10 de September de 2026

Off-season Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Anyone visiting Rio de Janeiro outside the official Carnival season might be in for a surprise: you don't have to wait until February to experience Rio samba.

Carnival is part of Rio's culture and identity all year round. And one of the most fun ways to get to know this tradition is to step out of the spectator role and experience samba up close.

At Carnaval Experience, you can discover the backstage of Carnival at Cidade do Samba and participate in a samba class with professional dancers.

 

What is it like to experience Carnival off-season?

Imagine arriving in Rio at any time of year and, instead of just visiting the traditional tourist spots, discovering a bit of the universe that makes Rio's Carnival known worldwide.

At Cidade do Samba, you can find out how samba schools work behind the scenes, learn more about the history of Carnival, and observe costumes and elements used in the show up close.

But the experience goes beyond just learning.

 

Where to have an off-season Carnival experience in Rio?

The Carnaval Experience takes place at Cidade do Samba, in Rio de Janeiro, and was created to bring visitors closer to the culture of Rio's Carnival.

During the experience, you learn more about the history of samba and samba schools, interact with costumes, and participate in activities that make the visit much more interactive.

And best of all: you can have this experience even when it's not Carnival.

If you're looking for something different to do in Rio de Janeiro, this could be a great opportunity to get to know one of the city's most important cultural manifestations.

→ Access the Carnaval Experience website and book your experience