Fanpage.it opens the doors of the Acquario Romano in central Rome on October 10 and 11 for the second edition of Rumore Festival, a two day event that stages the newsroomâs formats as live performances and places journalists, politicians and artists on the same programme. The organisers say the goal is to translate the digital paperâs investigative and discussion formats into talks, monologues and performances that invite direct public participation.

What is on stage

The festival agenda mixes politics, culture and entertainment. The opening programme for Saturday morning begins with Francesco Cancellato, the director of Fanpage.it, followed by a series of panels and live shows that mirror the outletâs digital formats. The weekend includes editorial projects presented in person: Direct, Scanner, Abisso, Magnetica and Streghe, each adapted for the live stage.

High profile participants scheduled for the weekend reflect the eventâs hybrid character. Political names expected to appear include Giuseppe Conte, Elly Schlein, Nicola Fratoianni and Giovanni Donzelli. On the cultural and entertainment side, the festival programme lists Roberto Saviano, Stefano De Martino, Francesca Michielin, Paola Turci and Dargen DâAmico among the guests. The schedule also features a monologue by Roberto Saviano, billed as a reflection on press freedom and the pressures facing independent journalism.

Format and logistics

The Rumore Festival takes place inside and around the Acquario Romano, an ornate 19th century building on Piazza Manfredo Fanti. Organisers have arranged a main stage inside the building and additional outdoor viewing areas, with talks also streamed live for audiences who cannot attend in person. Entrance is free but requires online reservation to guarantee capacity control.

Fanpage has emphasised the interactive aspect of the event, inviting audiences to ask questions and take part in conversations. Several political sessions are scheduled as direct, onstage confrontations, while other moments will shift toward performance and music to explore how cultural expression intersects with current affairs.

Why it matters for Italyâs cultural calendar

The festival arrives at a moment when Italian cultural events increasingly blur the boundary between journalism, activism and entertainment. By staging live versions of investigative formats, Fanpage is betting that audiences want more sustained, in person engagement with reporting and debate, rather than the short form exchange typical of social platforms.

Rumore Festival also draws attention because it pairs political leaders with journalists and artists in the same programme. In a country where cultural festivals and political discourse often overlap, the event provides a concentrated space to observe how media outlets position themselves as civic conveners as well as news providers.

Practical information for attendees

  • Dates: Saturday October 10 and Sunday October 11, 2026.
  • Location: Acquario Romano, Piazza Manfredo Fanti 47, Rome.
  • Tickets: Free, reservation required. Events will be live streamed on Fanpage.itâs YouTube channel for those who cannot attend.

The organisers have asked journalists to register in advance for accreditation. They have also made clear that while the outdoor areas will be open to general audiences, some indoor sessions have limited seating and priority options for subscribers.

Context and reception

Local event listings and Rome focused outlets have highlighted the festivalâs mix of investigative journalism and cultural programming. Coverage emphasizes the festivalâs editorial intent, noting that several of Fanpageâs most prominent formats will be translated into in person conversations and shows. In the run up to the festival, organisers promoted a programme that places equivalent weight on political debate and musical or theatrical moments, an approach aimed at widening the eventâs appeal beyond a conventional media audience.

Observers will be watching how the festival handles sensitive political debates and investigative reporting in a live setting, and whether bringing newsroom formats onto the stage changes the dynamics between speakers, interviewers and the public. The prominence of high profile political figures, and a scheduled monologue by Saviano on press freedom, may make the festival a focal point for broader conversations about media independence in Italy.

For Rome residents and visitors interested in contemporary cultural life and public debate, Rumore Festival offers a weekend of accessible programming that deliberately sits at the intersection of journalism and entertainment. Those who cannot make it in person can follow the programme via Fanpage.itâs streaming channels.