July is one of the busiest months of the year in Rome, as tourist numbers reach their peak. The heat can be intense, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). However, despite the crowds and high temperatures, July is a vibrant month packed with a variety of festivals and events that draw both locals and tourists alike. These festivities provide excellent opportunities to embrace Roman culture and celebrate the summer season.

Lungo il Tevere

Situated along the banks of the Tiber River, the Lungo il Tevere festival transforms the area into a lively village filled with food stalls, pop-up restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, and live music. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly rides and amusements. The ambiance becomes more pleasant in the evenings, providing a perfect setting to unwind with an aperitivo and savor dinner under the stars accompanied by live performances. The festival stretches from Piazza Trilussa (at Ponte Sisto) to Porta Portese (at Ponte Sublicio), with wheelchair access available at Lungotevere Ripa.

Festa dei Noantri

Running for the last two weeks of July, the Festa dei Noantri is a cherished celebration centered around the Feast of Santa Maria del Carmine. This local festival features the statue of Santa Maria, beautifully adorned and paraded from church to church in the Trastevere neighborhood, accompanied by live music and worshippers. The grand finale occurs on the last Sunday of July when the statue is paraded on a boat down the Tiber River.

Opera at the Baths of Caracalla

The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma presents its summer series in the stunning, illuminated ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, one of the most romantic venues in the world for opera. Due to the high demand, it is essential to plan ahead for tickets, as the demand often exceeds available seating. Interested attendees should also explore other notable venues for enjoying the opera in Italy.

Rock in Roma

Rock in Roma is a summer concert series that features big-name artists performing at various iconic venues in Rome, such as Circus Maximus and Parco della Musica. Previously, renowned acts like Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and 30 Seconds to Mars have graced this celebrated stage.

Outdoor Music

Throughout the summer, various outdoor concerts and performances take place across Rome. For a curated list of summer events, Estate Romana provides updates on ongoing performances. Notable venues like Castel Sant’ Angelo offer music and shows during July and August, and concerts can also be enjoyed in Rome’s squares and parks.

Isola del Cinema

From July to September, Tiberina Island screens wide-screen movies outdoors nearly every night, as part of the Estate Romana initiative.

Concerto del Tempietto

This summer series organized by the Associazione Il Tempietto features orchestral music concerts around the city, particularly near the Teatro di Marcello archaeological site, with international conductors and musicians being special guests.

Roma Incontro il Mondo

In the shaded grounds of Villa Ada, just north of central Rome, a lively concert season showcases genres like rock, blues, jazz, electronic, and world music with performances by both international and Italian artists.

I Giardini della Filarmonica

The Roman Philharmonic Orchestra organizes a summer concert series in the beautiful grounds of Villa Borghese, featuring themed programs that highlight music from various countries, ensuring diverse line-ups that might include works by German, Polish, or Argentinian composers.