Things to do

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Block parties, the Sambadrome parade and how to experience Rio's Carnival, in season or out.

8guides

Carnival dates and planning — why the calendar moves, and how far ahead to book
Editor's pick

Carnival dates and planning — why the calendar moves, and how far ahead to book

Rio Carnival's dates move every year, tied to Easter. How the calendar works, how far ahead to book, and how hard prices climb as the date nears.

Read the guide →

More in carnival in rio de janeiro

Carnival safety in Rio — crowds, heat, and how to leave when you need to

Carnival safety in Rio — crowds, heat, and how to leave when you need to
Carnival vs New Year's Eve in Rio — genuinely different trips

Carnival vs New Year's Eve in Rio — genuinely different trips
Rio Carnival guide — what it actually is, and how the week is shaped

Rio Carnival guide — what it actually is, and how the week is shaped
Rio's Carnival blocos — the street parties, and how to actually find them

Rio's Carnival blocos — the street parties, and how to actually find them
Samba school rehearsals — Rio's best-kept Carnival secret

Samba school rehearsals — Rio's best-kept Carnival secret
Sambadrome tickets explained — sectors, prices, and which nights matter

Sambadrome tickets explained — sectors, prices, and which nights matter
What to wear at Rio Carnival — the abadá, the fantasia, and the practical reality

What to wear at Rio Carnival — the abadá, the fantasia, and the practical reality

Explore related categories

Samba and nightlife →When to go →