Music Festivals in Rome in 2022

There are hundreds of reasons to visit the Italian capital of Rome. Great weather, exceptional food, some of the world's best museums, and the historical monuments of thousands of years of civilization bring millions of tourists to the Eternal City every single year. And with so much to do and see in the city, it's a good idea to drop off your bags at a suitcase storage in Rome so that you can travel unencumbered.

But in case you needed more reasons to visit Rome, you should also know that the city is home to many of the best Italian music festivals. As the cultural capital of the country, the summer months in Rome are full of festivals that allow you to experience a broad range of entertainment, from electronic music to world music to a sophisticated classical music festival. Rome's excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around the city and enjoy some of the incredible live music and concerts the city hosts during festival season.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into some of the best music festivals in and around Rome and enjoy your Italian vacation to the fullest.

The best music festivals in Rome in 2022

Roma Music Festival

Perhaps no other country on earth has had such a profound impact on the world of classical music as Italy. Therefore, it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that Rome hosts many great classical concerts throughout the year.

Taking place in March, the Roma Music Festival is a celebration of choral and orchestral music that takes place in some stunning venues around the city, including the Pantheon and many of the beautiful churches of Rome. If you want to see classical music in a unique venue, this music festival is probably the best way to do it. It's also a great event to enjoy during the spring in Rome, one of the best times to visit the city.

The festival features performances by some of the world's most talented classical musicians, as well as lectures and masterclasses for those who want to learn more about the music. Tickets for the festival start at around €30, and you can purchase them on the official Roma Music Festival website.

Roma Incontra Il Mondo

The name of this festival translates as Rome Meets The World, and that's exactly what this event is all about. This festival celebrates the city's diversity with a range of cultural events, including music, dance, and food from all over the world.

Roma Incontra il Mondo takes place in June each year, and is held in the beautiful Villa Borghese Park. It's the perfect way to enjoy some of the best food and culture that Rome has to offer, and admission is free. The food alone would make this festival worth visiting, but the gorgeous parkland setting and the exciting music make this one of the best festivals in the Eternal City. And the fact it's free is just the icing on the cake.

Roma Summer Fest

When it comes to large-scale music festivals in Rome, the Roma Summer Fest is the granddaddy of them all. This massive summer festival takes place at the city's top music venue, the Renzo Piano-designed Auditorium Parco della Musica, and will be held this year from 10 June to 6 August, making it a summerlong celebration of music and live performers that no music fan can afford to miss.

This famous summer festival is headlined by favorite artists from around the world, with past performers including the likes of Elton John, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Arctic Monkeys, and Sting. This year, some of the biggest acts to play the festival include Massive Attack, Pixies, Deep Purple, and Simple Minds. The focus is on pop and rock music, but with the festival taking place over such a long period, you have the opportunity to see bands and artists from just about every style of music.

Because of the way this festival is structured, occupying one of the city's top venues for basically the whole of the summer, you'll need to purchase tickets for each individual show you want to see. Luckily, that means you can focus on your favorites and choose exactly when you want to go. Prices for the festival range from €35-€250, depending on the show you want to see.

You can purchase tickets and find out more information on the Roma Summer Fest website.

Rock in Roma

No prizes for guessing what style of music you'll get to enjoy at the Rock in Roma festival. Rome's premier rock festival takes place in several different venues across the city, including the Auditorium Parco della Musica and the ancient Roman stadium of the Circo Massimo. As well as great music, you'll get to enjoy food stalls and street performers at this fun rock Festival. But ultimately, it's all about the music.

Acts at Rock in Rome this year include Massive Attack, Deep Purple, Herbie Hancock, and the Chemical Brothers. The festival takes place from June - July each year, and you can buy tickets to see individual acts rather than a whole festival pass. It's one of the best music festivals in Italy for fans of rock music, and definitely not an event to be missed during summer in the city.

Festival di Caracalla

With so many ancient buildings in the city, Rome isn't short of fantastic venues for concerts. The Festival di Caracalla is held in the ancient ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, and is one of the most atmospheric and unique music festivals in Europe.

The festival features a mix of opera, ballet, and classical concerts, with some of the world's top performers taking to the stage in this incredible setting. It's the perfect way to enjoy some great live music while also getting a taste of Rome's history and culture.

The Festival di Caracalla takes place from June - August each year, and you can buy tickets for individual performances on the festival website. Prices start at around €30. This is easily one of the most atmospheric festivals in all of Italy, and is not to be missed.

This year's event features popular operas like Bizet's Carmen and the Barber of Seville. There are also smaller and more intimate concerts held by a variety of artists, making this a fantastic way to enjoy your summer in Rome and celebrate high culture.

Ostia Antica Festival

Just a short train ride from Rome, the ancient city of Ostia Antica was once a Roman port, and the well-preserved buildings that rival those of Pompeii are worth exploring at any time of year. But if you're lucky enough to be in the area in September, don't miss the chance to check out the Ostia Antica festival.

This arts festival is held in the ancient Roman theater of the town and celebrates comedy, theater, dance, and music. Many performances are in Italian, so it helps if you have an understanding of the language. However, the festival also hosts some international acts. Notably for 2022, Swedish metal band Opeth will be playing the Ostia Antica Festival, so metalheads should set a date in their diary for late September.

Romaeuropa Festival

Held between September and November in various venues around the city, the Romaeuropa is a multidisciplinary art spectacular that combines high-end classical music with electronic music, rock, dance, film, visual art, and just about any other creative discipline you can think of. That makes the Romaeuropa a very different experience from a traditional summer festival, and an unforgettable event to attend while in Rome.

With over 200 events held in more than 30 different venues, the Romaeuropa is one of the largest festivals in Europe. And with a lineup that includes world-renowned musicians, performers, and artists, it's easy to see why this festival is so popular.

This year, contemporary classical star Olafur Arnalds is one of the biggest names at this unique festival. But really, Romaeuropa isn't about big names as much as it is about cultural cross-pollination and the chance to experience something new. Check out the eclectic acts at this fascinating festival, and you may well come away with a new appreciation of completely new art forms.

Rome Jazz Festival

The Rome Jazz Festival is one of the city's most popular music festivals and takes place in some of the best jazz clubs in the city. If you're a fan of jazz, or just want to experience something a bit different, this festival is definitely worth checking out.

The festival features performances by both international and local jazz musicians, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And with Rome's great nightlife scene, you can enjoy the music long into the night.

The festival takes place in November each year, and you can find out more information on the official Rome Jazz Festival website. Tickets for individual shows start at around €15.

Planning to stay some more days in Rome?

Coming to Rome to enjoy a music festival is a great activity to build a trip around. And once you find yourself in Rome, you won't lack things to do. Check out our guide on how to spend three days in Rome if you're pressed for time and need some inspiration on how to see the city over a long weekend.

Rome and the Vatican are home to some of the best museums and art galleries in the world, so art and culture lovers will be in their element here. And with centuries of historic monuments to explore, including the stunning ruins of the 2000-year-old Roman Empire, history buffs will think they've died and gone to heaven.

Then, of course, there's the food. Rome is one of the best food cities in the world, and you'll find everything from high-end Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap and delicious street food. Make sure you try some traditional dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe while you're in town.

With so much to see and do, you'll need more than a weekend to do justice to Rome. But if you're only in town for a music festival, you can still make the most of your time with our guide on how to spend three days in Rome.

Rome is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, and there's nowhere better to enjoy a music festival. With so many great festivals to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice. So start planning your trip and get ready for an unforgettable experience.