Discovering the best things to do, exhibitions and public holidays in Rome in April.

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Rome, the Eternal City, is always full of events and activities throughout the year, and April 2026 is no exception. This spring Rome offers a variety of events, from concerts by international and national artists, to traditional holidays, art exhibitions and festivals and more… Whether you are a music or art lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a reason to celebrate, there is something for everyone this . In this article we will explore the main events to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city.

April is a month full of national holidays and special days in Rome. One of the most important festivities is Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. This means that Easter Sunday will fall on April 5 this year.

How to spend Easter in Rome

On April 21 Rome celebrates its annual birthday, known as . Rome celebrates this year its 2779th birthday with a weekend of art, culture and festivities. The celebrations include cultural events, exhibitions, street performances and concerts – plus, there will be free access to Roma Capitale Museums and other cultural venues.

Another important April holiday is Liberation Day, which falls on April 25 and marks the end of the Italian occupation during World War II. The city celebrates this day with parades and other festivities, including shows and fireworks. Being a national holiday, schools, banks and shops are closed.

This April, Rome offers an outstanding range of exhibitions spanning ancient civilizations, Impressionism, Baroque art, photography, and contemporary masters. At the Scuderie del Quirinale, continues to shine and has been extended through June 14, 2026, while the Ara Pacis hosts , on view through May 3, 2026.

Among the season’s highlights, Palazzo Barberini presents through June 14, 2026, while Palazzo Bonaparte welcomes Hokusai, opening at the end of March and running through June 29, 2026. The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation also continues , adding a fashion-focused note to the city’s spring cultural calendar.

Elsewhere in the city, visitors can explore and at the Museo Storico della Fanteria, at the Museo del Genio, at Palazzo Cipolla, and a major retrospective at Palazzo delle Esposizioni.

Live music concerts are happening all around Rome, featuring diverse genres of music and singers from several nationalities, with performances taking place in a variety of venues throughout the city.

Concerts in Rome in April

During Holy Week 2026, Rome’s main religious celebrations will take place between St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square, the Basilica of St John Lateran, and the Colosseum. Highlights include Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square on March 29, the Chrism Mass and Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord and the Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday Mass followed by the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St Peter’s Square. All major celebrations will be presided over by Pope Leo XIV.

Holy Week 2026 in Rome

From April 4 to 6, Rome’s Botanical Garden hosts “Hanami all’Orto Botanico”, a special event celebrating the beauty of cherry blossom season. This springtime festival invites visitors to discover the meaning of Hanami, the Japanese tradition of admiring blossoms and reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty. Set among the cherry trees of the Japanese Garden, the event features activities inspired by Japanese culture, including ikebana demonstrations, manga lessons, literary walks, ritual moments, and guided visits to the garden.

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This 5-day event showcases the best of contemporary French cinema and offers talks with directors and guest actors. It will be held at Cinema Nuovo Sacher, where films and guests of the festival will be welcomed. The journey, starting from the capital, will then make stops, with special sections and guests, in: Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, and Turin.

Rendez-Vous

From April 7 to 15, Cinema Farnese in Rome will host the 23rd edition of the Asian Film Festival, a long-standing event that for over twenty years has brought the best of Far Eastern cinema to the capital, establishing itself as a key reference point in Italy for contemporary Asian film.

The 2026 edition will present 36 feature films — 18 in competition, 9 in the Newcomers section, and 9 out of competition — as well as 10 short films, offering a cinematic journey across Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Asian Film Festival

Romics is the major international exhibition on comics, animation, cinema, and games, organized by Fiera di Roma. It’s four days of non-stop celebration with events, meetings, and shows. Serving as a crucial meeting point for industry professionals and the public, it provides an opportunity to assess the state of Italian and international comics, while also showcasing highlights from cinema and shows.

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On April 9, 2026, the PalaTiziano in Piazza Apollodoro will host the Harlem Globetrotters, stars of one of the most iconic and anticipated basketball shows in the world. As part of their 100Years World Tour, the Globetrotters will perform incredible tricks, spectacular dunks, and pure entertainment.

Harlem Globetrotters

The festival takes place at the Auditorium in Rome, offering the urban community four guided tours exploring biophilia—the innate connection between humans and nature. A journey filled with insights and inspiration for a happier, more sustainable urban life.

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On April 11 and 12, Unique Mkt returns to animate the spaces of Industrie Fluviali, in the heart of Rome’s . For one full weekend, the former factory with its industrial charm transforms into a vibrant hub of contemporary creativity, where aesthetic research, craftsmanship, and a culture of beauty come together across three levels filled with atmosphere, from indoor rooms to bright terraces.

With more than 50 exhibitors from across Italy, the market offers a curated and varied route designed for those who love discovering independent brands, artisanal production, and high-quality creative work.

Unique Market

The Festival dell’Oriente returns to Rome with a rich program celebrating the traditions and cultures of Asia. Throughout the event, the stages host dozens of live performances running continuously from opening to closing, featuring artists from Japan, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea, Tibet, Thailand, Mongolia, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and many other countries. From traditional dances and music to colorful costumes and performing arts, the festival offers an immersive journey through the diverse cultures of the East.

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