Category Archives: rio de janeiro

rio de janeiro

New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in the world to ring in the New Year (or, as Brazilians call it Réveillon.)  While the northern hemisphere is freezing, the beaches of Rio are warm … and the men are hot! 

If you only have 1–2 days in Rio around Réveillon

A guided “highlights” day is the easiest way to knock out Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf without wasting hours on lines and transit — leaving you fresh for the beach and parties at night.
Check dates & prices with Viator »

Réveillon 2026: a  Survival Guide

Rio on New Year’s is a beautiful, chaotic, white-clad stampede. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s also a choose-your-own-adventure: Copacabana beach (free, iconic, and absolutely insane) or ticketed parties (expensive, curated, and also insane—just with open bar).

Quick Jump

Hotels and Places to Stay

Reality check: hotels sell out and prices spike hard for Réveillon. If you want Copacabana/Ipanema and you want it without a weird “surprise” at check-in, book early.

Two classic, beachfront picks (often pricey, often worth it):

More options (and a bigger list): Gay-friendly hotels & places to stay in Rio

The Beach: Copacabana + the Fireworks (the main character)

This is the iconic, free version of Réveillon: Copacabana Beach, fireworks, stages, and a crowd so large it feels like Rio is trying to be seen from space.  Copacabana is also the home of Rio’s gay bars and nightlife.

What you do: wear white, meet your friends at a specific Posto number, drink something cold, watch the show, and try not to lose your phone before midnight.

Copacabana Stages (Official Schedule)

Palco Rio (in front of Copacabana Palace):

  • 20:00 – Gilberto Gil + Ney Matogrosso
  • 22:30 – Belo + Alcione
  • 00:12 – João Gomes + Iza
  • 02:00 – Alok
  • 03:30 – Beija-Flor (Samba school)

Palco Samba Amstel (Copacabana, near Rua República do Peru):

  • 20:00 – Roberta Sá
  • 22:00 – Mart’nália
  • 00:12 – Diogo Nogueira
  • 01:40 – Feyjão + Bloco da Preta
  • 03:30 – Grande Rio (Samba school)

VamosGay tip: if you want “gay interest” without needing a wristband, the Samba stage lineup is usually the friendlier vibe. Also: the ocean is not a suggestion—if you jump waves, do it sober-ish and hold onto your friends.

The Parties: Circuit + Clubs 

If Copacabana feels like too much humanity per square meter, the paid parties are your upgrade: open bar, bathrooms, DJs, and a crowd that actually planned their outfit. Tickets sell out. Prices go up. You have been warned.

Réveillon CHEERS 2026 (LGBTQ+ mega-party)

Headliner: Ludmilla
Where: Tribuna Social – Jockey Club (Gávea)
When: Dec 31 (Wednesday), doors listed as 21:00
Tickets / official info (Bilheteria Digital)

After party option (same organizer): VIRA – O After da Cheers (listed as 06:00–12:00, separate ticket, drinks sold separately).

GUAPO: Night → Day (two-part “keep going” package)

GUAPO Night Party: Jan 1 (23:00 → 08:00)
GUAPO Day Party: Jan 2 (08:00 → 18:00)
Translation: if you go, you are basically agreeing to be a beautiful zombie by Saturday.
Official updates usually appear first on their Instagram: instagram.com/guapo.fiesta

Local LGBTQ+ nightlife (for the sane)

  • Pink Flamingo (Copacabana): drag, pop, sweaty dancing, and a very Rio mix of tourists + locals. Check their NYE programming on socials before you commit.
  • More options: Gay bars & clubs of Rio

CLOSED (legend status): The Week Rio (no, it’s not coming back—stop asking your Brazilian friend’s cousin’s roommate).

Safety + Logistics

  • Leave valuables at the hotel. If you wouldn’t hand it to a stranger at a music festival, don’t bring it to Copacabana.
  • Phone strategy: keep it in a front pocket, zipped bag, or hotel safe. Consider a cheap backup phone for the beach.
  • Stick to a Posto number. “I’m on the beach” is not a location. Posto 4 is a location.
  • Hydrate. Heat + booze + crowds = you making poor life choices.

Getting to Rio

  • Airports: GIG (international) and SDU (domestic, closer to the action).  Find the cheapest flights to both GIG and SDU » 
  • Local transport: Metro + walking is often smarter than sitting in holiday traffic. For rides, use official taxis/Uber and confirm plates.

