Rio Carnival 2027: Dates, weather, Sambadrome tickets & how to plan ahead
If you're already thinking about Rio Carnival 2027, you're ahead of most travelers, and that matters. Flights fill up, hotels in the best neighborhoods sell out months in advance, and Sambadrome tickets are released in phases throughout the year.
Heads up: tickets are already on sale. Grandstand tickets for the Sambadrome are sold out but VIP box seats packages are available. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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When is Brazil Carnival 2027?
Carnival 2027 officially takes place from Friday, February 5 through Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027. Carnival in Brazil is held 40 days before Easter, which means the dates change every year.
The Sambadrome parades span five nights, but not all nights are the same. February 7, 8, and 9 are the Special Group parades, when the most established schools, with elaborate floats and the highest production value. February 5 and 6 feature the Access Group, newer schools competing for a spot in the top tier.
The Champions' Parade, where the top-ranked schools of the year perform again, takes place on February 13, 2027.
Rio de Janeiro in February: Weather and what to expect
February in Rio de Janeiro is peak summer, with temperatures between 35°C and 40°C (95°F to 104°F), high humidity, and short but intense afternoon rain showers. It's also peak travel season, so expect the city, and prices, at their busiest.
Why planning Carnival 2027 early matters
Carnival in Rio can be spontaneous if your plan is to follow the street blocos, free street parties that take over Rio's neighborhoods during Carnival week, no tickets required, , though knowing which ones to go to (and when) makes a real difference.
Private parties, feijoadas and Carnival balls sit somewhere in between. Tickets for these usually go on sale much closer to Carnival, sometimes even during Carnival week itself, so you don't need to plan months ahead. On the guide to Carnival parties and balls I update as the best options are advertised.
But if the Sambadrome parade is on your list, planning ahead makes a real difference.
Tickets are released in limited phases throughout the year, and the most popular sectors sell first, months before Carnival.
Buying early means more sector options and better pricing, especially for the grandstands and front boxes, which tend to sell out before the official dates.
And it is not just the tickets. Flights become more expensive, the best hotels fill up quickly and some tours reach capacity during Carnival week. Booking early gives you more choice and usually saves money.
Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome: understanding the ticket types
Rio Carnival Sambadrome map
Not all Sambadrome tickets work the same way and knowing the difference before you buy matters.
Grandstands (arquibancadas)
Those are the most common and affordable way to watch the parade. They're sold directly by Liesa, the organization that runs the Sambadrome parades, released in phases throughout the year with limited windows that open and close fast.
Some sectors have numbered seats, while others are general admission, first come, first served, so arriving early matters if your ticket isn't numbered. Grandstands are uncovered, so keep that in mind if it rains.
Front boxes (frisas)
Small private boxes at ground level, right at the front of the grandstands. Closer to the parade and at eye level with the performers, usually standing room shared among a small group. They're sold by Liesa in the same phased releases as grandstands, at higher price points, typically released between August and September.
Camarotes (VIP boxes seats)
The private boxes are sold year-round via Ticketmaster, with no fixed release windows, the most accessible option if you're planning from abroad, since you can secure your spot anytime without monitoring sale dates.
They usually include open bar and food in air-conditioned spaces, live music and DJs between parades, dedicated seating with parade views, and round-trip transportation to the Sambadrome. No metro, no surge pricing, no logistics to figure out.
The three viewing levels at the Sambadrome: front boxes (frisas) at ground level, VIP boxes (camarotes) just above, and grandstands (arquibancadas) at the top with the widest view of the avenue.
Which Sambadrome sector is right for you?
Two things decide what you'll experience: seat type, and where along the avenue you sit.
Schools enter at one end and exit at the other, so sectors 1–3 catch them still warming up, sectors 12–13 catch them wrapping up, and the sweet spot with full energy, percussion at its loudest is roughly 4 through 11. Between sectors 9 and 11, some schools also pull their bateria off to the side briefly, the "recuo da bateria". If you're there for it, you feel the drums as much as hear them.
