First Sunday of September brings festivals, museums, dancing and more to the Eternal City

 ROME - The school bells are ready to ring in Rome. The city is back in motion, and most Romans have returned to work. But for those still nostalgic for vacation, there's still a chance to unwind and carve out a few days of rest filled with flavour, solidarity, and culture. Here's what to do this weekend.

 The first Sunday of the month means free admission to Rome’s Civic Museums and Archaeological Areas. Visitors can enjoy:

• Sacred Area of Largo Argentina (09:30 to 19:00, last entry at 18:00, entrance: Via di San Nicola De’ Cesarini)
• Archaeological Area of the Circus Maximus (09:30 to 19:00, last entry at 18:00)
• Imperial Forums (09:30 to 19:15, last entry at 18:15, entrance at Trajan’s Column)
• Museum of the Forma Urbis (10:00 to 19:00, last entry at 18:00), located inside the former GIL Gym in the Celio Archaeological Park, which is also free to access (07:00 to 20:00, entrance via Viale del Parco del Celio 20-22 or Clivo di Scauro 4).

 Free entry also applies to Civic Museums, where visitors can admire both permanent collections and current exhibitions.

 Note: Some sites still require a regular or reduced ticket if you have a Roma Mic Card, like visits to the bunker and air-raid shelters at Villa Torlonia.

 Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival

 From September 4 to 7, at Eataly (Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492, Ostiense), enjoy the return of the Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival. On the menu: mixed seafood fry, Roman-style cod fillet, Roman pasta dishes, and special creations by chefs and food artisans. Music and DJ sets under the stars. Free entry.

 Tellina Clam Festival in Lavinio

 On September 5 and 6, starting at 19:30 in Lavinio, the Tellina Clam Festival debuts for the first time, aiming to celebrate one of the most cherished local seafood products. A symbol of the coastal culinary tradition and local identity. The event is organized by Pro Loco Lavinio.

 Dancescreen in the Land 2025

 Dancescreen in the Land 2025 held at the Appian Way Archaeological Park. This festival combines contemporary dance, cinema, and archaeology. Curated by Fiorenza d’Alessandro and organized by Canova22 Association, with support from the Ministry of Culture. Each event begins with an archaeological walk through the Appian Way, followed by dance performances at the Church of San Nicola dei Caetani, Castrum Caetani, and through park trails along the ancient “Queen of Roads.” More information available online.

 Vesto e Investo Sociale in Testaccio

 Sustainability, solidarity, and inclusion come together on Sunday, September 7, from 09:00 to 16:00 at the Città dell’Altra Economia – Ex Mattatoio in Testaccio (Largo Dino Frisullo, 1).
The event, hosted by Roma Open Lab Aps, features the chance to buy new clothing, with proceeds going to help people in need.

“Looking for Herbs” in Veio Park

 On Sunday, the first walk in the initiative “Exploratory Paths in the Urban Zone of Veio Park” takes place. These guided walks explore nature, neuroscience, history, art, and local landscape. Part of the “Green Days 2025” project, it’s organized by Veio Park Authority and the Nonprofit Association for Sustainable Development Borsa Archeologica Artistica Agrituristica del Lazio.

 The first event, curated by agronomist Clelia Logorelli, is titled: “Looking for Herbs Consciously.” Meeting point: Via Veientana 103, at 10:30. Free participation.

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