Festivals in Rio de Janeiro in 2025
Rio de Janeiro, known for its natural beauty and vibrant beaches, is also a great stage for music and cultural festivals. The city that is home to the world’s largest music festival, Rock in Rio, knows how to provide unique and memorable musical experiences.
And this is a long-standing legacy, as since 1985, the year of the first RIR concert marathon, Rio de Janeiro has been making history by bringing together big names in national and international music. After the success of this major event, the city saw a significant increase in the number of festivals, with a variety of musical and cultural genres. From large-scale paid events to free festivals, Rio has established itself as one of the main destinations for those seeking cultural diversity and great shows.
40 years later, the effects of this legacy are still visible. Mainly because the number of events is expected to reach a record 20% increase by 2025. The schedule for the year is quite varied and, so that you can guarantee your presence at each one of them, we have prepared this blog post with some festivals that have already been confirmed. Check it out.
Universo Spanta
To start the year off right, the best plan is to go to a festival filled with incredible artists and, of course, lots of good music. The 3rd edition of the Universo Spanta Festival will take place from January 6th to 19th, at Marina da Glória. Among the highlights, a day of homage to the 75th anniversary of the trio elétrico and 40 years of axé, with Ivete Sangalo, Bell Marques, Daniela Mercury and Armandinho, Dodô and Osmar. In addition to unmissable attractions from samba to funk, from rap to national pop.
Tickets vary between the ‘Pista’ and ‘Espaço Cidade Maravilhosa’ sectors and can be purchased by clicking this link.
Casa Bloco
The perfect pre-Carnival is here! The Casa Bloco Festival will take place on February 6, 7 and 8 at the Jockey Club in its sixth edition. The event will feature big names in MPB and samba, such as Elba Ramalho, Chico César, Vanessa da Mata and Diogo Nogueira.
The full schedule can be found on the event website and tickets can now be purchased at this link.
Auê Festival
This tip is for those who want to party in style with artists who are the face of Rio Carnival. From March 2 to 8, the 6th edition of Carnaval Auê will take place at Armazém da Utopia. It will be a 6-day event, with over 45 hours of shows, 2 stages, blocos and DJs.
Among the confirmed attractions are Ludmilla, Belo and Os Garotin. Tickets for the festival are also now available.
Punk is coming
Also in March, Rio will host the punk rock festival ‘Punk is Coming’. The bands The Offspring, Sublime and Rise Against will perform at the event that promises to be an explosion of energy and attitude!
Tickets have been on sale since October 2024, so we recommend purchasing your tickets before they run out on the website.
Rep Festival
Changing the musical style a little bit, the Rep Festival is the biggest rap festival in Brazil and in 2025 it will bring together big names in the genre on April 19th and 20th. This time, the Rap City will be at the Olympic Park, also known as the main festival hub in the country!
The event will feature 2 days of parties, 4 stages, over 100 artists from the scene and 24 hours of good music. Attractions such as Racionais, Xamã, Djonga and many other artists are on the event’s line-up. You can find more information about the Rep Festival on the official Instagram.
Alma Festival
This is the perfect choice for those who want a complete festival experience, combining music, games, arts and sport in one event. The Alma Festival features big names in Rap, Hip Hop and Funk.
In 2025, the festival will take place on July 19 at Riocentro, and you can follow upcoming information and details about the event on the official instagram.
Queremos! Festival
Liniker’s first show in Rio in 2025 will be at Marina da Glória! And along with her, Yago Oproprio returns to the city after selling out Circo Voador. In addition, Anelis Assunção and her cathartic show Legalize it! are coming to make the magical night of the Queremos! Festival.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 12, and you can get your tickets here. It’s also worth checking out the festival’s official instagram for more details.
Mimo Festival
In its 8th edition in Rio, it takes place from June 18 to 21 in iconic venues such as Circo Voador (Lapa), the Church of Santa Cruz dos Militares and arenas in Penha and Pavuna. Completely free, the event brings together concerts, film screenings, workshops, debates and educational activities, celebrating international music and valuing the city’s cultural heritage. Check out more information here.
90’s Festival
The 90’s Festival returns for its second edition in 2025 in Rio de Janeiro and will take place from July 19 to 27. The event brings together big hits from the 90s for a nostalgic party. Among the artists and bands confirmed are Detonautas, Cidade Negra, Buchecha, Daniela Mercury, Ed Motta and much more!
