Case Valdesi Culture, Entertainment, Sports: Fall in Rome, Florence, and Venice
Do you love exploring cities through their most iconic events? From major festivals to marathons, here are our tips for a special trip in October and November
With the arrival of fall, temperatures become milder, and in Florence, Rome, and Venice, major events in cinema, theater, sports, art, and comics are back in full swing.
Are you still in the mood for a vacation and looking for ideas for a getaway between October and November? Here are our suggestions!
Rome: the Film Festival, the Romaeuropa Festival, and the 37th edition of Romics
From October 1 to 4, Romics, the International Festival of Comics, Animation, Film, and Games, returns to the Fiera di Roma. It’s a packed event featuring more than 450 presentations spread across 5 pavilions and over 400 national and international exhibitors. Not to mention the guests: artists, animators, illustrators, screenwriters, directors, and creators—ranging from established masters to emerging talents—are coming from all over the world.
The 21st edition of the Rome Film Festival is coming up from October 14 to 25 .The Auditorium Parco della Musica will host the main screening venues and the red carpet, but the program will also involve other venues and cultural institutions throughout the capital. Many giants of the film world have graced the event over the years, including Oscar winners, cult directors, and international stars.
For theater lovers, the Romaeuropa Festival is an unmissable event, running through November 15 at various venues throughout the city. More than 100 performances spanning theater, dance, music, and special projects, featuring over 1,000 international artists. Among the highlights of this year’s edition are the Philip Glass Ensemble, Sofia Nappi with the KOMOCO company, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Benjamin Millepied, Caterina Barbieri, Sasha Waltz, Jeff Mills, Romeo Castellucci, Vinicio Capossela, (LA)HORDE, and Fatoumata Diawara.
Venice: Final Days of the Art Biennale, the Venice Marathon, and the Festival of Health
On Sunday, October 25, the 40th Wizz Air Venicemarathon will take place in Venice. Runners can choose from three different routes: the Marathon (42K), which passes through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square; Half Marathon (21K), starting in Mestre and finishing at the Arsenale in Venice; and the 10K, starting at Parco San Giuliano and finishing at Riva Sette Martiri.
You have until November 22 to visit the 2026 Art Biennale, titled *In Minor Keys*. On display at the Giardini, the Arsenale, and various locations throughout the city are 110 artists, duos, collectives, and organizations from diverse geographical contexts. The selection, curated by Koyo Kouoh, focuses primarily on resonances, affinities, and possible convergences between artistic practices.
One of the most deeply felt celebrations in Venice is the Feast of the Madonna della Salute, which commemorates the end of the plague of 1630–1631. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Basilica della Salute, an imposing Baroque building that seems to rise from the waters of the Grand Canal. On November 21, the faithful cross a specially constructed pontoon bridge to light votive candles and pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary.
Florence: 50 Days of Cinema, “L’Eredità delle Donne,” and the Florence Marathon
From October 6 to December 10 at Cinema La Compagnia and other venues throughout the city, the “50 Days of Cinema in Florence” presents a program that brings together nine major international film festivals. From the Festival dei Popoli to Schermo dell’Arte, from the Florence Queer Festival to France Odeon, including Middle East Now, the FánHuā Chinese Film Festival, the Festival di Cinema e Donne, the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, and the N.I.C.E. City of Florence Award.
“L’Eredità delle Donne“—an event dedicated to women’s empowerment that explores contemporary life through the lens of its female protagonists—was launched right here in Florence. From November 20 to 25 at the Giunti Odeon bookstore, the event will feature discussions , talks, books, and original programming, under the artistic direction of Serena Dandini.
On November 29, the Estra Florence Marathon will take place through the streets of the historic center. From ancient bridges to medieval alleys, enjoy a unique experience that combines a passion for running with the timeless beauty of Florence.