Visa note (important for some travelers)

U.S. travelers: Brazil reinstated a visa requirement for U.S. passport holders (eVisa option). Check requirements early—don’t show up at the airport with vibes and confidence.

Bookmark this page for your gay Rio New Years plans, or subscribe to our newsletter below.

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bars & clubs

Silêncio Ipanema

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Silêncio (Ipanema) is a fun, flirty gay bar in the heart of Ipanema — a solid “start here, stay too long” option when you want drinks, DJs, and a crowd that’s clearly there to socialize (and yes, flirt). It’s also one of the few places that manages to feel like a bar first… and still turns into a party when the night hits.


Rua Teixeira de Melo, 47 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

Open daily from 12PM (free entry) — check Instagram for tonight’s DJ/programming.

The vibe is very Ipanema: easy, confident, and a little showy in the best way. Expect pop/party energy depending on the night, and a mixed crowd (locals + visitors) that skews social early and more dancey later.

If you’re staying near Posto 9 / Farme de Amoedo (the gay beach zone), Silêncio is an easy add-on to your night — especially when you want something fun that isn’t a full-on mega-club commitment.

Two tips for visitors:
1) Go earlier if you want space to chat; go later if you want the room to feel more “party.”
2) Programming changes constantly — use Instagram as the official “what’s happening tonight” source before you leave the hotel.

Back to the master list:

Rio Gay Bars & Clubs »

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Gay Saunas, Cinemas, and Sex Clubs of Rio de Janeiro

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Do gay men really need a guide to getting laid in Rio de Janeiro?  It is a city with several gay clubs and an open culture where a stroll along the beach can lead to a sexual conquest.  Combined with mobile apps like Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder (all very popular in Brazil) sex is almost too easy in Rio. The VamosGay Google Map to Gay Rio de Janeiro makes it even easier.  Most of the locations are tourist friendly, but use caution.


Quick reality check: hours, entry rules, and “theme nights” change constantly. Always click the official link before you leave your hotel.

Before You Go: 5 Rules That Save Your Night

  • Carry less: bring one card + a little cash. Leave your passport in the hotel safe.
  • Use lockers: if a venue offers armários/lockers, use them. Don’t be brave.
  • Respect the vibe: these are adult spaces. If it’s not your scene, don’t force it.
  • Phones down: many venues restrict phone use. Assume it’s a “no photos” zone.
  • Get home safely: call a car (99/Uber) instead of wandering around at 3am.

Editor’s Choice ★ (Start Here)

★ Rio G Spa (Ipanema)

Address: Rua Teixeira de Melo, 16 – Ipanema
A polished, visitor-friendly option in the heart of Ipanema — ideal if you want something easy, central, and walkable from the beach.

★ Sauna Copacabana (Copacabana)

Address: Rua Dias da Rocha, 83 – Copacabana
Classic “Copa” energy and a solid choice if you’re staying near the beach and want a straightforward night without crossing the city.

★ Sauna Carioca (Catete)

Address: Rua Barão de Guaratiba, 20 – Catete
Zona Sul-adjacent, consistent, and easy to reach by metro. A good pick if you’re based around Flamengo/Catete/Glória.

More Saunas & Adult Clubs

Point 202 (Copacabana)

Address: Rua Siqueira Campos, 202 – Copacabana
A “late afternoon into night” option in Copa with its own loyal crowd. Check their socials for the day’s theme/vibe.

Club 117 (Glória)

Address: Rua Cândido Mendes, 117 – Glória
Central location near Glória. If you’re in Centro/Lapa/Flamengo, this can be a convenient stop.  Famous for “garotos de programas”

SB Cruising Bar Sauna (Botafogo)

Address: Rua Dezenove de Fevereiro, 162 – Botafogo
A bigger “venue-style” space with multiple areas. Always verify entry rules + schedule on their official pages.

Show Bar Madureira

Address: R. Carvalho de Souza, 278 – Madureira, RJ
An explicitly adult men-only venue catering to a local crowd, with a cruising-forward environment. This is not a bar-crawl stop — go with clear expectations and confirm current rules and hours via Show Bar Madureira’s WhatsApp before visiting.

Sauna Bonsucesso (Bonsucesso)

Address: Rua Bonsucesso, 252-A – Bonsucesso
More local/suburban than touristy. If you’re curious, go with realistic expectations and plan your transport.