As for seat type, my take after years of watching from every one: if budget isn't a concern, Front boxes (Frisas) are my pick. You're at ground level, closest to the spectacle, in a private space instead of a crowd. The trade-off is they're uncovered, so rain is a real risk.
VIP boxes (Camarotes) solve that: covered, all-inclusive with food, drinks and transportation, and what most first-time visitors end up choosing, though you're sharing the view with hundreds of people instead of a handful.
Grandstands (Arquibancadas) win on scale: a wide, unobstructed view of the whole avenue rather than just the section in front of you.
Want more details about the Sambadrome? Read the complete Sambadrome guide for the full sector-by-sector breakdown.
Tickets available for Rio Carnival 2027
Last ticket update: August 2026. This page is updated as new phases are confirmed.
All official Rio Carnival tickets are sold through Ticketmaster Brasil with international cards accepted and no Brazilian CPF (Tax ID number) needed.
As of August 2026, tickets for the grandstands are already sold out. The VIP boxes below, all-inclusive air-conditioned spaces, are currently available.
Keep in mind that the cheapest options often sell out months before Carnival.
Camarote Lounge Carioca — Located in Sector 7, in the middle of the avenue, with great views of the parade including a terrace lounge integrated. All inclusive service plus transfer to and from the Sambódromo. Prices from $500 (Sunday through tuesday). Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote Camisa 10 — In Sector 8, with two floors and modern atmosphere. All inclusive with open bar, food and transportation. Prices from $480 (Sunday through Tuesday). Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote Portela — Located in Sector 3, with a terrace lounge. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $500 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Lounge Viradouro — Located in Sector 4, with a front terrace lounge. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $540 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote Folia Tropical— Located in Sector 8, with 3 floors and accessible spaces. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $650 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote Aura — Located in Sector 2, includes a terrace lounge, true to its sector 2 location right besides where the drums warm up. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $650 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote N. 1— Located in Sector 2, in front where the drums warm up. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $750 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote Alegria — Located in Sector 11, with a big terrace lounge. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $750 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
Camarote Verde e Rosa — Located in Sector 7, focusing in sophisticated spaces. All inclusive service with transportation. Prices from $1.000 (Sunday through Tuesday).
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.
🎭 First time at Rio Carnival?
If this is your first time, you're probably wondering about more than dates and tickets. Here's where to go next, from understanding Carnival itself to planning the rest of your trip
What is Rio Carnival really like
Understand the Sambadrome, the energy and what to expect as a first-timer.
Where should you stay during Carnival
Find the best neighborhood for your travel style and plans.
Carnival beyond the Sambadrome parade
Discover private parties, Carnival balls, free events and other ways to celebrate.
How much does Rio de Janeiro Carnival really cost?
Budgets fro different travel styles, including accommodation and events.
Traveling to Rio for the first time?
Flights, visas, vaccines and other practical tips before you go.
Visiting Rio de Janeiro during Carnival
Carnival transforms the city beyond the parades and street parties. Attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain remain open, but the city gets much busier.
During Carnival week, some streets close for blocos, transportation takes longer, and popular attractions fill up quickly. Planning your sightseeing with a bit more flexibility makes a big difference.
If you want to experience more than Carnival, consider arriving a few days early or staying a few days longer. You'll enjoy a quieter side of Rio and have more time to explore the city's main attractions.
Discover the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro and plan your days around the celebrations.
Rio Carnival: the numbers behind the world's biggest party
If you're wondering why booking early matters, the numbers tell the story.
Rio Carnival attracts millions of visitors every year, making it one of the busiest weeks of the year for flights, hotels and attractions.
