Rio Gastronomia: What to expect from Rio de Janeiro's biggest food festival (2026 guide)
If your trip to Rio de Janeiro happens between September 17 and October 4, 2026, there's one event food lovers and curious travelers shouldn't miss.
Rio Gastronomia is one of Brazil's main food festival, bringing together some of the country's best restaurants, renowned chefs, wine and cocktail bars, cooking demonstrations, and live music in one beautiful open-air venue.
But even if you're not a dedicated foodie, it's worth making room in your itinerary.
As I recommend in my guide to the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, one of the best ways to experience and understand Rio is through its food.
The city's dining scene isn't defined by its famous dishes. Instead, it's a mix of neighborhood botecos, traditional braseiros, lively street markets, beach snacks, and long meals meant to be shared rather than rushed.
Rio Gastronomia brings all of that together in one place. Instead of choosing a single restaurant, you can sample dishes from some of Rio's best kitchens and get a taste of the country's incredibly diverse culinary culture in just one afternoon or evening.
The setting is part of the experience. Rio Gastronomia takes place at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Gávea, one of Rio's most iconic event venues, surrounded by greenery and with beautiful views of Christ the Redeemer.
What is Rio Gastronomia?
Rio Gastronomia is an annual festival celebrating Brazilian cuisine and the chefs, restaurants, producers, and artisans who shape the country's food culture in Rio de Janeiro.
Over three weekends, visitors can wander through dozens of food stalls, try signature dishes from some of Rio's best restaurants, attend tastings and end the day with live performances by well-known Brazilian artists. The festival's concert lineup draws crowds not only for the food but also for the music.
While many locals come back every year, the festival is also a fantastic opportunity for visitors, where you can experience a wide variety of flavors in a relaxed setting and discover places you may want to visit later during your trip.
Rio Gastronomia 2026 at a glance
📅 Dates: September 17 to October 4, 2026 (open Thursday through Sunday each week)
🕒 Opening hours:
Thursday & Friday: 5:00 pm to midnight
Saturday: 12:00 pm to midnight
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
📍 Location: Jockey Club Brasileiro, Gávea
🎟️ Tickets: Available online
🍽️ Best for: Food lovers, couples, families and anyone visiting Rio in September
⏱️ Recommended visit: 3 to 5 hours
What you'll find at Rio Gastronomia
Rio Gastronomia goes beyond a food festival. It's a celebration of Brazilian cuisine, bringing together award-winning chefs, acclaimed restaurants, local producers, live entertainment, and interactive experiences over three weekends.
Whether you're looking for a memorable meal, curious to discover regional Brazilian flavors, or simply want to spend an afternoon enjoying good food and music, there's plenty to explore.
Award-winning chefs and restaurants
Every edition features some of Brazil's most respected chefs alongside well-known restaurants from Rio de Janeiro. It's a rare opportunity to sample signature dishes from places that would normally require separate reservations, all in one venue.
For the 2026 edition, highlights include restaurants such as Dois de Fevereiro, Koral, Bodegón, and Gonza, with chefs recognized by awards including the Michelin Guide and Rio Show Gastronomia.
Cooking demonstrations and tastings
Beyond the food stalls, the festival usually features live cooking demonstrations, talks with renowned chefs, tastings, and experiences showcasing Brazilian ingredients, regional traditions, wines, beers, cocktails, and artisanal products.
Live music throughout the day
Music is an important part of the festival atmosphere. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy performances by well-known Brazilian artists, with styles ranging from samba and MPB to pop, rock, and other genres.
The concert lineup is announced in the months leading up to the festival and is one of the most anticipated parts of the event each year. Many Cariocas follow the announcements just as closely as the restaurant lineup, making the music another reason to visit beyond the food.
👉 For the latest lineup and schedule, check Rio Gastronomia's official Instagram before your visit.
Activities for all ages
Rio Gastronomia is designed as an outdoor experience rather than simply a place to eat. Between meals, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, browse artisan stalls, relax in the gardens, and take in panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer.
One of the festival's most recognizable attractions is its Ferris wheel, which offers a unique perspective over the Jockey Club grounds and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular stop between tastings.
Tickets for Rio Gastronomia 2026
Tickets for Rio Gastronomia 2026 haven't been released yet. Prices, ticket categories, and the full visitor information will be announced in the months leading up to the festival.
As soon as they're available, I'll update this guide with everything you need to know, including prices, where to buy tickets, and my recommendations for the best days to visit.
