Rome to host historic four-day Vespa 80th anniversary celebration in June 2026

Rome is set to become the epicentre of a landmark celebration as VESPA ROMA 2026 – 80 YEARS OF AN ICON takes over the Italian capital from June 25 to 28, 2026. Sponsored by the Municipality of Rome, the four-day public festival will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Vespa, a global symbol of freedom, style and joie de vivre that has transcended generations and borders.

A city deeply intertwined with the scooter’s enduring legacy, Rome is preparing to welcome thousands of Vespisti from every continent for what is being described as the largest celebration in Vespa’s history.

Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, said: “The Vespa’s 80th anniversary will be a wonderful public festival for Rome. We are celebrating an Italian icon that is known and loved all over the world, a scooter that has kept its appeal intact from one generation to the next. The Vespa represents an important part of our history, our culture and Italy’s ability to innovate without losing its identity. Rome has helped to turn it into a legend through the movies and culture, and is proud to host this remarkable celebration: we are delighted to welcome thousands of Vespisti from around the world to our city to share this important anniversary together, in an atmosphere of passion and friendship.”

Echoing that sentiment, Matteo Colaninno, Piaggio Group Executive Chairman, said: “This is the greatest celebration in the history of the Vespa. And this is why we have chosen Rome, the capital of Italy.”

The heart of the festivities will be the Foro Italico and Stadio dei Marmi, which will be transformed into a dedicated Vespa Village. The venue will showcase the brand’s remarkable journey through rare historic models, the current Vespa range, lifestyle collections and exclusive merchandising, while serving as a gathering point for enthusiasts from around the world.

The celebrations begin on June 25 with the official opening ceremony, the unveiling of a commemorative coin issued by the Italian Ministry of Economy & Finance, a Poste Italiane first-day cancellation ceremony, and the inauguration of “80 Years of Vespa”, a photographic exhibition curated by Giacomo Bretzel. Evening entertainment will include a live showcase by Ditonellapiaga followed by a DJ set from Molella.

June 26 will see the Vespa Village come alive with activities organised by Vespa and its partners, alongside the European Vespa Rally Championship and the Gymkhana World Championship. Live performances on the Radio Deejay stage will culminate in a DJ set by Wad.

One of the festival’s defining moments arrives on June 27 with the Grand Parade, as thousands of Vespa scooters from every era ride through Rome’s iconic streets. A Treasure Hunt and the Vespa World Club awards ceremony will follow later in the day.

The final day, June 28, will feature the highly anticipated Elegance Contest, showcasing some of the rarest and most coveted Vespa models ever produced, before the official closing ceremony concludes the celebrations.

First introduced in 1946 amid a Europe embracing renewal and creativity, Vespa has evolved into a universal symbol of design, elegance and technology. Today, with millions of scooters on roads across every continent and more than two million units produced over the past decade alone, the iconic Italian brand continues to enjoy one of the most successful chapters in its storied history.