Rome events calendar: October 2025

October 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting months to visit the Eternal City. With the crisp charm of fall in the air, Rome transforms into a stage where faith, culture, and art converge. From the grandeur of the Vatican Jubilee celebrations to the glamour of the Rome Film Festival, the city offers a unique blend of spiritual reflection and contemporary entertainment.

For travelers, this is the perfect time to experience Rome not only as an open-air museum of antiquity but also as a living, breathing capital filled with traditions, festivals and international gatherings. Planning your trip around these events allows you to connect more deeply with the city’s vibrant character- and ensures memories that go far beyond the guidebook.

Jubilee Year 2025 in Rome

Every 25 years, Rome becomes the heart of the Catholic world as it hosts a Holy Year, or Jubilee - a sacred celebration that draws millions of pilgrims from across the globe. The Jubilee of 2025 is particularly special, especially in October.

The Jubilee turns Rome into a city alive with procession, liturgies, cultural initiatives, and gatherings that extend far beyond the Vatican walls. October offers countless opportunities to experience Rome in a truly extraordinary way.

Missionary World Jubilee (October 4-5, 2025)

The first weekend of October opens with the Missionary World Jubilee, a gathering that celebrates the work and dedication of missionaries worldwide. Pilgrims, clergy, and visitors from every continent will converge in Rome, filling St. Peter’s Basilica and the city’s major basilica with ceremonies, Masses, and moments of reflection.

Expect large crowds and heightened security, especially around the Vatican City. If you plan to attend, be sure to:

Book accommodation well in advance, as demand will peak during this weekend
Allow extra travel time, since public transportation and streets near the Vatican will be busy
Join respectfully - even if you’re not participating directly, being present offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

Migrants’ Jubilee (October 4-5, 2025)

Held over the same weekend, the Migrants’ Jubilee is a celebration dedicated to migrants and refugees - a theme deeply rooted in Rome’s History as a city shaped by countless cultures and peoples. This event highlights the values of hospitality, inclusion, and dialogue, with solemn Masses, possible processions.

For visitors, this Jubilee offers a chance to witness Rome’s universal character, where religious devotion meets contemporary issues of migration and solidarity. To make the most of these days:

Observe with respect, especially during liturgies or processions
Capture the cultural dimension - notice how music, traditions, and diverse communities add a global voice to Rome spiritual core
Balance your schedule by combining time at the Vatican with explorations of nearby neighborhoods like Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori, where local life continues in full vibrancy

Jubilee of Consecrated Life (October 8-9, 2025)

Midway through October, Rome welcomes the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, dedicated to monks, nuns, and members of religious orders from around the world. During these two days, the Vatican becomes the stage for ceremonies and liturgies filled with a spirit of contemplation and devotion.

You can connect with these atmosphere by:

Attending open liturgies a St. Peter’s Basilica or other major Basilicas
Visiting historic monasteries and convents in Rome, many of which hold century of tradition
Taking time to experience the city’s sacred spaces

Jubilee of Marian Spirituality (October 11-12, 2025)

A cornerstone of Italy’s religious tradition, Marian devotion takes center stage during the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality. Over this weekend, the city honors the Virgin Mary with ceremonies, pilgrimages, and Masses.

This is a wonderful moment to explore Rome’s Marian heritage. The city is home to some of the world’s most beautiful shrines dedicated to Mary, including:

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a major papal basilica with a stunning Marian icon.
Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, filled with golden mosaics.
Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a Gothic treasure near the Pantheon.

Jubilee of the Educational World (October 31- November 2, 2025)

As October draws to a close, Rome welcomes the Jubilee of the Educational World, dedicated to teachers, students, and the global academic community. This three-day event brings a fresh, youthful energy to the Eternal City, with youth gatherings, international conferences, and Masses.

It’s a chance to see Rome buzzing with student groups from across the world. To make the most of it:

Expect large youth groups, especially around the Vatican and major basilicas.
Join open events if you’re curious
Pair the experience with visits to Rome’s ancient universities and libraries, where centuries of scholarship meet today’s academic spirit.

Rome Film Festival - October 2025

Balancing the city’s deeply spiritual celebrations, the Rome Film Festival (Festa del Cinema di Roma) brings a touch of Hollywood glamour and international artistry to the Eternal City each October. Hosted at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, this world-class event attracts filmmakers, actors, critics, and cinephiles from across the globe.

For visitors, the Film Festival is more than just red carpets. It’s a cultural feast where you can:

Attend screenings of international premiers and Italian productions
Spot celebrities arriving at the Auditorium and walking the red carpet
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, as Rome buzzes with creative energy during these days

Even if you don’t have tickets, the Film Festival transforms parts of the city with special exhibitions, open-air screenings, and discussions that anyone can join. For travelers in October 2025, it’s the perfect cultural counterpoint to the Jubilee events, showcasing Rome’s modern, artistic side alongside its timeless traditions.

Other October Highlights in Rome

Beyond the Jubilee celebrations and the Film Festivals, October in Rome offers countless seasonal experiences that highlight both the city and its surroundings. With pleasant autumn weather and a rich cultural calendar, it’s an ideal month to combine world-famous landmarks with authentic local traditions.

One of the most memorable aspects of October is the harvest season in the Lazio countryside. Just a short trip from Rome, villages celebrate with wine and food festivals, where visitors can taste fresh olive oil, chestnuts, and new wine. It’s a delicious way to explore the region’s agricultural heritage while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Back in the city, the crisp, clear days are perfect for exploring Rome’s great outdoor sites:

The Colosseum and Roman Forum glog in the golden autumn light.
Villa Borghese gardens, where colorful foliage makes for a romantic afternoon stroll.win

October also brings traditional religious feasts and local celebrations outside the official Jubilee calendar. Parish festivals, neighborhood processions, and smaller cultural events add to the city’s vibrant rhythm, offering travelers plenty of ways to engage with Rome beyond its most famous landmarks.

Practical Tips for Visitors in October 2025

With the jubilee drawing millions of pilgrims and the Film Festival attracting international attention, October 2025 will be one of the busiest times to explore Rome. A bit of planning can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and memorable trip.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Book early: secure your accommodation, tours, and museum tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute stress
Expect large crowds: Jubilee celebrations and cultural events will draw thousands, especially around the Vatican and major basilicas.
Use public transportation strategically: Rome’s buses and metro will be busier than usual, so plan routes ahead and allow extra travel time
Balance your itinerary: combine spiritual events like the Jubilee with cultural highlights such as the Film Festival or seasonal food festivals. This way, you’ll experience both sides of Rome - sacred and secular.

By preparing ahead, you’ll be able to embrace the city’s energy while still finding space for quiet exploration and authentic local experiences.

Experience Rome with Expert Guidance

October 2025 is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime moment to experience the Eternal City. With the Jubilee’s spiritual celebrations, the Film Festival’s cultural glamour, and the beauty of autumn transforming Rome’s streets and piazzas, this month offers visitors an unparalleled blend of history, faith, and living tradition.

To truly appreciate it all, having an expert by your side makes the difference. At Walks Inside Rome, our licensed guides bring the city to life with storytelling, insider knowledge, and tailored-made experiences that go far beyond what guidebooks can offer. Whether you want to follow the footsteps of pilgrims through the Vatican, uncover the secrets of the Colosseum, or savor authentic Roman cuisine on a food tour, we’ll craft a journey that connects you deeply to the spirit of Rome

Plan your October 2025 trip now and let us help you unlock the best of Rome during this extraordinary season.