Carnival 2026 in numbers:
8 million people attended Carnival in Rio in 2026
2 million were tourists from outside the city
310,000 were international visitors — a 18.5% increase over the previous year
Hotels reached a record 99% occupancy during Carnival week
36% of all international tourists who came to Brazil specifically for Carnival chose Rio
FAQ - Rio Carnival 2027
When do Rio Carnival 2027 tickets go on sale?
Grandstand tickets (arquibancadas) go on sale August 10, 2026 at 7pm BRT (GMT -3) via Ticketmaster. See the full ticket breakdown above for camarote and front box pricing.
What are the dates for Rio Carnival 2027?
February 5–10, 2027, with the Special Group parades on February 7, 8, and 9.
How much do Sambadrome tickets cost for Carnival 2027?
Grandstand tickets start at R$ 250 (~USD 50) and go on sale on August 10, 2026 at 7pm BRT (GMT -3) via Ticketmaster.
Allocated seats (cadeiras numeradas) and front boxes (frisas) will follow between August and September, at higher price points.
Camarote luxury boxes prices start at around USD 270, varying by box, night, and what's included. Most camarotes offer open bar, food, transportation and better sightlines than the general grandstands. Several are already in early pre-sale.
This post is updated as new phases are confirmed.
Do I need to buy Sambadrome tickets in advance?
Yes, especially for the Special Group parades. The most popular sectors sell out months before Carnival. If attending the Sambadrome is a priority, buying as soon as tickets become available in your preferred category is strongly recommended.
How can I buy Sambadrome tickets from abroad?
Tickets for the Rio Carnival Sambadrome parades are sold exclusively through Ticketmaster Brasil at ticketmaster.com.br. The platform accepts international credit cards, so you can purchase directly from abroad without needing a Brazilian CPF or local payment method.
Select your sector, choose your parade night once the school order is confirmed, and complete the purchase in Brazilian Reais, your bank will handle the currency conversion. It's worth checking your card's international transaction fees before buying. Digital tickets are delivered by email and can be presented on your phone at the Sambadrome entrance.
What is the Sambadrome and where is it located?
The Sambadrome (officially Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí) is the purpose-built parade avenue where Rio Carnival's samba school competitions take place. It's located in the Centro neighborhood, accessible by metro (Praça Onze is the closest station).
Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1984, it holds approximately 70,000 spectators across grandstands, allocated seats, and camarote boxes.
How long do the Sambadrome parades last?
The Special Group parades run across two nights — Sunday, February 7 and Monday, February 8, 2027. Gates open at 9pm and the last samba school typically finishes after 5am. Each school has between 60 and 90 minutes to complete their parade.
The parade order is announced in advance, if you're attending for one specific school, check the schedule closer to the event to know what time they enter.
Is Rio Carnival safe for tourists?
Rio Carnival attracts millions of people and the city prepares accordingly — dedicated Carnival police units, medical posts throughout bloco routes, and controlled entry at the Sambadrome.
The usual precautions apply: use a crossbody bag, keep your phone in a secure pocket, avoid displaying expensive jewelry in crowded street parties. Our complete guide to safety in Rio covers everything worth knowing before your trip.
What should I wear to Rio Carnival?
For the blocos: light, breathable clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Flip flops are a bad idea in large street parties where crowd density makes footing unpredictable.
Costumes are welcome but entirely optional. For the Sambadrome: comfort still matters since the parades run through the night, though many visitors dress up for the occasion. Temperatures drop slightly in the early morning hours, so a light layer helps.
Can I attend Rio Carnival without speaking Portuguese?
Yes. The blocos are self-explanatory — you show up and follow the music. The Sambadrome is a spectator event with a clear structure. Most hotels in Copacabana and Ipanema have English-speaking staff. A few words of Portuguese go a long way: obrigada (thank you), com licença (excuse me), onde fica o metrô? (where is the metro?).
Written by Karina
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina
Three real budgets for spending Carnival in Rio, covering hotels, Sambadrome tickets, food, and sightseeing, so you know exactly what to expect no matter your travel style.