The Rio Carnival 2026 will officially take place from February 13 to February 21, 2026, while the 2027 festival is scheduled for February 5 to February 13, 2027. More than two million people flood the streets of Rio de Janeiro every single day of the festival, making it the undisputed largest carnival in the world.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 Dates: February 13 – February 21 (Special Group Parades on Feb 15 & 16).
- 2027 Dates: February 5 – February 13 (Special Group Parades on Feb 7, 8, & 9).
- Samba Parade: The main events happen in the Sambadrome, requiring advance ticket purchases.
When is Rio Carnival? (2026 & 2027 Dates)
Because the Carnival dates are tied to the liturgical calendar (specifically 47 days before Easter), the exact dates shift every single year. The festival always peaks in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday.
For 2026, the official Carnival dates are February 13 to February 21. The absolute peak of the festival—when the top samba schools compete—will occur on Sunday, February 15, and Monday, February 16, 2026.
For 2027, the official Carnival dates move much earlier to February 5 to February 13. The highly anticipated Special Group Parades will span three days: February 7, 8, and 9, 2027.
Rio Carnival Schedule of Events
The Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí is the epicenter of the Rio Carnival. The official parades are strictly divided into three main competitive groups over the course of the week.
Access Group Parades
The Access Group (Série Ouro) kicks off the official Sambadrome events. These schools are competing fiercely for a spot in the elite Special Group for the following year.
- 2026: February 13 and 14.
- 2027: February 5 and 6.
Special Group Parades (The Main Event)
This is what the world watches on television. The Special Group features the 12 best samba schools in Rio de Janeiro, showcasing massive floats, thousands of dancers, and deafening drum sections.
- 2026: February 15 and 16.
- 2027: February 7, 8, and 9.
Champions’ Parade
The festival officially concludes the weekend after Ash Wednesday with the Champions’ Parade. The top six highest-scoring schools return to the Sambadrome for one final, joyous performance without the stress of competition.
- 2026: February 21.
- 2027: February 13.
How Long Does the Rio Carnival Last?
Officially, the Rio Carnival lasts for six to nine days, from the opening ceremonies on Friday until the Champions’ Parade the following Saturday. However, the true festival atmosphere lasts much longer.
Weeks before the Sambadrome officially opens, hundreds of “blocos” (free street parties) take over the neighborhoods of Rio. If you include the pre-Carnival blocos, the celebrations effectively last for an entire month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rio Carnival tickets expensive?
Yes, tickets can range from $20 for basic bleacher seats on Access Group days, to over $1,000 for luxury VIP suites (camarotes) during the Special Group parades.
Is the Rio Carnival safe for tourists?
Yes, the Sambadrome and major tourist areas are heavily policed and generally safe. However, pickpocketing is incredibly common at crowded street parties (blocos), so leave valuables at your hotel.
Do I have to dress up for Rio Carnival?
No, costumes are not required for spectators. Most attendees wear comfortable, lightweight clothing due to the intense Brazilian summer heat.
Can anyone join the samba parade?
Yes, tourists can actually buy a costume from a participating samba school and march in the official parade at the Sambadrome!
If you are planning to travel to South America for the festival, ensure you finalize your dates early to guarantee the best experience at the greatest show on earth. Explore more of our travel guides to start planning your perfect itinerary today!