Rio Carnival
In real life Fri, Feb 5 – Sat, Feb 13, 2027 · Night parades
Samba schools parade through the Sambadrome. The Série Ouro opens on Feb 5–6, the Grupo Especial parades Feb 7–9, and the Champions' Parade closes on Feb 13.
Rio Carnival's centrepiece is the samba school parade at the Sambadrome, a purpose-built stretch of Marquês de Sapucaí Avenue with grandstands along both sides. Twenty-nine schools parade in 2027: 17 in the Série Ouro division on February 5–6 and 12 in the top Grupo Especial on February 7–9, four each night. Each Grupo Especial parade lasts about 70–80 minutes.
The results are announced on Wednesday, February 10, and the top schools return for the Champions' Parade on Saturday, February 13. Away from the Sambadrome, free street parties called blocos fill the city for several weekends before and after Carnival.
🎟 Cost: Sambadrome grandstand tickets are about R$250 at face value (half-price seats R$125, popular sector R$10). Resale prices are much higher. Blocos are free.
🕒 When: Fri, Feb 5 – Sat, Feb 13, 2027, Night parades
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What to expect
- Série Ouro parades, Friday and Saturday February 5–6
- Grupo Especial parades, Sunday to Tuesday February 7–9, four schools a night
- The results announcement on Wednesday February 10 at 3 PM
- The Champions' Parade on Saturday February 13
- Free street blocos across the city in the weeks around Carnival
Tips for going
- Buy only through official channels. Face-value tickets need a Brazilian CPF (tax ID).
- Gates open around 7 PM for the Grupo Especial. Parades run late into the night, so plan your transport home.
- For free Carnival, look for bloco schedules in the weeks before and after the parades.
Questions people ask
When is Rio Carnival 2027?
February 5–10, with the Champions' Parade on February 13, 2027.
How much are Sambadrome tickets?
Regular grandstand seats are about R$250 at face value. Resale seats run roughly US$140–350 a night, and premium frisas more.
Is any of it free?
Yes. The street blocos are free.
About Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer stands on the summit of Corcovado, arms open over Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf.
Getting there: The Corcovado rack railway climbs from Cosme Velho to just below the summit, and official vans run from Copacabana and Largo do Machado.
More about Rio de Janeiro and its 3D version →
Also in Rio de Janeiro
In real lifeDetails checked against carnavalrio.eu. Organizers change plans, so confirm there before you go.
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