When it comes to the biggest music festivals you have to attend at least once in your life, and what to do in Rio de Janeiro, both lists have something in common: Rock in Rio Brazil! Even if there is a certain way all of the largest music festivals work, almost a formula, Roberto Medina created his own thing back with the first edition of this new festival in 1985.
The Rock in Rio Brazil festival was born from the desire to do something unique in Rio de Janeiro, given how our country was just exiting a hard political period. In 2024, we will gather at the ‘City of Rock’ for the fortieth anniversary.
Looking ahead, the 2025 edition promises to be even more spectacular, with innovative stage designs and a diverse lineup that honors the festival’s rich legacy while embracing new musical trends.
For a complete guide to holidays and festivals Brazil has to to offer, you can read more later at our Brazil Festivals and Holiday Guide.
You may be thinking: why should I attend Rock in Rio specifically in Rio de Janeiro? Sure, the United States version is in Las Vegas, plus a European edition called Rock in Rio Lisboa. But there is a certain magic to attending the Rio de Janeiro one. There is history with iconic presentations like Rod Stewart way back in the first edition, each of the five times Iron Maiden performed just because they love Brazil.
They aren’t the only ones to come repeatedly, Red Hot Chili Peppers has four Rio de Janeiro editions under their belt. And just like artists, most people fall in love with the festival, going every time Rio de Janeiro opens its arms to welcome festival goers.
But it isn’t just Bon Jovi songs from the oldies station playing at the first rock festival in Latin America. Nowadays, that shares the Rock in Rio Brazil spotlight with current names like Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber or Charlie Puth.
There is a space for everyone! Big names from Brazilian music like Ivete Sangalo are set to grace the Rio de Janeiro festival this year too! Are you doing like the biggest names in music and coming to the Rock in Rio Brazil festival? You arrived at the right place!
Follow along with me for a lowdown on what you need to know before making your way to Rio de Janeiro.
Rock in Rio Brazil: How Old Should You Be to Attend?
โAlthough unforgettable performances are accessible to everyone, not all age groups should attend the Rock in Rio Brazil event. I say that because no matter how many days of the festival you plan on going to, you still should be at least sixteen years or older. Mostly because the festival grounds are big, so there is plenty of walking around to be done and younger folks won’t be able to handle that.
Plus, Rio de Janeiro is a far cry from Sรฃo Paulo. The hours of music happen under that classic Rio de Janeiro sun, meaning you will get really hot. You should be aware of your body in a way kids and early teens just can’t be.
What to Expect From Rock in Rio Brazil?
The Rio de Janeiro lineup for 2024 includes Mariah Carey, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Travis Scott, Imagine Dragons, Cyndi Lauper, Joss Stone, and many more artists ready to give you the unforgettable experiences only Rio de Janeiro can. First, you should know that there are two main stages: the sunset stage and the world stage. It’s there you can find big headlining names.
You don’t need to get barricade to enjoy concerts! Even if this Rio festival is on a plain terrain, there are plenty of big screens to show whoever is on stage.
As it is with the biggest music festivals, there is easy access from everywhere in Rio de Janeiro. I don’t know how it is in Las Vegas, but since before the first edition happened in the United States, Rio’s public transportation molds around helping people get to and from festival grounds. Prepare ahead: get yourself a Rio Card to reach the City of Rock. It is much easier than trying to drive or booking private shuttles.
When Does Rock in Rio Brazil Start?
Well, there are two ways I can answer this question for you. The Rock in Rio festival itself happens in September, every other year. In 2024, it will begin on September 13th and go all the way through September 22nd. It isn’t ten straight days of concerts! It is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (13th, 14th, and 15th) then Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd) of the following week.
As for each individual day, gates open around 2 PM. The headline takes the World Stage around midnight so you can expect to make a rather late (or early) return to your accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rock in Rio Brazil – Rio de Janeiro Edition:
Rock in Rio Brazil: How Can I Reach Festival Grounds?
I mentioned before briefly, but the best way to reach Rock in Rio Rio de Janeiro will be public transportation! Subway lines remain open around the clock. with additional buses on the surface to help deal with thousands of festival attendees. You will only need a Rio Card, which you can get at some subway stations or dedicated stores around town. With that, you can just hop in to go from anywhere until your Barra da Tijuca destination.
In case you don’t feel like dealing with all that, some local companies offer shuttling service from key points around Rio de Janeiro for a reasonable price. And of course, there is Rock in Rio Primeira Classe, a shuttling service offered by the festival itself in order to enhance your festival experience. It will depart from a few locations around town and take you to a dedicated entrance on the grounds! It might be a good idea if this is your first time
Rock in Rio Brazil: What Should I Bring to the Festival?
โYes, you can find pretty much anything in the City of Rock streets, I recommend bringing some small items with you! Let’s start with a hat, to avoid getting sunburnt on your scalp. Then a light jacket, those small first aid kits, sunglasses, and whatever personal hygiene products you may need to get through the day.
As for snacks, you can bring anything that is either sealed or in see-through packaging! It isn’t entirely necessary since each of the biggest festivals has plenty of dining options, accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies pretty well.
Rock in Rio Brazil: Where Can I Stay Near the Festival Grounds?
Since there are so many ways to reach Rock in Rio, you necessarily need to stay near the Olympic Park or the festival grounds. Those places are incredibly expensive and sell out months in advance! I recommend you look for hotels near public transportation spots! That way you’re able to be there when it matters and enjoy other parts of town for the rest of your time.
Rock in Rio is so much more than a festival. It is a place where you can live memorable moments to the sound of renowned artists. I can’t wait to be there on September 14th! Will I see you there?
