Rome Weekend Guide: 15 Must-See Events for August 8-9, 2026

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As we enter the second weekend of August, many Romans are on holiday while others have already returned to the city. What to do in Rome this weekend? In the height of summer, on the eve of the romantic night of shooting stars, the Eternal City has prepared a rich programme of events for all tastes.

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From seaside gatherings to fireworks displays, from music and comedy festivals to food fairs. Here are 15 must-see events in and around Rome on Saturday August 8 and Sunday August 9 to beat the heat with culture and entertainment:

Pantheon and Colosseum Open at Night

It's too hot during the day, so culture comes alive at sunset. The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism have launched an initiative to keep major Italian monuments and museums open up to four hours longer than usual every day. This experiment will last throughout August and, in Rome, will involve the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Specifically, the Colosseum will stay open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:45 PM to 11:30 PM, while the Pantheon will be open from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, except Thursdays.

Tales of Light at Galleria Borghese

Until Saturday August 8, the rear facade of Galleria Borghese transforms into a giant, vibrant screen to pay homage to an extraordinary place and the masterpieces it houses. "Racconti di Luce" (Tales of Light) is a narrative woven through images, music, and storytelling that intertwines history and wonder, past and present, cultural heritage and innovation. On Friday and Saturday evenings, starting at 9:15 PM (with repeats at 9:45 PM and 10:15 PM), an artistic projection immerses viewers in the museum's history, from its 17th-century origins to the birth of the villa.

Flo' - FuoriLuogo at Casilino Sky Park

"Flo' - FuoriLuogO" is the festival at Casilino Sky Park. The rooftop of the multi-storey car park in the heart of East Rome is set to host a group of artists, blending gaming, food, and district experiences. Conceived and produced by Fusolab, Flo' offers six themed areas for all tastes, ages, and needs. On Saturday August 8, the programme features Asilo Republic and a Vasco Rossi Tribute Live show; on August 9, Andrea Rivera performs (Teatro canzone).

New Orleans Funky Town and BSRR at Villa Celimontana

In the enchanting setting of Villa Celimontana, until August 9, the concert series at Village Celimontana continues with free admission. On Saturday August 8, catch New Orleans Funky Town, a musical project that offers an original reinterpretation of early 20th-century American tunes. On Sunday August 9, there's BSRR - Bevo Solo Rock and Roll, with dance lessons "Primi Passi" by the Rocking Boogie school at 9:00 PM and Red Wagons at 10:00 PM.

Open-Air Cinema at Villa Borghese

In the heart of the Roman summer, outdoor cinema screenings continue at Villa Borghese. The programme features "Le vie dell'acqua" on Saturday August 8 with a screening of Life of Pi in the original language with subtitles. On Sunday August 9, the festival pays tribute to Franca Valeri with a special evening dedicated to the great Italian actress and writer.

Eternal Pinocchio at Villa d'Este

"Eternal Pinocchio - Two Hundred Years of Collodi" is a two-event series scheduled for Sunday August 9 and Tuesday August 11 at 6:45 PM in the cloister of Villa d'Este. Two special evenings promoted by the Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este Institute to celebrate the bicentenary of the writer's birth through literature, cinema, television, live music, and audiovisual mapping.

MagicFire at MagicLand

On Saturday August 8, MagicLand welcomes MagicFire Festival, an evening event bringing a mix of live music, shows, rides open late into the evening, and a programme designed to entertain guests until midnight. The event kicks off at 8:00 PM with a live performance by emerging singer Camilla Pandozzi. At 8:30 PM, Francesco Caggiano, finalist of The Voice Generations, takes the stage. At 10:00 PM, the sky above MagicLand becomes the star of the show with MagicFire, a spectacular pyrotechnic display.

Candle Festival at Fregene

The Candle Festival - Awaiting the Night of the Stars takes place on Sunday August 9 at Coh Beach in Fregene. Enjoy a candlelit aperitif by the sea on the Ponente seafront, 91/93. The programme also includes a DJ set to accompany the sunset and the night of shooting stars. The event starts at 6:00 PM, with candle lighting from 8:30 PM at sunset. Dress code: flowers in your hair and a white garment.

Etruscan Symposium in Ladispoli

On Saturday August 8 at Bosco di Palo, "Etruscan Symposium - The Return of the Gods" takes place, an event that recreates the ancient Etruscan banquet through history, culture, and spectacle, offering participants an immersive experience in the traditions and rituals of one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating civilisations.

Castelli Romani Songwriters' Festival in Genzano

The Castelli Romani Songwriters' Festival takes place on Saturday August 8 at 6:00 PM in Genzano. The musical marathon will be hosted at the historic Bar Bistrot "Al Bivio" in Piazzale Cina 1. The event kicks off in the late afternoon, allowing audiences to enjoy aperitivo hour immersed in the notes of acoustic songs and stories told by a rich team of artists.

Mus'Anguillara

On August 8, at the "Augusto Montori" Museum of Rural Civilisation and Popular Culture, "Mus'Anguillara" takes place, a new free-admission initiative by the Sabate Cultural Association. The initiative promotes Anguillara through poetry and is also a call to action, inviting anyone interested to present their verses, paintings, songs, or dances inspired by the genius loci of Anguillara. The event concludes with an aperitivo featuring local delicacies.

Borgo di Vino in Vivaro Romano

The fourth edition of Borgo di Vino (Wine Village) arrives in Vivaro Romano. On August 9, enjoy a magical night of Italian organic wine tasting in this town in the province of Rome. An evening of wine and music in the charming village, accompanied by local flavours in the Borghese Castle and the village's atmospheric cellars. Food and wine stands open at 7:00 PM.

Nerola Fried Pizza Festival

On Saturday August 8 and Sunday August 9, the 33rd edition of the Sagra della pizza fritta nerolese takes place. This historic festival in the village of Nerola lets you taste the famous Nerola fried pizzas, fried in extra virgin olive oil from the Nerola hills and seasoned with salt, sugar, or fresh tomato. Also on offer: lamb skewers, French fries, draft beer, Nutella crepes, and traditional desserts.

Mountain Festival in Carpineto Romano

The Mountain Festival returns to Carpineto Romano, in the province of Rome. The programme kicks off on Friday August 7 with Carpineto Camp and a charming night hike along the Pian della Faggeta Ring. On Saturday August 8, enjoy trekking, drone school, physical activities, fire prevention workshops, country dance classes, and in the evening, a concert by The Bourbon on the Rock. Sunday August 9 concludes with the 5th Sant'Agostino Trophy, riding school, mountain bike school, and an exciting speleological descent into the Pozzo Comune Cave. Throughout the event, a food stand will serve traditional mountain specialities.

TolfArte Festival

The TolfArte Festival returns to the town of Tolfa (in the province of Rome), featuring acrobatic and circus arts, music, theatre, visual art exhibitions, literary meetings, an art and wellness space, a Kids zone, and an artistic crafts section in collaboration with Hippy Market - Rome. With the theme of "metamorphosis" as a transformative force to experience without hesitation, the 22nd edition takes place from August 7 to 9, 2026, with over 100 performances set in the natural stage of Tolfa's historic centre.