10 events and exhibitions not to be missed in Rome in August 2025

Rome is all yours this August 2025! With most locals off on holiday, the Eternal City slows down and opens up in a whole new way, offering a unique and different kind of experience. This month, Rome is best enjoyed slowly – savour a good gelato while strolling among its wonders, or sip a refreshing drink along the Tiber River at sunset. Bathed in warm, golden light, Rome in August still offers an irresistible mix of history, culture, events, and must-see exhibitions. It’s the perfect time to explore its historic landmarks at a relaxed pace, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and enjoy enchanting evenings under the starry sky.

In August the city may move at a slower pace, but it never loses its spark. On sunny days and sweet, breezy nights, the piazzas come to life with street performers and musicians, while exhibitions, events and summer festivals celebrate art and tradition – turning every moment into a little celebration of Roman life. In this article, you'll find 10 unmissable events in Rome this August 2025, so you can fall under the spell of the capital’s charm, which shines in a way only locals really know. 

Flowers are taking over Chiostro del Bramante in Rome. Flowers. Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence celebrates this timeless symbol as a common thread linking nature, art, science, and innovation. The exhibition features 90 works from 10 different countries – including paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and pieces using augmented reality and AI. Curated by Franziska Stöhr with Roger Diederen, and in collaboration with Suzanne Landau, this exhibition offers plenty of surprises. One of the most enchanting spaces is a floral corridor created by Rebecca and Louise Law, where you’ll feel completely immersed in blooms. Another highlight is the scent journey curated by Campomarzio70, with rooms dedicated to four iconic flowers used in perfumery: orange blossom, jasmine, rose, and tuberose.

Every year on August 5, thousands gather to witness this magical event in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A shower of white petals transforms the piazza in honor of the legendary “Miracle of the Snow,” tied to the story of how the church was founded.

Since 1983, the event has also featured a dazzling light and sound show created by architect Cesare Esposito – with stellar backdrops, video mapping, and live performances. The highlight comes at midnight, when artificial snow gently falls from the sky, leaving the crowd in awe.

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, state museums and archaeological parks across Rome will open their doors for free as part of Italy’s Domenica al Museo (“Sunday at the Museum”) initiative by the Ministry of Culture. This is a rare chance to visit major sites like the Colosseum, the Borghese Gallery, and the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art at Palazzo Barberini – all at no cost. Because of the high turnout, we highly recommend to check ahead for reservation requirements for each location.

This August 2025, get ready to dream under the stars once again with some of the most beloved films of all time. Cinevillage returns for its second edition, bringing open-air cinema magic to several Roman neighborhoods: Villa Bonelli (until August 14), Talenti (until August 28), Villa Lazzaroni, and Piazza Vittorio (running throughout the entire month and into September). The program includes a curated selection of top Italian, European, and international films, along with special events featuring directors, actors, and other key figures from the world of cinema. And that’s not all – every evening, in between a sunset stroll and an aperitivo, many of these locations come alive with free cultural activities and entertainment for all ages: workshops, talks, live music, games, performances, and more.

Is there any better way to savor local flavors than with a glass of fine wine under the stars? August 2025 brings two special editions of Le Notti del Vino (Wine Nights), a new event created by the Associazione Nazionale Città del Vino (National Association of Wine Cities). On August 2 in Colonna and August 23 in Nemi, you’ll be able to enjoy immersive, authentic experiences in the heart of Lazio’s winemaking region – with tastings and tours hosted by the producers themselves.

In Colonna, thanks to a collaboration with Frascati Scienza, you can even gaze at the night sky through telescopes. Meanwhile, in Nemi, the village will be transformed by floral displays created by locals taking part in the “Balconi Fioriti” (Flowering Balconies) competition.

August 10, the Night of Wishes, is the perfect occasion to turn your eyes to the sky and watch the Perseids meteor shower in the most romantic city in the world. While Rome’s city lights may dim the view slightly, there are still plenty of magical spots to catch the falling stars. Try heading up to the Gianicolo, the Pincian Terrace (Terrazza del Pincio), or even out to the beaches of Ostia for an unforgettable San Lorenzo night under the stars.

August 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s most iconic landmarks under the stars. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, many museums and archaeological sites will stay open late for special nighttime visits. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the Imperial Forums, beautifully lit for the occasion, along a special pathway designed for evening tours. Or head up to the terrace of the Vittoriano complex, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city – winged statues silhouetted against the skyline, and twinkling lights stretching out to the horizon.

All throughout August and until September 14, Ancient Rome comes to life once again in this thrilling evening show presented by the Roma World theme park. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Ben Hur Arena – a faithful reconstruction of the Circus Maximus and the actual filming location for the Oscar-winning remake – you’ll be transported into the heart of Roman history.

Watch as legionaries march, chariots race, and gladiators clash in the arena, while dancers, acrobats, and fire performers light up the night with special effects and video mapping that bring to life the legendary Great Fire of Rome.

Organized and curated by VIVE (Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia), this powerful exhibition captures the Jubilee Year of Rome through the lenses of three acclaimed photographers: Diana Bagnoli, Alex Majoli, and Paolo Pellegrin. On view in the Zanardelli Hall at the Vittoriano until September 28, 2025, the exhibition explores how the city is transformed during this significant moment. Each artist offers a distinct perspective: Majoli captures the most theatrical aspects of the Jubilee, Pellegrin focuses on the devotees and the city itself, while Bagnoli portrays a wandering mysticism.

Together, their work forms an original and deeply moving visual narrative of Rome – perfect for anyone looking to explore the city’s enduring traditions alongside its rich and evolving contemporary identity.

Put on your VR headset and step back in time for an extraordinary virtual journey aboard the most famous ship in history. The immersive exhibition Titanic – A Journey Through Time, presented by Fever, invites you to experience the Titanic like never before. Begin at the bottom of the ocean, exploring the wreck as it rests today, then travel back to 1912, where you’ll become a passenger on the ship. Stroll along the decks, enter the grand staircase and luxurious hall, meet fellow passengers and crew, and live the Titanic’s story through their eyes and personal experiences.