Cruising Bars (Centro)

Seven Cruising Bar / Seven Bar de Cabines (Centro)

Address: Praça da República, 141 – 2º andar – Centro
One of the best-known “men-only” cruising bars in Centro. Expect stricter rules (especially around phones) and check the schedule before you go.

Adult Cinema (Centro)

Cine Íris (Centro)

Address: Rua da Carioca, 49 – Centro
Historic venue with an adult-programming reputation. Important: it has had intermittent closures/inspections in 2025 — verify current status before making the trip.

Coming Soon (2026)

Dédalos Rio (expected Jan/2026)

Rio is on the official expansion list for January 2026. The Sao Paulo-based brand has teased a Rio unit and is actively posting about it. No reason to guess addresses yet — follow their official updates and we’ll add details the moment it opens.

Gone But Not Forgotten

These were popular in past versions of this guide, but are no longer reliable as “current” recommendations.

  • Leblon Spa Club / Termas Leblon — reported closed since 2020 (legacy favorite).
  • Club 29 (Botafogo) — widely reported as closed .
bars & clubs, rio de janeiro

Silêncio Barra da Tijuca

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⛔ Permanently closed

Silêncio (Barra da Tijuca) is now closed. If you’re searching for the old Barra location, the official Silêncio Barra profile currently indicates fechado (closed).


Av. Olegário Maciel, 135 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

Looking for Silêncio in Rio? The active venue is Silêncio Ipanema (Zona Sul), which continues to post current programming and hours. Before you go, always check the latest updates on Instagram:
@silencio.ipanema.

Back to the master list:

Rio Gay Bars & Clubs »

bars & clubs, rio de janeiro

Up Turn

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Up Turn is one of Barra’s best-known LGBT-friendly nightlife options — part bar, part balada, and famous for its big, high-energy open bar nights. It’s located inside the Freeway Center shopping complex on Avenida das Américas.


Av. das Américas, 2000 (Freeway Center) – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

What to expect: themed nights, pop/funk energy, a mixed crowd, and a “party-first” vibe that’s easy to plug into if you’re staying in Barra. The schedule changes constantly, so treat Instagram as the “official truth” for tonight’s theme, start time, and ticket link.

Two tips for visitors:
1) Barra is spread out — arrive by Uber/taxi, and don’t assume you’ll “just wander” into nightlife on foot.
2) If you’re using public transit, some event listings reference the BRT stop Afrânio Costa as the closest station.

Back to the master list:

Rio Gay Bars & Clubs »

restaurants & cafes, rio de janeiro

Gringo Café

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Editor’s Choice: Best “reset meal” in Ipanema (American-style brunch, any day of the week).


Rua Barão da Torre 240 (Loja A) – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro (Google Map »)

Mon – Sat 8:30AM – 10PM
Sunday 8AM – 9PM

If you’re craving something familiar in Rio — pancakes, waffles, eggs-and-bacon comfort, strong coffee — Gringo Café is the dependable classic. It’s been around forever by Ipanema standards, and it’s a favorite with travelers who want an easy, no-drama meal between beach time and nightlife.

The vibe is casual, friendly, and usually busy (especially on weekends). This is not a “gay venue,” but it’s Ipanema — you’ll feel comfortable showing up as yourself. It’s also a perfect meet-up spot when your group is scattered across the neighborhood and everyone needs a clear, obvious place to land.

Local tip: Go earlier on Saturdays/Sundays if you hate waiting. If you’re meeting friends, pick a landmark on Barão da Torre first — Ipanema is easy to “almost find” each other and still miss.

Staying nearby? Browse hotels in Ipanema (lowest rates).

rio de janeiro

Gay Carnival “Blocos” of Rio de Janeiro

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« Return to Carnival 2026 Home

2026 Guide to Rio’s Gay-Friendly Blocos

Rio Carnival isn’t one event — it’s a whole season. The ticketed spectacle is the Sambódromo, but the heart of Carnival is the blocos: free street parades that take over neighborhoods with bands, drums, costumes, and very little respect for your sleep schedule.

Carnival 2026: dates + how this page works

  • Street Carnival season begins: January 17, 2026 (pre-Carnival weekends start early).
  • Carnival peak week: the main stretch centers on Feb 13–17, 2026.
  • Sambódromo Grupo Especial: Feb 15–17, 2026 (three nights).

