Top Things to Do This Week in Rome (Sep 14–20, 2026)

Updated for Monday, September 14 to Sunday, September 20, 2026. September’s end brings open-air cinema under the stars, summer concert finales, world-class art, and family programming to Rome. All events and venues below are fact-checked for this week—confirm times, tickets, and last-minute details by official links before you go.

Top picks this week

Roma Summer Fest 2026 – Closing Nights

Through September 15 · Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone
The grand finale of Rome’s headline open-air concert season brings big-name artists to the dramatic Cavea space. Final shows (check for tickets, as many nights are nearly sold out) are posted on the Auditorium’s official calendar. Arrive by Metro A (Flaminio) or tram for easy access.
Read our Roma Summer Fest guide

Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio 2026

Nightly through September 20 · Arena Cinevillage Piazza Vittorio
Rome’s most popular outdoor cinema programme continues in leafy Piazza Vittorio, featuring Italian and international films (some with English subtitles), guest speakers, kids’ shows, and open-air seating. Film choice, language, and age details are on the CineVillage official schedule. Arrive early for best seats—tickets are affordably priced and can be booked same day online.
AllAround preview

Diego Rivera at the Capitoline Museums

All week · Villa Caffarelli, Musei Capitolini
A rare retrospective of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera occupies the Capitoline’s Villa Caffarelli. See large-scale works and historical context in English and Italian. A good option for families and art-lovers—fully air-conditioned. See exhibit info and booking.

Jazz at Casa del Jazz: Una Striscia di Terra Feconda

September 18–20 · Casa del Jazz, Sala concerti “Armando Trovajoli” (Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55)
Rome’s flagship jazz venue hosts the Italian-French “Una Striscia di Terra Feconda” festival this week, with good international and Italian names:

• Thu 18 Sep, 19:30: Luca Nostro — Electric Guitar in My Life
• Fri 19 Sep, 19:30: Junctions Beyond Jazz
• Sat 20 Sep, 12:00 & 18:00: Riessler/Melozzi & Special Guests See the official Casa del Jazz schedule for performers and booking. Concerts are indoors/outdoors depending on weather.

MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts

All week · MAXXI, Via Guido Reni 4A
MAXXI features rotating contemporary art, design, and architecture exhibitions, plus special weekend family workshops (see entry below). Full event schedule and tickets: MAXXI official events. Current major shows include Vitalità dell’architettura italiana 1946–2026 and international contemporary photography. Museum is fully covered and air-conditioned.

Romaeuropa Festival 2026 – Early Weeks

Sep 8–20 (and ongoing) · Multiple venues
One of Europe’s top festivals for contemporary performance is underway with theatre, dance, and music at venues across the city. Most major shows offer English or surtitled access. Programme, venues, and tickets at the Romaeuropa Festival page. Book early—prime shows fill quickly.

Family & community picks

• Family workshops at MAXXI: Weekend-only, ages 5–12—book in advance for drop-in art making and games tied to current exhibitions. Details at MAXXI events.
• Notti di Cinema family shows: The Piazza Vittorio arena offers animated and classic family films several evenings a week—see full schedule for age and language cues before you buy.
• No additional city-sponsored library, sports, or neighbourhood festivals were source-verifiable for these dates. For more family options, see our Rome guide for kids.

City usuals

• Mercato Testaccio: The city’s best food market, open mornings Monday–Saturday. Perfect for lunch, foodie shopping, and local color in Testaccio.
• Centrale Montemartini: Stunning ancient sculpture meets early-1900s machinery in this under-visited museum; great for a cool afternoon. Check hours before visiting.
• Porta Portese Market: Rome’s sprawling Sunday flea market in Trastevere—go early for vintage finds and street food.
• Bioparco di Roma: Historic city zoo in Villa Borghese, open daily for family outings and shaded walks. Online tickets save time at entry.

Practical notes & planning

• Weather: Early fall warmth by day, cooler in the evenings—perfect for concerts and open-air film. This week’s forecast shows no major rain, but outdoor plans always check official updates on the day.
• Booking: Book in advance for the Roma Summer Fest finale, Diego Rivera, Romaeuropa, Casa del Jazz, and MAXXI. Outdoor cinema tickets can be bought same day, but best films may fill up early.
• Transport: Metro, tram, and bus lines serve all main venues; check last train times for late nights. Plan to use taxis or rideshare after midnight.
• For more: Smart art-lovers—see the best exhibitions in Rome this summer and top destination day trips from Rome.