A GfK study ranks Rock in Rio as Brazil’s 2nd most emotionally moving brand and 5th most loved; the 2026 edition brings major acts and new experiences.
Rock in Rio has been named the second brand that most moves Brazilians emotionally and the fifth most loved, according to a study conducted by GfK, a NielsenIQ company. The research also finds that among festivalgoers, Rock in Rio is the most emotionally moving brand across all those evaluated.
Fresh off its 41st anniversary on January 11, the festival is gearing up for a 2026 edition billed as historic. Confirmed artists include Elton John, Stray Kids, Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Gilberto Gil, Jamiroquai, Mumford & Sons, João Gomes and Orquestra Brasileira, with more acts to be announced.
The survey interviewed more than 1,300 people aged 15 to 50 who live in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Among the findings, respondents ranked Rock in Rio as Brazil’s most important event in recent years, ahead of the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1 and Carnival.
When compared with the country’s biggest brands, Rock in Rio placed fifth among the most loved. In the specific segment of festivalgoers, the event holds second place among all brands mentioned, underscoring the bond built over decades.
In the study, Rock in Rio was assessed alongside 29 brands described as leading names in their categories and in Brazil, enabling the comparative results.
The research also highlights The Town, presented as Rock in Rio’s “younger sibling.” Even with only two editions, it already appears among the top three festivals and among the 20 brands that most move Brazilians and festival fans emotionally.
What’s new for Rock in Rio 2026
For 2026, Cidade do Rock is preparing a new set of experiences designed to surprise audiences from arrival to the final note. Palco Mundo will feature an all-new stage design and, for the first time, its entire front structure will be covered with 2,400 m² of ultra-high-definition LED panels.
Another key highlight is the return of the aerial show The Flight, described as one of the festival’s most iconic moments and one of the most requested by fans. After 2024, the “ballet in the sky” comes back with synchronized aerobatic maneuvers, a special soundtrack and 756 daytime fireworks launches.