Important: bloco dates, start times, and routes can change (sometimes last-minute). Use this page as your curated shortlist, then confirm details closer to Carnival:

  • Official street Carnival calendar: carnavalderua.rio
  • Organizer links: each bloco’s official Instagram (listed below)

The essential gay-friendly & LGBTQIA+ blocos

Banda de Ipanema (Ipanema) — the classic

If you want one bloco that screams “gay Rio Carnival,” this is the one. Drag energy, costumes, beach heat, and a crowd that knows exactly why they came.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/bandadeipanema

Where to stay (walkable base): We recommend Sol Ipanema Hotel if you want to stay on the Ipanema beachfront near Posto 9, with a straightforward walk to the Banda de Ipanema concentration area (and easy access to Farme de Amoedo).

Simpatia é Quase Amor (Ipanema) — big Ipanema crowd, always fun

Not strictly a “gay bloco,” but consistently gay-friendly by default. Great costumes, great energy, and a crowd that feels very Ipanema.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/simpatia_equaseamor

Banda das Quengas (Lapa/Centro) — proudly queer + proudly chaotic

A classic LGBTQIA+ street party moment. Expect packed streets, marching-band energy, and a very Lapa sense of humor.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/bandadasquengas

Toco Xona (Flamengo) — queer crowd, pop-forward vibe

One of the strongest explicitly LGBTQIA+ options: friendly crowd, lots of costumes, and a vibe that tends to skew stylish and very online.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/tocoxona

Divinas Tretas (Flamengo) — LGBTQIA+ bloco with a loyal crowd

A real community bloco with big queer energy. Great choice if you want something clearly LGBTQIA+ without needing to chase megabloco chaos downtown.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/divinas.tretas

V de Viadão (Centro) — new-school queer chaos

Newer, louder, and very “internet gay.” If your Carnival taste is pop chaos more than marchinhas, keep this on your radar.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/vdeviadao

Sereias da Guanabara (Centro) — the queer mermaid one

Exactly what it sounds like: costumes, glitter, and a crowd that reliably includes a lot of LGBTQIA+ folks. Fun, silly, and surprisingly iconic.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/sereiasdaguanabara

Agytoê (Centro) — queer-friendly downtown energy

A name that shows up often in LGBTQ+ Carnival roundups. If you’re staying downtown and want something that feels very “street Carnival,” this is one to watch.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/blocoagytoe

Megablocos in Centro (huge crowds — plan accordingly)

Centro megablocos are officially organized and absolutely massive. They can be a highlight — just don’t bring valuables and don’t expect an easy meetup if your group scatters.

Chá da Alice (Centro) — big pop energy, big gay presence

One of the most popular megablocos for a reason: pop culture energy, a very mixed crowd, and plenty of gay presence.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/chadaalice

Fervo da Lud (Centro) — headline-level street party

Ludmilla’s Carnival universe is always a major draw. If you want a “this feels like a concert on the street” moment, this is usually it.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/fervodalud

Monobloco (Centro) — percussion on steroids

One of the biggest traditional megablocos — drums, singalongs, and a crowd that feels endless.

Follow for 2026 date/time: instagram.com/monobloco

Cordão da Bola Preta (Centro) — the legend

The classic giant. If you want the most traditional “Rio street Carnival” experience with a truly massive crowd, this is the anchor.

Official site: bolapreta.com.br

Where to stay (short walk to Centro + Lapa nights): We recommend Hotel Atlântico Business Centro if you want a practical downtown base with easy walking access toward Cinelândia/Lapa and quick transit to the megabloco zones.

Bloco da Preta (Preta Gil) ❤️

Bloco da Preta was never “just a bloco.” It felt like Rio at its best: massive crowd, huge music, inclusive joy, and the kind of energy that turns strangers into friends for an afternoon.

In 2025, we lost Preta Gil. Rio has been honoring her openly, and the city has even named the Centro megabloco route the “Circuito Preta Gil.” For Carnival 2026, the expectation is that her namesake bloco returns in tribute form — with homenagens and an emotional “we’re really doing this without her” moment. As soon as the official calendar locks the date/route, we’ll update it here.