How to get to Rio Gastronomia 2026
Rio Gastronomia takes place at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Gávea, one of Rio's most central neighborhoods.
By Uber or taxi
For most visitors staying in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, or Botafogo, Uber and taxis are the easiest way to reach the festival. Depending on traffic, the journey usually takes between 10 and 25 minutes.
By metro
The closest metro station is Antero de Quental, in Leblon. From there, it's just a short Uber or taxi ride to the Jockey Club entrance. If you're staying near a metro station, this is often the quickest option, especially on busy days.
Traffic tips
Keep in mind that traffic around the Jockey Club can become quite heavy when the festival attracts its biggest crowds. If you're planning to arrive for a specific concert or reservation, allow extra travel time or consider taking the metro to Leblon before switching to an Uber.
Leaving after the last concert? Ride-hailing demand usually spikes at the end of the night, so you may encounter longer wait times and surge pricing. If you're not in a hurry, grabbing a drink or dessert before heading home can make the trip back easier.
What to do nearby
Rio Gastronomia fits naturally into a day exploring some of Rio's greenest and most charming neighborhoods.
Thursday and Friday
Since the festival opens at 5:00 pm, take advantage of the day to discover the area at a slower pace.
Start with a walk or bike ride around Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, then head to the Jardim Botânico, one of Rio's most beautiful attractions. For lunch, consider Braseiro da Gávea, a local favorite known for its traditional grilled meats and relaxed Carioca atmosphere. Learn more about what a braseiro is and why it's such an important part of Carioca food culture in my guide to food in Rio de Janeiro.
From there, it's just a short walk to the Jockey Club Brasileiro to enjoy the festival throughout the evening.
Saturday and Sunday
With the festival opening at 12:00 pm, you have two great options.
If food is your priority, arrive around lunchtime and spend the afternoon exploring the different restaurants, tastings, and live performances.
If you'd rather balance sightseeing with the festival, start your day at Jardim Botânico or Parque Lage, both within walking distance of the venue, before heading to Rio Gastronomia.
After the festival, if you're not ready to call it a day, continue your evening with dinner or drinks in Leblon, or enjoy a relaxing stroll around Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
Looking for more itinerary ideas? Check out my Rio de Janeiro itineraries, with suggested plans for different trip lengths and travel styles.
Rio de Janeiro in September
Rio Gastronomia is one of the month's highlights, but it's not the only reason to visit. September also kicks off with Rock in Rio, while later in the month the city hosts Rio Gastronomia and the NFL game at Maracanã, making it one of the busiest and most exciting months on Rio's events calendar.
For a complete overview of the weather, what to pack, and everything happening during the month, check out my guide to Rio de Janeiro in September.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rio Gastronomia 2026?
Rio Gastronomia 2026 takes place from September 17 to October 4, over three consecutive weekends. The festival is open from Thursday to Sunday.
Where is Rio Gastronomia held?
The festival takes place at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Gávea, one of Rio de Janeiro's most beautiful neighborhoods, with views of Christ the Redeemer and easy access from the South Zone.
Is Rio Gastronomia worth visiting?
Yes. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious about Brazilian culture, Rio Gastronomia is one of the best ways to experience Rio's dining scene. It combines award-winning restaurants, renowned chefs, live music, and local flavors in a single venue.
How much are tickets for Rio Gastronomia 2026?
Ticket prices haven't been announced yet. This guide will be updated as soon as tickets go on sale, with prices, categories, and where to buy them.
How long should I spend at Rio Gastronomia?
Plan to spend at least three to five hours. That gives you enough time to try different restaurants, enjoy the live music, and explore the festival at a relaxed pace.
Can I visit Rio Gastronomia with children?
Yes. The festival is family-friendly and offers a spacious outdoor setting with attractions beyond the food, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
What's the best day to visit?
If you prefer smaller crowds, Thursday and Friday are usually the best options. Saturdays and Sundays offer a longer schedule, making them ideal if you want to spend most of the day at the festival.
Is Rio Gastronomia suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Although Brazilian barbecue is part of the experience, the festival typically features a wide variety of restaurants and regional cuisines, including vegetarian options. The final restaurant lineup is announced closer to the event.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to attend Rio Gastronomia?
Not necessarily. While most staff speak Portuguese, ordering food is usually straightforward, and many restaurants use digital menus or have staff accustomed to serving international visitors. A translation app can also be helpful.
Written by Karina — a born-and-raised Carioca with 12+ years in the tourism industry. She created Going to Rio to share the city the way locals actually live it. Learn more about Karina
