Grande Recife Cultural Guide: Music, Festivals & Art

The cultural calendar in the Grande Recife region is bursting with energy this weekend, offering a wide array of entertainment options beyond the city's famous pre-carnival preparations. From major musical concerts and traditional festivals to immersive art exhibitions, there is something for every taste.

Attendees can look forward to live performances from renowned national artists, a multicultural craft fair, and a variety of visual arts displays that celebrate local heritage and contemporary creativity. The following guide details the key events taking place from Friday, January 16 through Sunday, January 18.

The weekend's musical lineup is headlined by several high-profile shows across the city. Nattan and Menos é Mais will command the stage for the 'Na Farra' event, a lively party merging pagode and forró hits like "Pela última vez" and "Love gostosinho." This performance is scheduled for Saturday, January 17 starting at 16:00 at the Teatro RioMar Recife.

On the same day, the band Mombojó returns to Recife to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album "Nadadenovo." The show at Estelita will also feature performances by local artist Tagore and singer Platônicca, who opens the night starting at 21:00.

Friday night offers distinct choices for music lovers. Singer Chico Chico presents his new album and tour "Let It Burn | Deixa Arder," blending rock, electronic music, and Brazilian popular rhythms at the Teatro RioMar Recife. Meanwhile, the Chopp Festival at Shopping RioMar provides a free entry option with a diverse schedule of DJs and live bands from Friday through Sunday.

The 23rd edition of Fenahall (Feira de Artesanato do Classic Hall) continues in Olinda until Sunday, bringing together national and international artisans. Exhibitors from countries including Greece, Turkey, India, Japan, and various African nations are present, alongside a daily musical program.

A special thematic space titled "Já é Carnaval" is a highlight of this year's edition, featuring frevo presentations, workshops, and an exhibition of giant dolls. The fair operates daily from 14:00 to 21:00 at the Classic Hall in Olinda, with tickets available at the venue.

Complementing the market atmosphere is the "Vidas em Cordel" exhibition at the Museu Cais do Sertão. Promoted by the Museu da Pessoa, this display features cordel literature pieces created by Pernambucan artists Jorge Filó, Susana Morais, and Isabelly Moreira, accompanied by xilogravuras (woodcuts) by local artisans. The exhibition is open until Sunday and is free to the public.

Visual art enthusiasts have a multitude of exhibitions to explore. The IV Salão Internacional de Humor Gráfico de Pernambuco at Caixa Cultural showcases 120 works by cartoonists from 21 countries, centered on the theme "Planeta de Todos." The exhibition aims to provoke reflection on environmental issues and is open until February 1.

At the Paço do Frevo, two exhibitions celebrate the region's iconic rhythm. "Frevo pra Vestir" dives into the visual imagination of frevo clothing and accessories, while "Maestros - Retratos da folia" pays photographic homage to four traditional conductors of Pernambucan carnival orchestras. Both exhibitions run through February and March, respectively.

Other notable displays include "C", the first solo exhibition by visual artist Marlan Cotrim at Galeria Amparo 60, featuring works made with chlorine and charcoal on cotton fabric. Additionally, "A Coisa Ficou Preta" by Gleyson Borges at Engenho Massangana explores themes of blackness, memory, and representation.

Family-friendly entertainment is available through theatrical productions. The musical "O Reino Congelado" offers a free adaptation inspired by "Frozen" and Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," directed by Ivaldo Cunha Filho. It takes place on Saturday at the Teatro Luiz Mendonça.

For dance lovers, the "Ballet of Lights: A Bela Adormecida" presents a unique interpretation of the classic fairy tale using costumes that glow in the dark. The performance is scheduled for Sunday at the Teatro RioMar Recife.

The Chopp Festival - Verão 2026 stands out as a major social event. Organized by Shopping RioMar in partnership with Carnivoria and Babylon brewery, the festival offers a variety of local chopps and gastronomic options from Pernambucan, national, and international cuisines. The event is free and runs from Friday to Sunday with a full schedule of DJs and live music.

Grande Recife's cultural agenda this weekend is defined by diversity, ranging from the high-energy concerts of Nattan and Mombojó to the international scope of the Fenahall craft fair. The Chopp Festival provides a festive, free-entry gathering spot, while the city's museums and galleries host significant exhibitions on themes like frevo, cordel literature, and contemporary art.

With options spanning music, theater, dance, and visual arts, the region offers a comprehensive cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. Most events run through the weekend, making it an ideal time to explore the creative pulse of Pernambuco.