Follow for official updates: instagram.com/blocodapreta

Quick “typical week” pattern (confirm the 2026 calendar)

Not a promise — a practical framework. These are the days these blocos often land, but you must confirm the 2026 schedule before you go:

  • Friday: Downtown warm-ups + smaller neighborhood blocos
  • Saturday: Big street day (Ipanema + Centro)
  • Sunday: Another big street day (often Ipanema/Flamengo favorites)
  • Monday: Megablocos and big “headline” days
  • Tuesday: The emotional finale (some of the best LGBTQIA+ energy lives here)

After the bloco

Street Carnival is fun. Street Carnival also makes you crave air conditioning and a bathroom. When you’re done, start with the full A-to-Z list:

rio de janeiro

Schedule: Gay-Friendly Carnival in Rio 2026 Day by Day

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Carnival in Rio 2026 (at-a-glance): The official peak is Friday, Feb 13 through Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 — but Rio’s street season (blocos) is expected to start as early as Saturday, Jan 17, 2026. This page is designed to be a scrollable day-by-day plan. For the final street-bloco routes and start times, confirm during Carnival week on the official calendar: carnavalderua.rio.

Quick Jump (Mobile-Friendly)

Where to Stay (Two easy bases)

  • Centro / Sapucaí-heavy plan: If your week is built around Sambódromo nights and Centro megablocos, we like the Windsor Guanabara Hotel as a practical base (easy logistics, especially when you’re not trying to cross the entire city at 3am).
  • Ipanema / “gay beach” plan: If your priorities are Farme de Amoedo, Ipanema energy, and being close to the gay traveler zone, we like the Sol Ipanema Hotel (beachfront, excellent location for the Rio you actually came for).

More hotel browsing: see our full list of Gay-Friendly Hotels & Apartments in Rio.

Jan 17 onward: Street Carnival begins (Pre-Carnival season)

From mid-January, weekends start filling with street blocos across the city — especially Centro, Flamengo, and the South Zone (Ipanema/Copacabana). The exact calendar changes fast, but the rhythm stays the same: daytime street parties + nights that drift to Lapa (or to bed, if you’re wise).

Jan 30 – Feb 8: Sambódromo Technical Rehearsals (FREE entry)

If you want a “Sambódromo taste test” before the official parade nights, the technical rehearsals are one of the best free things you can do in Rio. They’re full-scale rehearsals with real energy — and you’ll learn quickly why Carnival is not a casual hobby.

Fri, Jan 30 (Technical Rehearsals)

  • 21:00 – Acadêmicos de Niterói
  • Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
  • Estação Primeira de Mangueira
  • Unidos da Tijuca

Sat, Jan 31 (Technical Rehearsals)

  • 18:00 – Escolas Mirins (3 schools) – opening of rehearsals
  • 20:00 – Unidos de Vila Isabel
  • Acadêmicos do Salgueiro
  • Paraíso do Tuiuti
  • Portela

Sun, Feb 1 (Technical Rehearsals)

  • 17:30 – Escolas Mirins (3 schools)
  • 19:00 – Unidos do Viradouro
  • Imperatriz Leopoldinense
  • Acadêmicos do Grande Rio
  • Beija-Flor de Nilópolis

Fri, Feb 6 (Technical Rehearsals)

  • 21:00 – Acadêmicos de Niterói
  • Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
  • Estação Primeira de Mangueira
  • Unidos da Tijuca

Sat, Feb 7 (Technical Rehearsals)

  • 18:00 – Lavagem da Passarela
  • After: Unidos de Vila Isabel
  • Acadêmicos do Salgueiro
  • Paraíso do Tuiuti
  • Portela

Sun, Feb 8 (Technical Rehearsals)

  • 18:00 – Escolas Mirins (2 schools)
  • 19:00 – Unidos do Viradouro
  • Imperatriz Leopoldinense
  • Acadêmicos do Grande Rio
  • Beija-Flor de Nilópolis

Tip: If you’re staying in Centro for these nights, the Windsor Guanabara base makes the “back to the hotel” part of your night dramatically easier.

Fri, Feb 13, 2026 — Série Ouro (Sapucaí) Night 1

This is the opening of the big Sambódromo weekend. Série Ouro has real passion and (often) a fun “closer to the crowd” vibe.

  • Night plan: Sambódromo (Série Ouro).
  • Day plan: Keep it simple. Save your legs and your liver.
  • Logistics: Don’t over-carry. One card, small cash, cheap phone if possible.

