Rio Carnival 2027 for couples: dates, tickets and safety

Rio de Janeiro's 2027 Carnival already has a calendar for the samba school parades at the Marquês de Sapucaí, and couples thinking of travelling need to decide early: tickets, accommodation and transfers sell out or get pricier months ahead. This guide gathers the dates and purchase rules reported by Rio's press and by Liesa, the league of samba schools, and adds practical tips for enjoying the festival safely. Information can change; always confirm through official channels.

Quick summary

• The Special Group parades are scheduled for 7, 8 and 9 February 2027 at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome.
• The Champions' Parade will be on 13 February, according to local press.
• The passport for the three parade nights was announced at 499 reais, sold only through Ticketmaster Brasil, and is personal and non-transferable.
• Liesa warns about scams via WhatsApp, direct messages and unverified links.

Carnival 2027 dates

According to Diário do Rio and other outlets, the Special Group parades take place on 7, 8 and 9 February 2027. Liesa drew the running order on 16 April 2026 at the Cidade do Samba, and União de Maricá opens the first night, on Sunday. Before that, the Série Ouro technical rehearsals are scheduled for 15, 16 and 17 January 2027 at the Sambadrome. The children's schools (mirins) parade on 12 February, with free entry according to Diário do Rio, and the Champions' Parade closes the calendar on 13 February. Because some outlets differ on details of the mirins format, check the final programme on the Liesa or Riotur websites.

How to buy tickets

On 9 March 2026 Liesa opened sales of the passport for the three Special Group parade nights. Diário do Rio reported the price of 499 reais, exclusive sale through Ticketmaster Brasil, and coverage of grandstand sectors 2 to 8, 10 and 11; sector 9 is traditionally reserved for tourism packages. The passport is personal and non-transferable. Prices and dates for single tickets, individual chairs and boxes (frisas) were still to be announced when that report appeared, so check what is available today. The address given as the official ticket channel is riocarnaval.com/ingressos.

On scams: Liesa itself advises distrusting offers via WhatsApp, direct messages and links you have not verified. Buy only through official channels and keep your receipts.

Where to stay

For the Sambadrome, choose accommodation with easy metro access, because streets nearby fill up on parade nights. Copacabana, Ipanema and the Centro are common bases for visitors, each with its own profile. Book early and read the cancellation policy: during Carnival many places require a minimum stay.

Street blocos and other parties

Besides the parades, Rio's Carnival includes street parties known as blocos, which Riotur registers each year; the press reported that the city hall set the registration period for the 2027 blocos. Check the official calendar for days, times and routes, which are usually published closer to the date.

Safety and etiquette for couples

In large crowds the basics work: agree a meeting point in case you get separated, carry little cash and a single card, leave your passport in the hotel safe and use a digital copy, keep your phone in a closed pocket and do not show off valuables. Drink moderately, accept drinks only from people you saw prepare them and order a ride by app rather than accepting offers on the street. Consent is the rule: nobody should be touched or kissed without agreeing, and a costume is not an invitation.

Frequently asked questions

When are the Special Group parades in 2027? On 7, 8 and 9 February, according to the press and Liesa.

Where do I buy the passport? Through Ticketmaster Brasil, per Liesa's announcement; distrust any other channel.

Can the ticket be passed to someone else? The passport was described as personal and non-transferable.

Do street blocos need tickets? They are generally free; check the official calendar.

Sources

• Diário do Rio, passport sales for the three parade nights: https://www.diariodorio.com/carnaval-2027-venda-de-passaportes-para-tres-dias-de-desfiles-no-sambodromo-comeca-nesta-segunda/ (consulted 10 November 2026)
• Sou Brasília, running order for Carnival 2027: https://soubrasilia.com/liesa-define-ordem-desfiles-carnaval-2027-rio/ (consulted 10 November 2026)
• Liesa, official tickets: https://riocarnaval.com/ingressos (consulted 10 November 2026)
• Diário do Rio, Série Ouro technical rehearsals: https://diariodorio.com/carnaval/2026/11/05/1-ensaios-tecnicos-da-serie-ouro-para-o-carnaval-2027-serao-nos-dias-15-16-e-17-de-janeiro.html (consulted 10 November 2026)

Prices, dates and rules can change: always confirm through official channels.