Rome comes alive with plenty of events. If you’re wondering what to do in Rome this last weekend of September, here are some ideas designed for those who love being outdoors and want evenings that are more than “just another drink downtown.”
Candlelight Evenings with Candlelight
Once again this weekend, Candlelight concerts will feature three evenings in Rome. On Friday, November 6, at the Salone Bernini in Palazzo Ripetta, the concerts pay tribute to the greats of Italian music, with one performance dedicated to Lucio Dalla and another to the 883; on Saturday, November 7, at Boscolo Circo Massimo, the unforgettable classics of Queen and the Beatles are on the program; on Sunday, November 8, the weekend concludes with the soundtracks of Ennio Morricone.
The Fayum Portraits arrive at the Ara Pacis
Starting November 5, the Ara Pacis Exhibition Space will host *The Power of the Portrait: Egypt and Rome—The Faces of Fayum*. The exhibition features over 110 works, including funerary masks, shrouds, and portraits: nearly 50 come from Fayum, including the *Tondo of the Two Brothers*, on display in Rome alongside international loans. The exhibition runs through May 2, 2027.
Pontormo at the Scuderie del Quirinale
The Scuderie del Quirinale is currently hosting the first major monographic exhibition dedicated to Pontormo. Paintings and drawings from international museums and collections tell the artist’s story, with the Visitation of Carmignano at the center of the exhibition. The exhibition runs through February 7, 2027.
Diego Rivera and Modern Mexican Art at the Capitoline Museums
At Villa Caffarelli, part of the Capitoline Museums, the exhibition dedicated to Diego Rivera brings together the works of the Mexican painter and muralist with those of Frida Kahlo, Orozco, Siqueiros, and other artists. It runs through December 13.
For those who want to spend a few hours enjoying art, a major exhibition on Kandinsky has just opened at Palazzo Bonaparte. The exhibition brings together over 70 works and includes an immersive room; it runs through February 14, 2027.
Three Days of Jazz with the Rome Jazz Festival
The 50th edition of the Rome Jazz Festival continues with three events: Friday, November 6, at 8:00 p.m., Hamilton De Holanda and Gonzalo Rubalcaba will perform at the Sala Petrassi of the Auditorium Parco della Musica; on Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m., Zoe Pia’s Eden Inverted Collective takes the stage at the Casa del Jazz; on Sunday, November 8, also at the Casa del Jazz, the Domenico Rizzuto Trio’s concert begins at 6 p.m.
Blade Runner Becomes a Film-Concert
On Sunday, November 8, Ridley Scott’s film will be screened at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, while The Avex Ensemble will perform Vangelis’s soundtrack live, synchronized with the images. Two screenings are scheduled, at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; the film is in English with Italian subtitles and is recommended for ages 14 and up.
Francesco De Gregori at the Sala Umberto
Francesco De Gregori’s Roman residency continues with *Nevergreen* (*Perfette sconosciute*), a series of concerts also dedicated to the lesser-known songs from his repertoire. The performances on Friday, November 6, Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, begin at 9:00 p.m. at the Teatro Sala Umberto.
Final weekend for *The Prince of Egypt* at the Brancaccio
The musical inspired by the DreamWorks animated film is on stage at the Teatro Brancaccio for its final weekend in Rome. Performances are on Friday, November 6, at 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 7, at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 8, at 4:00 p.m.
Chestnuts and Fall Flavors in Riofreddo
For a day trip, on October 31 and November 1, Riofreddo celebrates its 42nd Chestnut Festival. In the village, nestled between the Simbruini Mountains and the Aniene Valley, food stands offer local specialties and roasted chestnuts, while music, folk performances, and crafts enliven a stroll through the streets of the town center. Guided tours through the historic chestnut groves are also planned: the event runs from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on both days.
Halloween for Families at the Explora Museum
Paper bats, spooky lanterns, and creative activities await families at Explora, Rome’s Children’s Museum, on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1. The workshops take place at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. and are included with admission: children can make a bat-shaped puppet, decorate a lantern, and participate in an activity inspired by *Shaun the Sheep*. The activities are designed for different age groups, from 3 to 11 years old.
The Story of Jack-o’-Lantern at the Mongiovino Theater
Witches, ghosts, and puppets bring the legend of Jack-o’-Lantern to life at the Teatro Mongiovino. The show, recommended for ages 5 and up, combines acting, animation, readings, and nursery rhymes to engage children in the story of the man who wanders through the night with a lit pumpkin. Performances are on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, at 4:30 p.m., at Via Giovanni Genocchi 15; tickets for the Sunday performance cost 10 euros.
The final weekend at the Parco delle Zucche in Fregene
In Fregene, the Parco delle Zucche bids farewell to the season with two themed days at the Adventure Park, nestled between the pine forest and the sea. On Saturday, October 31, for the Great Halloween Party, you can choose a pumpkin, decorate or carve it, participate in face painting for kids, and watch Magician Willy’s show; on Sunday, November 1, the “Ultimo Raccolto” event features the harvest of the last pumpkins and a kite-making workshop. Admission slots are at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.; tickets cost 15 euros for children and 5 euros for accompanying adults.
Between movies, music, exhibitions, and the flavors of fall, the weekend offers opportunities to stay in the city or set out to explore the surrounding area. Choose your events and get ready to experience three days full of new discoveries.