Sat, Feb 14, 2026 — Série Ouro Night 2 + daytime megablocos

Saturday is usually the “Rio turns the volume up” day. Expect major street events in the morning/afternoon, then Série Ouro at night.

  • Daytime watchlist: Centro megabloco energy (confirm your picks on carnavalderua.rio).
  • Classic megabloco watchlist: Cordão da Bola Preta often lands on a major Saturday (confirm the 2026 listing).
  • Night plan: Sambódromo (Série Ouro).

If you’re doing an Ipanema-based day: staying at (or near) the Sol Ipanema makes it easy to bounce between beach, street energy, and a quick reset before the night shift.

Sun, Feb 15, 2026 — Grupo Especial Night 1 + major pop/gay event

Grupo Especial begins. This is peak spectacle season.

  • Daytime: Pick ONE plan: (A) street blocos, or (B) rest + get ready for Sambódromo. Doing both is how you end up sitting on a curb at 2am questioning your life choices.
  • Confirmed pop/gay-friendly ticketed event: Treta Bloco at the MAM (Museu de Arte Moderna) is scheduled for Carnival Sunday (Feb 15). If you want a curated “big pop bloco” experience with a gay-heavy crowd, this is one to watch. (Always confirm last-minute details on the official ticket/Instagram pages.)
  • Night: Sambódromo (Grupo Especial – Night 1).

Gay bloco shortcut: For a living list of LGBTQIA+ friendly blocos and party notes, use: Gay Carnival “Blocos” of Rio de Janeiro.

Mon, Feb 16, 2026 — Grupo Especial Night 2

Monday is a smart day to pace yourself — especially if you’re planning to stay out through Tuesday.

  • Daytime: Beach + light blocos (or nap + electrolytes). Your future self will be grateful.
  • Night: Sambódromo (Grupo Especial – Night 2).

Tue, Feb 17, 2026 — Grupo Especial Night 3 (Carnival Tuesday)

The finale day. Street energy is intense because everyone knows it’s the last official day of “main week” (even though Rio will absolutely keep partying afterward).

  • Daytime: Final street blocos (confirm your picks on carnavalderua.rio).
  • Night: Sambódromo (Grupo Especial – Night 3).
  • Late-night reality: Transit after the Sambódromo can be messy. Don’t wing it. Know your route home.

Sat, Feb 21, 2026 — Desfile das Campeãs (Champions Parade)

The victory lap. If you want the Sambódromo experience with a celebratory vibe (less “competition nerves,” more “we did it”), Champions Parade night is a great pick.

  • Night: Sambódromo (Desfile das Campeãs).

Two essential links during Carnival week

rio de janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Gay Pride 2026

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The official 2026  date for Rio Pride 2026 (Parada do Orgulho LGBTI+ Rio) has not been published yet. Historically, Rio Pride is usually held in late November.  In 2025 it happened on Sunday, Nov 23, and in 2024 it happened on Sunday, Nov 24.

Want the date for Rio Pride 2026 the moment it’s announced?  Follow VamosGay on Instagram , X (Twitter) , and Facebook.

What to expect (and where it happens)

Rio Pride takes over Copacabana — think trios elétricos (sound trucks), big music energy, and a crowd that stretches along the beachfront. The official “starting point” is typically around Posto 5, with daytime concentration building from late morning into the afternoon.

  • Best base: stay in Copacabana (closest) or Ipanema (easy, walkable vibe).
  • Safety basics: bring as little as possible, keep your phone secure, and plan your ride home before you’re tired.
  • Timing tip: arrive early if you want a good spot near the sound trucks; later = more crowd.
  • Find a place to stay with our gay-friendly Rio hotel guide

Rio Pride 2025 recap

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Rio Pride marked it’s 30th anniversary. The boardwalk filled with rainbow flags, costumes, drag, and music as the parade rolled along the beachfront — classic Copacabana: a public party with a clear message of visibility.

International news coverage described thousands of revelers on the promenade, and local reporting framed it as one of the city’s major annual events, with expectations in the high six figures to around one million.  Check out a few moments from the parade below.

If the embed doesn’t load on your device: watch on YouTube.

Book your trip (flights + deals)

If you’re coming from abroad, start watching flights early and pounce when you see a good fare. Search for best deals below.

Hotels: Copacabana sells out fastest around big events — check Copacabana deals and lock something refundable, or use our curated guide above.