Top Things to Do This Week in Rome (Sep 21–27, 2026)

Updated for Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. The last days of September in Rome offer open-air cinema, major jazz concerts, flagship art exhibitions, and the international Romaeuropa Festival. All events below are fact-checked for this week—check official links for hours, tickets, and last-minute updates before heading out.

Top picks this week

Romaeuropa Festival 2026

All week · Multiple venues citywide
Rome’s leading international performance festival runs throughout the week with contemporary theatre, dance, and music. The 2026 edition offers dozens of events—a mix of Italian and global artists—at renowned venues like Teatro Argentina and Mattatoio. Most main shows have English-language or surtitled access. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Official programme and tickets

Jazz: Una Striscia di Terra Feconda at Casa del Jazz

Sept 25–27 · Casa del Jazz, Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55
The acclaimed Italian-French jazz festival’s closing days feature:

• Thu 25 Sep, 19:30: Riessler / Melozzi & Special Guests
• Fri 26 Sep, 19:30: Roberto Gatto Trio feat. Marco Molendini—“Around Miles and Trane”
• Sat 27 Sep, 11:00: Ludus Gravis—“Cerchi concentrici”; 18:00: Lorenzo Simoni Quartet meets Javier Girotto (artistic residency); 21:00: Sarah Chaksad Quartet / Maria Laura Baccarini, Hélène Labarrière “A forza di essere vento”
  Covered and outdoor spaces, accessible by Metro B (Basilica S. Paolo), family-welcome.
  See full schedule and book

Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio 2026 – Final Nights

Until September 20 · Arena Cinevillage Piazza Vittorio
Rome’s favorite open-air cinema closes its season early this week with Italian and international films, special guests, and family screenings. Reserve seats online (affordable prices); check age ratings and language before booking. Arrive early for best seats in the leafy piazza near Metro A.
Full schedule

MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts

All week · Via Guido Reni 4A
Rome’s contemporary art hub presents the acclaimed exhibition Vitalità dell’Architettura Italiana 1946–2026 plus international contemporary photography. Family workshops run weekends by reservation (ages 5–12). Air-conditioned and accessible.
Current exhibitions and events

Diego Rivera at the Capitoline Museums

All week · Villa Caffarelli, Musei Capitolini
This rare exhibition covers the life and legacy of Diego Rivera, Mexican muralist and key figure in modern art. English and Italian labels; regular museum admission covers entry. Recommended for adults, teens, and art-curious families.
Exhibit details and booking

Teatro di Roma New Season Openers

Check specific dates, Sep 21–27 · Teatro Argentina, India, Torlonia
Rome’s public theatres launch their new season this week with a mix of contemporary drama and international pieces. Programmes vary; some events are pay-what-you-like or free with reservation. Advised for fans of Italian/European stage.
Current schedule

Giornate Europee del Patrimonio (European Heritage Days)

September 26–27 · Citywide museums and monuments
On Saturday and Sunday, national and city museums, galleries, and archaeological sites offer special openings, guided tours, and reduced admission (or free entry for under-18s). Highlights include the Capitoline Museums, Centrale Montemartini, Villa Torlonia, and more.
Official city program

Family and community picks

• Family workshops at MAXXI (September 26–27, advance booking): Weekend creative sessions for ages 5–12 tied to ongoing exhibitions. All materials provided. Details.
• Cinema for kids at Piazza Vittorio: Nearly every day, early-evening screenings and animated classics for school-age children. Check official schedule for age and language.
• European Heritage Days special programs: Many city museums host kid-friendly tours or workshops over the weekend—see city program for family listings.

No additional city-sponsored library or neighbourhood festivals were source-verifiable for these dates. For more family and rainy-weather ideas (rain is possible early this week), see rainy-day things to do in Rome.

City usuals

• Mercato Testaccio: Rome’s best food market (Monday–Saturday mornings) for quick lunches, shopping, and people-watching in Testaccio.
• Centrale Montemartini: Unique museum blending ancient Roman sculpture with early industrial machines; ideal for a quiet or rainy afternoon.
• Porta Portese Market: Rome’s sprawling Sunday flea/culture market in Trastevere—go early for vintage treasures, bargains, and local color.
• Bioparco di Roma: Historic city zoo in Villa Borghese, open daily, shaded walking, family-friendly. Book online for less wait.

Practical notes

• Weather: Occasional rain/showers are possible early in the week; check event status and have a rain plan for outdoor cinema or concerts. For more options, see our indoor Rome guide.
• Transport: Metro, tram, and bus lines serve all major venues; use taxis or rideshare after midnight. Porta Portese market and some festival venues best reached early or by public transit.
• Booking: Tickets for Romaeuropa, Casa del Jazz, and MAXXI events go fast; book ahead. Outdoor cinema seats usually available online same day. Many Heritage Days events are walk-in, but popular sites may require reservation—see each venue’s listing.
• More guides: Artists and museum fans—see the best art exhibitions in Rome this summer and top summer day trips from Rome.