A unique opportunity to revisit one of the most important eras in Brazilian music. Get your tickets on this website and keep up with news about the event on their instagram profile.
Winter Festival 2025
Held at Marina da Glória on the weekends of July 11-13 and August 1-3, the event is in its 8th edition with a musical program that brings together big names from MPB, rock, pagode and funk, such as Caetano Veloso, Paulinho da Viola, Liniker, Pedro Sampaio and Ferrugem. In addition to the shows, the festival offers a complete structure, sustainable impact and a contagious energy that warms the heart, proving that, even in Rio’s winter, the atmosphere is one of pure joy. Tickets here.
Doce Maravilha
In its third Carioca edition, the festival takes place on September 27 and 28, 2025, at the charming Jockey Club Brasileiro, in Gávea. Curated by the renowned Nelson Motta, the event celebrates Brazilian music with unique performances and incredible encounters, including shows by Ney Matogrosso with Marisa Monte, Zeca Pagodinho, Liniker with Pabllo Vittar, Nando Reis and Samuel Rosa. Get your ticket on the website.
Rio Jazz Fest
The Rio Jazz Fest also takes place at Marina da Glória on October 12 and 13. The festival brings together renowned Brazilian and international jazz artists, offering sophisticated evenings of music, conversation and cultural conviviality. Some of the names confirmed are Barão Vermelho, Lenine and Sandra de Sá. Tickets here.
Clássicos do Brasil
Still in the same vibe as the outstanding classics of Brazilian music, the Clássicos do Brasil festival exalts Brazilianness and celebrates our timeless artists. Its third edition in Rio will take place from October 10 to 19 at Marina da Glória.
Information on tickets and attractions will be released soon. That’s why it’s important to stay tuned to the event’s social networks.
Rock the Mountain
Another tip goes to Rock the Mountain, which, besides assuring a quality musical experience, offers a getaway from Rio to one of the neighboring cities most loved by cariocas: Itaipava | Petrópolis. A festival that brings together youth, modernity, sustainability, freedom, style, fun, gastronomy and, of course, lots of music! All this in the middle of nature, in the Prefeito Paulo Rattes Municipal Park.
The 12th edition will take place over two weekends: October 31 to November 2 and the second weekend from November 7 to 9. The big names already confirmed in the line-up are: Liniker, Baiana System and Ney Matogrosso. Get your tickets now!
Festivals that are worth the trip, beyond the music
In addition to the music festivals, Rio de Janeiro offers incredible events that explore flavors, art and culture in a unique way, perfect for including in your schedule at the Ipanema Inn:
Rio Book Biennial 2025
The Biennial takes place at Riocentro (Barra da Tijuca), from June 13 to 22, and offers an extensive program: launches, lectures, autograph sessions, exhibitions and debates. A full plate for lovers of reading and culture, with millions of titles and ideas circulating in one place. Find out more here.
Mondial de la Bière
From 20 to 22 June, the festival brings together hundreds of national and imported beer labels, expert-guided pairings, delicious food and a lively atmosphere. Check out their social media for updates.
Rio Gastronomia 2025
Held from August 14 to 31 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary by promoting meetings between renowned chefs (such as Lasai, Nosso/Katz-Su and San Omakase), producers and the public. With experiences that combine haute cuisine, street food and interactive activities, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore Rio and international cuisine. Tickets will be available on the official website.
ArtRio – Rio de Janeiro Art Fair
From September 10 to 14, ArtRio returns to Marina da Glória to celebrate its 15th edition. Considered one of the most important art meetings in Latin America, it brings together galleries, public interventions, debates and workshops, ideal for those who want to connect with contemporary art and visual culture.
Well, in 2025, Rio de Janeiro promises to be one of the most vibrant destinations for music and culture lovers, with a packed schedule of festivals to suit all tastes. So if you’re looking for fun, energy and diversity, Rio will certainly be the place to be next year.
And for visitors who want to enjoy these experiences in Rio, we have the perfect accommodation recommendation. Ipanema Inn offers proximity and easy access to many of the events we’ve listed here, along with services that will make your entire stay truly memorable. Our concierge team is always ready to provide personalized service, offering all the information you need and tips on how to make the most of the festivals in Rio.
Plus, on @ipanemainn’s Instagram, you’ll find Rio Zine, a complete monthly guide to help you enjoy everything the Marvelous City has to offer. Rio is waiting for you with open arms!
