissable events and exhibitions in October 2025 in Rome, so you can make the most of your Roman holiday. Let’s discover them together!

October marks the peak of the Italian autumn season. The grape harvest has wrapped up, chestnuts are roasting, and Rome’s parks and gardens glow with vibrant foliage. Beyond the beauty of the season, Rome's cultural scene reaches new heights in October, offering a wide range of events from international film festivals and major art exhibitions to local food fairs and historical reenactments.

Our ultimate guide to the 10 unmissable events and exhibitions in October 2025 in Rome will help you plan an itinerary filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're staying for a weekend or an extended vacation, these highlights are worth adding to your list.

For fans of pop culture, Romics is an unmissable event. This international festival is a vibrant celebration of comics, animation, video games, and all things geek. With its numerous exhibitors and workshops, Romics is famous for its diverse program: from the Romics Comics Award for Italian comics to the Grand Gala of Dubbing, which celebrates the best voices in movies and TV series, and of course, there's the legendary Romics Cosplay Award for all you talented cosplayers out there. The 34th Romics edition will take place from October 2nd to October 5th, 2025.

Just a short trip from Rome, the charming town of Marino holds its annual Grape Festival on the first Sunday of October. This traditional harvest celebration is famous for its unique tradition: for a short period, the town's fountains flow with local white wine instead of water. It's a festive and joyful event with live music, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere. This beloved autumn tradition blends folklore, wine tasting, music, and community spirit rooted in centuries of local cultural heritage. The 2025 edition of the Marino Grape Festival is scheduled for October 5th, 2025.

To experience the most authentic side of Rome, the Ottobrata Monticiana is the perfect opportunity to discover the most genuine and folkloric soul of Rome. The event is a mix of street artists, jugglers, and musicians who will liven up the streets of the Rione Monti, one of the most charming and historic neighborhoods in the capital. It is an event full of tradition, culture, and fun to enjoy the last warm days before the fall season and to live the spirit of Roman culture at its best. The Ottobrata Monticiana is scheduled from October 10th to October 12th, 2025.

A major highlight of the Eternal City’s cultural calendar, the Rome Film Fest, held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, attracts international filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles. This 20th edition opens with "Life Goes This Way" by Riccardo Milani and is judged by a jury chaired by Paola Cortellesi. Expect world premieres, thought﷓provoking panels, and red carpet glamour. The Rome Film Fest will feature a variety of sections, including Gala screenings, the non-competitive Freestyle section, and the Best of 2024. The festival runs from October 15th to October 26th, 2025.

A surreal encounter awaits: Salvador Dalí's iconic works highlighting the interplay of rebellious innovation and classical influences are on display at Palazzo Cipolla. This new exhibition, opening on October 17th, traces the creative journey of the iconic surrealist artist from his early years to his final works. The exhibition "Dalí: Revolution and Tradition" promises an in-depth look at one of the 20th century's most influential and eccentric figures and is scheduled from October 17th until February 1st, 2026.

A must-see for tech enthusiasts, creators, and anyone who loves to see what's next, the Maker Faire Rome edition is the event to explore everything from robotics and AI to digital manufacturing and the metaverse. The fair is the most important European edition and represents a premier innovation fair showcasing breakthroughs in tech, AI, open-source, sustainability, and creative DIY culture, perfect for explorers of all ages. The Maker Faire Rome 2025 is scheduled from October 17th to October 19th, 2025.

After the summer break, the charming second-hand book and antiques market is back. Esquilibri is an interesting second-hand book market organized under the arcades of Piazza Vittorio on the third Sunday of every month. It's the perfect place to discover hidden literary gems and unique treasures like old photos, original newspapers and magazines, and very rare editions of novels and romances. The Esquilibri second-hand book and antiques market is scheduled for October 19th, 2025.

Rome Art Week, which typically takes place in late October, is a city-wide event where hundreds of artists open their private studios and galleries to the public. It's a unique chance to discover emerging talent, see a wide range of contemporary works, and engage directly with the city's artistic community. The event includes open doors showcasing Rome’s contemporary art scene, free exhibitions, and guided tours scattered throughout the city. The 2025 edition of Rome Art Week is scheduled from October 20th to October 25th, 2025.

A monumental journey through the very heart of ancient Egypt, "Treasures of the Pharaohs" at Rome's Scuderie del Quirinale is a rare and unmissable opportunity to witness the splendor and secrets of the pharaohs right in the heart of Rome. The exhibition includes more than 130 artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, jewelry, and ritual objects displayed in thematic sections. This is the second-largest loan of artifacts from Egypt to Italy in over 20 years, featuring extraordinary archaeological masterpieces, many of which have never before left Egypt. The "Treasures of the Pharaohs" exhibition is scheduled from October 24th, 2025, until May 3rd, 2026.

As part of the Jubilee Year, the Vatican hosts a series of special events. The Jubilee of the Educational World will bring together teachers, educators, and students from around the world for a period of prayer, reflection, and celebration. While specific events are still being announced, this offers a unique opportunity to witness a major spiritual gathering in the heart of Rome. The Jubilee of the Educational World will be hosted in the Vatican from October 27th to November 2nd, 2025.

Fairs, exhibitions, traditions, and much more: the cultural offer in Rome for this October 2025 is almost limitless. Choose your next event to join in the Eternal City and don't miss the chance to come to Rome for a fall vacation this October and, in order to celebrate the autumn season at its best, join one of these great events.