From June 27 to Sept. 14, 2025, Ostia hosts “A Sea of Culture,” the new summer program promoted by Roma Capitale that enlivens weekends on the free beaches of Ponente, Lungomare Duca degli Abruzzi. The initiative transforms the shoreline into an outdoor stage with shows, cultural events, sports activities and free workshops for all ages, with the aim of revitalizing the coasts as lively and accessible places.
Early proposals include the underwater sound installation “Silent Submerged” (June 27), the Festival of Poems with music and readings (July 3-5), and the Ostia Queer Summer Festival (July 11-13), which promotes inclusivity with performances and sports activities. There are also beach volleyball tournaments, racquetball and creative workshops, as well as children’s workshops and cultural events organized by the Libraries of Rome.
From July 11 to July 20, the fourth edition of the PuntaSacra Film Fest takes place with free screenings and meetings with protagonists of Italian cinema, including Francesca Comencini and Nicola Lagioia.
The project was born from the collaboration between several departments of Roma Capitale, the Municipality X and numerous local cultural and sports associations, with the aim of enhancing the public sea through a rich cultural and entertainment offer.
The program
Friday, June 27
- 10:00-11:30 a.m.: “Water in your mouth” – creative workshop on marine fauna (Explora Children’s Museum of Rome)
- 18:00-21:00: “Silent Submerged” – underwater sound installation
- 19:00: “The strange story of the puffer fish” – puppet show
Saturday, June 28
- 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Fun and sports entertainment for children
- 18:00: “Reading Together” – reading and art workshop (Elsa Morante Library)
- 19:15: “The Dreaming Caterpillar” – fairy tales in rhyme (Sandro Onofri Library)
Sunday, June 29
- 10:30 a.m.: “T&T on the Beach” – motor activity on the beach for adults
- 3:30-7 p.m.: “Made in Jail on the Beach” – screen printing workshop
Thursday, July 3
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Uncomfortable Kids on the Beach” – activity and scavenger hunt
- 15:00-20:00: “Ostia Beach Cup” – rackets, beach volleyball, beach soccer tournaments
- 19:30-20:30: “Mare Vostrum” – talk on public use of beaches
- 21:00-00:00: “Sea Poetry Festival and Party” – music and readings
Friday, July 4
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Uncomfortable Kids on the Beach” – entertainment and mini surfing
- 18:00-19:00: Bocce tournament
- 20:00-21:00: “Bartezzaghi Club” – crossword puzzle contest
Saturday, July 5
- 12:00-3:00 p.m.: Free surfing course
- 20:00-21:00: “Aquatic and Happy” – sunset readings by Pasolini
July 11-13: Ostia Queer Festival
- July 11: 17:00-20:00 “Outsport Time” (games and sports activities), 20:00-21:00 talk “At the Roots of Pride,” 21:00-22:00 stand up comedy with Simonetta Musitano
- July 12: 18:00-19:00 talk “Faith and bodies: queer paths in scriptures and churches,” 19:00-20:00 “Dragqueenmaniaforever Show,” 20:00-23:00 Caribbean dance night “¡Bailalo!Queer”
- July 13: 18:00-19:00 book presentation “Svisceratissimi e sens’esempio,” 19:00-20:00 art performance “The Marriage of the Sea Ceremony,” 20:00-22:00 music with Karma B
July 11-20 PuntaSacra Film Fest – free screenings and meetings with protagonists of Italian cinema (Piazza dei Piroscafi, Idroscalo).