Is Rio Carnival Free? Everything You Need to Know to Visit in 2025

Rio Carnival is one of the biggest and most exciting celebrations in the world. It brings millions of people to Brazil and the biggest question on everyone mind is ‘Is Rio Carnival free?’. The great news is that most of the events are free to attend! The notable exception is the famous Samba Parade at the Sambadrome, which does require purchasing a ticket, as well as the private Carnival balls. Aside from these, you can join the festivities without spending a dime.

Here we’ll share everything you need to know about the 2025 Rio Carnival, which takes place from February 28th to March 5th 2025, and how to make the most of it. We collected everything we’ve learnt with hope it will make planning your trip that much easier.

When is Rio Carnival?

The Rio Carnival is not just one event but a series of celebrations that span six days, kicking off at noon on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and finishing at noon on Ash Wednesday. In 2025, it will run from February 28th to March 5th. It is a celebration of tradition, culture and the history of Brazil.

During this time, more than 2 million people flock to Rio’s streets to enjoy a dazzling variety of parades, street parties, and performances. The city comes alive with samba music and colorful costumes, and the whole event is an incredible showcase of Brazil’s rich culture and history. Rio Carnival is the biggest celebration in the world and it’s absolutely free to take part!

Which Rio Carnival parties are free?

The heart and soul of Rio Carnival are the Blocos – organized street parties that take place across the city. These parties are free to join and are full of energy, with live bands or DJs playing music, and revellers dancing along. The crowds grow as the parade moves through the streets, and more people join in the fun.

There are over 500 Blocos spread throughout Rio, each with their own unique vibe. Some are small and intimate, while others are massive and draw thousands of people. Here are some of the most popular worth attending:

Best free blocos to attend during Rio Carnival

• Banda de Ipanema – is a must-see at Rio Carnival! This iconic bloco takes over Ipanema Beach with one of the city’s biggest and best brass and percussion bands. The live music, lively vibe, and stunning beachside location make it unforgettable. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists, and definitely a highlight of our Carnival experience.
• Carmelitas – in Santa Teresa is one of the quirkiest blocos we attended. The fun tradition sees revelers and band members dressed as nuns, inspired by a legend of a nun sneaking out to join Carnival. It’s a unique and hilarious sight, with hundreds of “nuns” parading through the streets — definitely one for the books!
• Monobloco – one of the biggest and most impressive blocos. With 120 musicians and a diverse mix of music, it draws around 800,000 people to Leblon. The energy is electric, and the performance is top-notch.
• Cordão do Bola Preta – is an absolute must-see if you’re at Carnival! One of Rio’s oldest and biggest blocos, it attracts over 2 million people every year. This blocko is historic, inclusive with unmatched energy.
• Simpatia É Quase Amor – is known for its friendly vibe, is all about fun and togetherness. The crowd’s energy is infectious, and the tradition of wearing yellow and lilac added to the colorful spirit. It’s one of those events that makes you feel part of something special!

Tips for Making the Most of the Blocos

Experiencing the Carnival blocos (street parties) in Rio de Janeiro is truly unforgettable and free experience! To make the most of it, plan ahead by choosing the blocos you want to attend and staying at a hotel nearby or near a metro station for easy access. During our visit, we split our stay between Santa Teresa and Copacabana, giving us convenient access to both the beachside blocos and those in the city centre.

Planning your visit tips

• Download the Carnival App – many blocos provide real-time updates through social media, but the official Carnival app (released in 2024) is a game-changer. It has schedules for all the blocos and updates on location changes. Keep an eye out for the 2025 app—it’s sure to be just as useful.
• Arrive Early – the carnival blocos become really crowded very quickly. Make sure you arrive early to ensure you grab a good spot, especially for parades and dancing. Some start as early as 7 a.m., so check the app for timings to plan ahead.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing – you’ll be walking, dancing, and standing for hours, so dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Avoid heavy bags and keep your attire cool and colorful to embrace the festive spirit.
• Take Public Transport or Uber – public transportation is the easiest way to get around during Carnival. Get a RioCard+Mais for metro and bus access. Heavy traffic and road closures can make your Uber ride longer due to delays so use it only as a last resort.

Stay safe tips

• Keep Your Belongings Safe – crowds can be overwhelming, so use a cross-body bag, money belt, or fanny pack for essentials like your phone, ID, and cash. Avoid large bags, and consider leaving valuables at your hotel. We used phone tethers for peace of mind and to avoid dropping our phones in the chaos!
• Stay Safe and Aware – while Rio is generally safe during Carnival, always be aware of your surroundings. Stick to crowded, well-lit areas and avoid isolated streets. If you’re with friends, agree on a meeting point among yourselves in case anyone gets separated.
• Stay Hydrated – the summer heat in Rio can be intense, so drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and heatstroke. Bring a reusable filtered water bottle to stay hydrated and help reduce waste during the festival.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun – the Brazilian sun is strong, especially during Carnival. Apply sunscreen frequently, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

• Join the Fun—Don’t Be Shy– Carnival is all about inclusivity, fun, and celebration. Dance, sing, and interact with locals—language barriers aren’t a problem, as everyone is friendly and welcoming.
• Drink Responsibly¬ around every bloco are countless stalls and stands selling various beverages, including cocktails like Brazil’s famous Caipirinha. Most street cocktails stands don’t use standard measures, so these drinks are deceptively strong! Make sure you pace yourself and drink plenty of water at the same time to avoid dehydration.

