Rome is a magnificent historical city all year round, but it gets even better in summer – with Lungo Il Tevere in full swing.
Lungo il Tevere, or the Tevere Expo, is an annual riverside event held along the Tiber River (hence the name – literally “along the Tiber”) right in the heart of Rome. It has been held since 2003, with the only exception of 2020, canceled due to obvious healthcare issues. An extensive venue stretching over the banks of the famous Fiume Tevere, or Tiber River, features numerous entertainment venues, mostly with free entrance, and food stalls and restaurants. Every year, it attracts thousands of people from all over Italy, as well as the whole world.
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What to do
Italians sure know how to arrange a great event, and it definitely shows. The highlight of the Lungo il Tevere are its many theater, dance, and music performances along the river. Listen to live music performed by local bands, enjoy improvisations by theatrical troupes, or stumble upon some more fanciful event, like a vintage pin-up competition.
If you’re not that interested in shows, the Tevere Expo features an excellent array of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls. International and Italian cuisine, craft beers and local wines – a true paradise for foodies. The immense variety of food spots include some recurring food spots: Il Tempio Del Gusto, serving traditional Roman variety of Italian cuisine; the Spanish Yard with the traditional cuisine; Taqueria El Paso, featuring a Tex-Mex menu; Rec 23, serving juicy burgers and fries; Taverna Meditteranea with sizzling kebabs and homemade hummus – and so many more. Don’t forget to try gelato, the Italian variety of ice cream, – arguably the tastiest in the world.
Up for something more active, thrilling, and engaging? There are air-hockey tables, nerf-shooting ranges, virtual world capsules, and other arcade games displayed on the river bank for all visitors to try their hand at. And, of course, foosball tables – Italians’ favorite.
For something to hold as a keepsake, there are artisan stalls, where you can buy trinkets, collectibles, and artworks from local craftspersons and artists. Vintage vinyl records, handmade jewelry, peculiar dolls, Venetian masks, and other souvenirs are for sale during Lungo il Tevere as well.
When to go
The annual Tevere Expo runs roughly from the first Friday in June until the end of August or early September. The official dates have not been announced yet, but if this year is anything like the previous ones, it will be held from about 3 June, 2022, till 31 August, 2022.
One caveat: Romans generally go on vacation in August. This might be a blessing as well as a letdown: fewer people in queues and at venues ensue, but some event spots might be temporarily closed.
During the festival days, there’s no point in coming in the afternoon – the activity on the riverside starts at 5pm, and most cultural events don’t begin until about 9pm. That’s understandable, since the event hosts have day jobs and can only organize this summer festival in the evening. As if to make up for it, Lungo il Tevere goes on well into the night.
Where to find
The Tevere Expo takes place on the riverbank of Tiber, and stretches from Piazza Trilussa just on the south side of Ponte Sisto along the river, and to the end at Porta Portese. The areas between Ponte Sisto and Ponte Palatino are probably the most lively. The official website of the event www.lungoiltevereroma.it provides a map and a schedule to help you navigate through all the enticements of the festival.
