Everything for Carnival 2027: who parades each night, ticket prices, which sector to pick and the street parties you can't miss.
Feb 5–6
Série Ouro (access league)
Feb 7, 8 & 9
Special Group
Sat Feb 13
Champions' Parade
R$250
Grandstand per night (half price R$125)
Rio Carnival has two worlds: the Sambadrome, where samba schools compete with thousands of dancers and giant floats (ticketed), and the blocos, free street parties that take over the city from January. Ideally, do both.
In 2027 the Special Group parades on Sunday Feb 7, Monday Feb 8 and Tuesday Feb 9. Tickets have been on sale since August 10, 2026 through LIESA/Ticketmaster, and the best sectors sell out first. Reviewed Sep 2026.
Carnival 2027 dates
From November rehearsals to the Champions' Parade.
Carnival schedule
Upcoming
- Nov1→ Feb 4
Rehearsals at the samba schools' halls
TBCA cheap way to feel Carnival early. Dates per school TBC.
- Jan16→ Feb 4
Pre-Carnival blocos
TBC - Jan30→ Jan 31
Big pre-Carnival weekend
TBC - Feb5→ Feb 6
Série Ouro at the Sambadrome
Sambódromo
- Feb6
Cordão da Bola Preta
Centro
Carnival Saturday, 1M+ revelers.
- Feb7
Special Group – night 1
Sambódromo
- Feb8
Special Group – night 2
Sambódromo
- Feb8→ Feb 9
Carnival holiday
- Feb9
Special Group – night 3
Sambódromo
- Feb13
Champions' Parade
Sambódromo
Who parades each night
Official 2027 Special Group running order.
| Schools (in order) | Good for | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Feb 7 | União de Maricá · Beija-Flor · Tuiuti · Vila Isabel | Want to see Beija-Flor, one of the most decorated |
| Mon Feb 8 | Mocidade · Tijuca · Salgueiro · Imperatriz | A balanced night of traditional schools |
| Tue Feb 9 | Portela · Viradouro · Grande Rio · Mangueira | Most in demand: Portela and Mangueira, the fan favorites |
| Sat Feb 13 | Champions: the top-ranked schools | If you missed out earlier or want to see the winner |
Each school parades for about an hour; nights run until dawn.
Tickets: prices and sectors
Official LIESA/Ticketmaster prices per night (Sep 2026).
How much is the Sambadrome?
Frisas and boxes are approximate ranges. Boxes are priced in USD (US$480–1,000), converted at 5.14.
Which sector should you pick?
Sector 9 (tourist sector)
Numbered seats, central view and an international crowd.
- Guaranteed seat
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Sells out fast
Sectors 4 to 11
The middle of the avenue, where schools give their best show in front of the judges.
- You see the full show
- Unnumbered bleachers: arrive early
Frisas
Trackside boxes for 6 — great for groups or families.
- Close to the dancers
- Pricey unless you fill all 6 seats
Hospitality boxes
Open bar, food and decent restrooms. The VIP choice.
- Comfort all night
- View can be distant
How to buy your tickets
- 1
Pick the night and sector
Check the running order and choose grandstand, frisa or box.
- 2
Buy from the official channel
LIESA/Ticketmaster has sold since Aug 10, 2026. Create an account with your passport.
- 3
If your card is declined, ask for help
Some foreign cards get declined. We can handle the purchase and charge you by international card or Pix.
- 4
Collect or save your ticket
Follow pickup or e-ticket instructions and keep an offline screenshot.
- 5
Plan getting there and back
Metro to Praça Onze or Central and head back in a group; we also offer transfers.
Blocos: Carnival on the streets
Free, in costume, under the sun.
Blocos are groups that hit the streets with a band or sound truck, and anyone can join. There's something for everyone: classic marchinhas, rock, Brazilian pop, kids' and LGBTQ+ blocos. They start in January, and the official schedule comes out a few weeks ahead.
Don't miss: Cordão da Bola Preta
Rio's oldest and biggest bloco parades downtown on Carnival Saturday (Feb 6, 2027) with more than 1 million people. Get there early, travel light and agree on a meeting point.
- Most start in the morning: crowds gather by 7–9 a.m.
- Wear a costume: a wig or glitter will do.
- Hydrate: water between beers.
Sambadrome, Bola Preta and metro
What to bring to Carnival
Frequently asked questions
The Special Group parades are Feb 7, 8 and 9, 2027. Série Ouro is on Feb 5–6, and the Champions' Parade is Saturday Feb 13.
Carnival 2027 package
Sambadrome tickets, round-trip transfers, a guided bloco and tours for your free days. Pay by international card, fixed price.
Recommended tours for this guide
Book online with a local guide, a fixed price and payment by international card or Pix.
1 Full Day in Rio
Full day complete tour of Rio's main tourist attractions: Sugarloaf Mountain, Historic Center, Selarón, São Bento and Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer Tour
Ascend to Christ the Redeemer on the historic Corcovado Train and enjoy the most breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.
