The 21st edition of the Festa del Cinema di Roma — Rome’s international film festival — runs from 13 to 25 October 2026 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in the Flaminio district. If you are visiting Rome this autumn, the festival adds a strong cultural reason to be in the city.
What the festival covers
The Festa del Cinema is not a competitive festival in the same mould as Venice or Cannes. It leans toward audience engagement: most screenings are open to the public with standard ticket purchases, and there are no red-carpet press restrictions keeping visitors at a distance.
The programme typically spans world cinema premieres, retrospectives, director masterclasses, and restored classics screened in the large outdoor areas of the Auditorium complex. The 2026 edition marks its 21st year — a milestone the organisers have used to expand the programme and bring in a wider range of international titles.
Getting tickets
Tickets go on sale through the official festival website and the Auditorium Parco della Musica box office, usually a few days before each screening. Single-film tickets tend to sell out quickly for high-profile premieres; the rest of the programme is generally accessible with advance booking of 24–48 hours.
A festival pass gives access to multiple screenings across the run and works out significantly cheaper for anyone staying in Rome for several days during the period.
What else is on in Rome at this time
Late October is one of the better times to visit Rome. Temperatures are mild — usually 15–20°C — queues at major sites are shorter than in summer, and the city feels less pressured. The festival brings an additional energy without the congestion of high season.
The Auditorium Parco della Musica sits in Parioli, about 20 minutes from the centre by tram or on foot from the Flaminio metro stop. It is well away from the tourist corridor, which makes it a good excuse to see a part of Rome that most visitors miss.
For everything else happening in and around the capital, our Rome guide covers neighbourhoods, transport, and how to structure your time. For day-to-day activities, see things to do in Rome. If you are in the city for a short break, our 3-day Rome itinerary builds the festival into a wider visit.