Rio Carnival 2027: dates and tickets, explained
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro runs from Saturday 6 February to Ash Wednesday 10 February 2027. This independent guide explains the Sambadrome parades, the types of seats and how to buy tickets safely.
Carnival 2027 at a glance
| Date | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 6 Feb 2027 | Carnival begins (street parties, blocos, across the city) | Rio de Janeiro |
| Sun 7 to Tue 9 Feb 2027 | Main nights of the Special Group samba school parades In recent years the top league has paraded over the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights; the 2027 order comes from the organisers' draw. | Sambadrome (Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí) |
| Wed 10 Feb 2027 | Ash Wednesday: results announced | Rio de Janeiro |
| Sat 13 Feb 2027 | Champions' Parade (the top schools parade again) | Sambadrome |
How the dates are set
Carnival is tied to Easter: it ends on the day before Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. Easter 2027 is on 28 March, so Ash Wednesday is 10 February and Carnival Saturday is 6 February. Parade nights and the order of the samba schools are confirmed each year by the league that runs the Special Group parades (LIESA) and published on its official channels; we update this page when they are.
Types of Sambadrome tickets
- Grandstands (arquibancadas): the most affordable, concrete terraces in numbered sectors. Seats are usually not numbered, so arrive early for a good spot.
- Frisas: open boxes with chairs in the front rows, very close to the parade.
- Camarotes (boxes): covered private areas, from simple boxes to hospitality lounges with food and drink.
- Front-row seats and tables: individual seats at the edge of the runway.
The central sectors have the best view of the parade as it builds up, and the sectors near the judging posts see the schools at their most intense. Sector numbering and prices are published with the official ticket sale.
Buying tickets safely
We do not sell tickets and are not affiliated with LIESA, the city of Rio or any samba school. Buy from the official ticket seller named on LIESA's website, or from a reseller that clearly states it is authorised. Be wary of social-media sellers, prices far below the official ones and requests to pay by bank transfer. Sambadrome tickets are checked at the gate, and a fake or duplicated ticket means no entry and no refund.
Keep your ticket confirmation and ID with you, and check which gate serves your sector before the night: the Sambadrome is long, and walking to the wrong end can take a while in the crowds.
Carnival outside the Sambadrome
You do not need a ticket to enjoy Carnival. Hundreds of street parties (blocos) move through the city from the weeks before Carnival until the weekend after, and they are free. The city publishes an official bloco schedule each year. Carry little cash, use a phone case you can hold on to, drink water and follow local advice about which areas to avoid at night.
Questions
When is Rio Carnival 2027?
From Saturday 6 February to Ash Wednesday 10 February 2027, with the Champions' Parade on Saturday 13 February.
Do you sell Sambadrome tickets?
No. This is an independent guide. Buy from the official seller or an authorised reseller.
Are grandstand seats numbered?
Usually not: grandstand tickets are for a sector, and seats are first come, first served. Check the conditions on your ticket.
Sources
- LIESA (Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba do Rio de Janeiro) (LIESA)
- Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro (City of Rio de Janeiro)