Rio’s biggest free Carnival party wraps up this Friday (Feb 20) with Xande de Pilares, Iza and Gloria Groove on Copacabana Beach.
A month of samba by the sea
Since January 20, 2026, Copacabana Beach has been the beating heart of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. The Fan Fest Rio Capital do Carnaval delivered a star-studded month-long lineup: Jorge Aragão, Marcelo D2, Belo, Mumuzinho, Ferrugem and Gilsons all took the beachfront stage.
Beyond the concerts, the arena offered free samba lessons with artists like Mayara Lima. Giant screens installed beside the stage broadcast the live parade of Grupo Especial samba schools, bringing the iconic Sambadrome experience to everyone — no ticket required.
The closing night lineup
On Friday (Feb 20), the party kicks off at 5 PM and runs until 11:30 PM. DJ Nicole Nandes opens, followed by O Corpo do Samba // Ala das Passistas at 5:30 PM.
At 6:30 PM, Xande de Pilares hits the stage with a special appearance by Iza — one of the most anticipated moments of the entire event. At 8:30 PM, Gloria Groove performs alongside Tia Surica and the Velha Guarda da Portela, a powerful meeting of Carnival’s new and old generations. The night closes with the samba circle Cozinha Arrumada at 10:30 PM.
The drumline that made history
During the event, Fan Fest assembled the world’s largest drumline — an astonishing 1,200 percussionists playing in unison. The feat cemented Rio’s Carnival as a living cultural heritage celebrated on an unprecedented scale.
Carnival for everyone
With two food courts, street food stalls and bars spread across the arena, Fan Fest delivers a complete Carnival experience — at no cost. Rio Capital do Carnaval reaffirms the festival as an accessible, collective and democratic celebration: a space for anyone who loves samba, culture and Rio, with or without a Sambadrome ticket.
A space for everyone who loves samba, culture and Rio — no Sambadrome ticket needed.
Event Info
Rio Capital do Carnaval Fan Fest
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
January 20 – February 20, 2026
Free admission
Access requires prior facial registration on the Rio Carnaval app
More info: Instagram @riocapitaldocarnaval
Schedule — Feb 20 (Friday) | 5 PM – 11:30 PM
5:00 PM: DJ Nicole Nandes
5:30 PM: O Corpo do Samba // Ala das Passistas
6:30 PM: Xande de Pilares + Iza
8:00 PM: DJ Felipe Mar
8:30 PM: Gloria Groove + Tia Surica e Velha Guarda da Portela
10:30 PM: Cozinha Arrumada
Presented by: Rio Capital do Carnaval | Master sponsors: Enel and Superbet | Official beer: Brahma | Institutional partner: SESC RJ | Official delivery: 99Food | Support: Marriott Bonvoy, Dr. Consulta and CeraVe | Creative: Escritor e Fantasmaria | Production: SRCOM | Organizer: LIESA | Host state and city: Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro and Rio de Janeiro City Hall
Photo: Press Release
