If you are planning to spend the weekend of October 16 to 18, 2026 in Rome, you should plan your movements carefully. Autumn days often bring mild weather, but the city fills up quickly, especially due to a few major events that draw visitors from all over Italy. Do not waste time on the usual pre-packaged itineraries and focus instead on what is happening in the neighborhoods over these three days.
In this guide, you will find three selected events for the weekend, along with all the logistical information you need to reach them and avoid the most common mistakes tourists make when getting around Rome.
Cinema and screenings in Flaminio
The main event this week is the Festa del Cinema di Roma, scheduled from October 15 to 25, 2026. The heart of the activities is in the Flaminio district, but there are also screenings and events held in other theaters across the city.
If you want to attend a screening or just watch the action on the red carpet, here is the practical information:
- Main venue: Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, located in the Flaminio district.
- Dates and times: From October 15, 2026, through the weekend. For detailed screening times, please check the official program on the event website.
- Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on the screening; please check the official website for updated details. You can buy them directly online to avoid queues through the program on the Auditorium website.
- Practical tip: Avoid looking for parking in the Flaminio area during the festival. Traffic around Viale Tiziano and Corso di Francia becomes heavily congested. Use public transport instead.
A weekend of food in Ostiense
If you are looking for an alternative to the usual historic center trattorias, on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Ostiense neighborhood is hosting an event entirely dedicated to Italian cuisine.
The Pasta Party takes place at Eataly Roma Ostiense, offering a chance to try various pasta dishes prepared on the spot by guest chefs.
- Venue: Eataly Roma Ostiense, located near Ostiense station.
- Dates and times: Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 2026, with hours available on the official event channels.
- Prices: Entry to the venue is free. Food and drinks are paid for with tokens that can be purchased at the dedicated cash desks inside. Food and drinks are paid for with tokens purchased directly at the dedicated cash desks inside the building.
- Event details: You can find the list of pasta makers and the dishes on the menu by checking the RomaToday events calendar.
- Practical tip: Ostiense is a former industrial neighborhood that gets very busy in the evening. If you go after 8:30 PM, expect a significant queue at the token booths. It is better to arrive around 7:30 PM to have dinner without rushing.
Live music in Rione Monti
For those who prefer to spend the evening in a more intimate setting, the Monti district offers a regular lineup of live music. From October 13 to 18, 2026, the Charity Café hosts jazz, blues, and acoustic music concerts.
This venue is a reliable choice for anyone wanting to hear good music without the formality of large theaters.
- Venue: Charity Café, located in the Monti district.
- Dates and times: Concerts run from Tuesday, October 13 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, with start times varying depending on the evening.
- Cost: Entry usually requires a mandatory drink purchase to watch the shows.
- Program: To find out which specific artist is performing on Sunday evening, you can check the OggiRoma page for Sunday.
- Practical tip: The venue is small and seating is limited. Via Panisperna is a narrow, busy street, so you should arrive at least half an hour before the concert starts to secure a table near the stage.
How to get there and schedules
To move between these three events over the weekend, here are the recommended public transport options to avoid getting stuck in Roman traffic.
- To reach the Auditorium Parco della Musica (Festa del Cinema):
- Option 1 (Tram): You can use surface public transport or the metro to reach the Flaminio area. From there, walk for about 5 minutes along Viale Pietro de Coubertin.
- Option 2 (Bus): You can take one of the bus lines connecting Termini station with the Auditorium area. The main stop is right in front of the entrance.
- Costs and travel times: For updated fares and tickets, please check the ATAC website. Travel times from Termini vary depending on evening traffic.
- To reach Eataly Roma Ostiense (Pasta Party):
- Option 1 (Metro): You can take metro Line B, getting off at the stop closest to Ostiense. Inside the station, follow the signs for Ostiense station and take the pedestrian underpass that leads directly to the rear entrance of the building.
- Option 2 (Train): You can take a regional train from Termini, Tiburtina, or Trastevere stations and get off directly at Ostiense station, which is just a few meters from the entrance.
- Costs and travel times: The metro ride from Termini takes only a few minutes. For updated fares, please check the ATAC website.
- To reach the Charity Café (Rione Monti):
- Option 1 (Metro): You can take metro Line B, getting off at the stop closest to the Monti district. After exiting the station, walk uphill along Via Cavour, turn left onto Via dei Serpenti, and then right onto Via Panisperna.
- Option 2 (On foot): If you are already in the central area, you can reach the venue on foot by walking from Piazza Venezia along Via Nazionale, then turning onto Via dei Serpenti.
- Costs and travel times: The venue is easily reachable on foot in just a few minutes from the metro stop. Walking through the streets of Monti is free and saves you from waiting for surface transport.
If you arrive late at night and surface public transport starts to run less frequently, you can use the official taxis of the City of Rome. Avoid unlicensed vehicles or anyone approaching you outside stations offering private rides. City taxi fares are metered, with fixed starting rates for night or holiday service. For updated fares and details on city traffic, you can refer to the information on the City of Rome portal.
One final logistical detail: October weather in Rome can be deceptive. During the day you can walk around in short sleeves, but as soon as the sun goes down, the humidity rises quickly. If you plan to spend the evening outdoors near the Auditorium or walking through the alleys of Rione Monti, always bring a light jacket.