Rio's Ultimate Cultural Guide: Universo Spanta, Carnaval Fan Fest &...

The 2026 edition of Universo Spanta launches on January 16th at Marina da Glória, presenting a three-day celebration of musical diversity. The festival's first weekend promises an eclectic mix of genres, bringing together artists from rap, axé, sertanejo, pagode, funk, and electronic music scenes.

Friday's lineup features Iscarlett, Rael inviting Rincon Sapiência, and Os Garotin on the Lapa Stage, while the Guanabara Stage hosts BaianaSystem with special guests Rachel Reis and BK'. Saturday intensifies with Bloco Sofridão and 2ZDINIZZ, followed by Mc Cabelinho inviting Budah, Ana Castela, and Dennis. The weekend culminates Sunday with Baile Buchecha, Pixote, and the festival's crown jewel: Ivete Sangalo performing alongside Lauana Prado.

The festival operates from January 16-18, with tickets starting at R$80 including meia-entrada options. The venue accommodates an 18+ audience, creating an adult-oriented atmosphere perfect for experiencing Rio's contemporary music evolution.

• Friday, Jan 16: Iscarlett, Rael, Rincon Sapiência, BaianaSystem, Rachel Reis, BK'
• Saturday, Jan 17: Bloco Sofridão, 2ZDINIZZ, Mc Cabelinho, Ana Castela, Dennis
• Sunday, Jan 18: Baile Buchecha, Pixote, Ivete Sangalo, Lauana Prado
• Venue: Marina da Glória, all days 18+

The Carnaval Fan Fest officially kicks off on January 20th on Copacabana Beach, transforming the iconic shoreline into a celebration of Brazil's most beloved festival. The opening night features a spectacular performance by Belo with Neguinho da Beija-Flor, setting the tone for weeks of pre-Carnaval festivities.

The event continues through January and February with programming on multiple dates: January 20, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and February 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 21. Admission is free, though tickets must be reserved through the Rio Carnaval app, ensuring organized access to this beachfront spectacle.

Meanwhile, the city's samba schools prepare for the main event through open rehearsals. Orquestra Voadora invites the public to their preparations at Fundição Progresso on January 18th, 25th, and February 1st, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Entry is free until 4:30 PM, with tickets available afterward starting at R$30.

The Orquestra Voadora rehearsals bring together wind and percussion musicians, anticipating the grand parade that will sweep through the streets during Carnival.

Rio's theater scene flourishes this season with diverse productions ranging from musical tributes to psychological thrillers. Teresa Cristina honors Zeca Pagodinho on January 17th at Circo Voador, interpreting both famous hits and deeper cuts from the samba master's catalog.

The acclaimed Negra Palavra Poesia do Samba returns to Teatro Firjan SESI Centro from January 10th through February 8th, exploring the literary depth of samba lyrics. The production celebrates Brazilian poet-samba composers and features actress Olivia Araújo in the cast.

Contemporary offerings include Aluga-se um Namorado at Teatro dos 4 (January 23rd - March 1st), a comedy about a woman who hires a fake boyfriend to meet her family. For younger audiences, Masha e o Urso: Missão no Circo runs at Teatro Claro Mais RJ through February 22nd, while Djavan - O Musical celebrates the legendary artist's work at the same venue through February 8th.

• Negra Palavra Poesia do Samba: Jan 10-Feb 8, Teatro Firjan SESI
• Teresa Cristina canta Zeca: Jan 17, Circo Voador
• Aluga-se um Namorado: Jan 23-Mar 1, Teatro dos 4
• Djavan - O Musical: Jan 8-Feb 8, Teatro Claro Mais RJ

The historic Cacique de Ramos bloc celebrates its 65th anniversary with the 146th edition of its traditional Feijoada on January 18th. This landmark event in Olaria begins at 1:00 PM and features an extensive cultural program including performances by Ronaldinho - Craque de Samba, Marquinhos Sensação, Grupo Caciqueando, and Margarete Mendes.

The celebration includes a visit to the bloc's Memory Center, showcasing its rich history, plus presentations by the Curumim and Glória Caciqueana courts. While admission is free, the traditional Feijoada costs R$35 per plate, with additional lunch options and snacks available throughout the festivities.

Complementing this celebration, the Beco do Spanta continues on January 19th at Marina da Glória, featuring Arlindinho and guests, Jorge Aragão, Terreiro de Crioulo, and Bloco Spanta Neném. This event offers a more intimate festival experience at R$35, with access for ages 16 and older.

The Cacique de Ramos Feijoada represents more than a meal—it's a living celebration of community, tradition, and six decades of cultural resistance.

Rio's visual arts scene offers groundbreaking exhibitions this season. Viagem ao Espaço launches January 16th at Rio Design Barra, presenting a 360-degree immersive journey through the cosmos. This family-friendly experience features superprojections covering floors and walls, exploring the Big Bang, solar system formation, and interactive environments simulating the International Space Station and James Webb Telescope.

The exhibition runs through March 15th, with flexible hours and pricing that varies by day. Tuesday through Friday sessions cost R$60 (full) and R$30 (half), while weekends and holidays are R$70 and R$35 respectively. Children under two enter free.

At the Museu do Samba, Alvoradas de Cartola offers an intimate look at the legendary samba composer's life through over 100 personal items, manuscripts, rare photographs, and audiovisual materials. The exhibition, curated by Nilcemar Nogueira, includes installations honoring both Cartola and his partner Dona Zica, running Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Viagem ao Espaço: Jan 16-Mar 15, Rio Design Barra
• Alvoradas de Cartola: Ongoing, Museu do Samba
• Viva Mauricio: Through April 13, CCBB-Rio (free entry)

The Parque Lage School of Visual Arts launches Fazendo Arte no Parque, a Sunday workshop series for children aged 5-12. Running January 11th, 18th, and 25th from 10:00 AM to noon, each session focuses on different creative themes: forest invention labs, movement and drawing, and expressive movement with creation.

The Museu do Pontal offers free programming for children during school holidays from January 8-25, featuring workshops, circus performances, and outdoor shows. A highlight is the Encontro de Folias de Reis on January 11th at 4:00 PM, bringing together three traditional groups to maintain this popular celebration.

The Casa Firjan hosts Verão na Casa 2026 on January 10-11, featuring a gastronomic fair, workshops, film screenings, interactive installations, and music performances. The event explores themes of technology, ancestrality, and speculative futures through accessible activities for all ages.

These community initiatives strengthen cultural formation from childhood, promoting creative experiences in direct contact with nature and tradition.

January 2026 establishes itself as a landmark month for Rio's cultural landscape, seamlessly blending contemporary innovation with deep-rooted traditions. The convergence of Universo Spanta, Carnaval Fan Fest, and the Cacique de Ramos anniversary creates an unprecedented opportunity to experience the city's multifaceted identity.

From the Marina da Glória's modern stages to the historic streets of Lapa and Olaria, each event contributes to a larger narrative of cultural resilience and celebration. The programming's diversity—from high-energy festivals to intimate theater productions and immersive exhibitions—ensures accessibility for every type of cultural enthusiast.

As the season progresses into February, these foundational events will culminate in Rio's legendary Carnaval, making this pre-festival period essential for understanding the city's cultural heartbeat. Whether you're a longtime resident or first-time visitor, this calendar offers a comprehensive roadmap to Rio's living, breathing cultural ecosystem.