Rio Carnival parties are free but...

While most of Rio Carnival is free, Samba Parade tickets for the Sambadrome – Rio’s iconic stadium – are not. This is where samba schools perform and you need a ticket to watch this spectacle. We have to admit, attending the Samba Parade is mandatory when you visit Rio. You won’t want to miss seeing the incredible floats, dancers, and musicians! Make sure you get the best deal when buying your ticket.

When searching for Samba Parade tickets online you will find a lot of ‘main sites’ but when you look closely they are basically bookers (they take a significant fee). These were useful in the past when foreigners had no way of buying tickets outside of Brazil. However times have changed and the Sambadrome has completely modernised to use online tickets!

How to choose the best seats for the Samba Parade?

To get the best deal, buy your tickets directly from Brazilian Ticketmaster, as this platform often offers better prices compared to other third-party websites. You also get your tickets straight to your phone so no need to pick them up from anywhere.

Odd numbered and even numbered sections are on opposite sides of the Sambadrome, with different access points and walking distance requirements – even side sectors are much closer to the Praça Onze metro station and are newer, but you get the same great view from either side!

Cheaper seats are located in sectors 2, 3, 10, and 11, but these offer less visibility of the parade. Better seats are in sectors 6, 7, 8, and 9, which are centrally located, allowing you to enjoy the parade for longer as the samba schools pass by. Sector 9 is a tourist section, with allocated seats and higher prices. If you’re on a budget, opt for nearby sectors.

You’ll also want to choose between the Access Group (the lower-tier schools) and the Special Group Parade (the top samba schools). The Special Group tickets are pricier but trust us, we’ve seen both, and paying that extra few dollars is so worth it! The performances, costumes and floats are so much more impressive in the special group, you really can’t miss it!

Tips for Enjoying the Samba Parade at the Sambadrome

Before you go tips

• Choose the Right Ticket – Pick a seating option that suits your preference. Front-row grandstand seats offer proximity to the action, while premium seats or private boxes provide more comfort.
• Arrive Early -The Sambadrome fills up fast, so get there at least an hour early to secure your seat and enjoy the pre-parade excitement. If you don’t want to arrive early to secure seats, consider buying tickets in a reserved seated area like the tourist sector 9.
• Know the Parade Timing – The samba parade lasts all night, with each school performing for 75 minutes. Check the schedule to plan your evening. Parades typically run from 9 PM to 5 AM. There are rankings for each school including those considered ‘early favourites’. When checking the schedule make sure you don’t leave early if the ‘best school of this year’ is about to perform.
• Use Public Transport -Traffic and road closures make getting to the Sambadrome tricky. The metro is the best option, with the “Praça Onze” station perfect for even numbered sectors. Odd numbered sectors are best accessed from Rio Central Station.

Practical tips

• Bring something soft to sit on -the grand-stand bleachers are made out of concrete. You want to make sure you sit in comfort as you’re going to be there for hours – there are some traders outside that sell various fabrics, but we’d recommend bringing some cushions or spare clothes to sit on.
• Dress Comfortably -The event lasts several hours, wear light, comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a light jacket for the cooler evening temperatures.
• Pack Light, Bring Essentials – Large bags are not allowed. Pack only essentials like water, sunscreen, your ticket, and some cash instead.

Food and fun tips

• Research the Samba Schools and Songs – Each year the schools choose a theme and create a song which embodies that theme to tell their story. The experience will be so much better for you if you do a bit of research into the theme and the meaning of their “Samba-enredo” (their song) – see if you can spot how all the different floats and costumes fit into their theme.
• Stay Hydrated & Bring Snacks -There is free tap water available throughout the sambadrome (which is perfectly safe to drink!). However we’d recommend bringing some mineral water or a filter to avoid potential stomach problems. You’ll find number of food vendors in the sambadrome but they’re expensive so we’d recommend bringing your own snacks and food.
• Decant your drinks – Metal cans and glass bottles are not allowed to be brought in to the Sambadrome. If you want to bring any of your own drinks you will need to pour them into a plastic bottle first. This is super helpful to avoid paying for expensive drinks inside the venue!

Summary

By following these tips and knowing what to expect, you’ll be all set for an unforgettable Carnival experience in Rio de Janeiro in 2025. And don’t forget to check out our Hidden Gems in Rio post for when you need a break from a busy city.