Carnival moves every year because it is tied to Easter. In 2027, Carnival Tuesday falls on 9 February, which places the Sambadrome parades between Friday 5 and Saturday 13 February 2027. The street party starts well before that.
Sambadrome parade schedule, Carnival 2027
| Date | Night | What parades |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 5 Feb | Série Ouro, night 1 | Access-division schools competing for promotion to the Special Group |
| Sat 6 Feb | Série Ouro, night 2 | Remaining Série Ouro schools |
| Sun 7 Feb | Special Group, night 1 | Top-division schools, four per night |
| Mon 8 Feb | Special Group, night 2 | Top-division schools |
| Tue 9 Feb | Special Group, night 3 | Top-division schools, closing Carnival Tuesday |
| Wed 10 Feb | Ash Wednesday | Results announced in the afternoon (apuração); no parade |
| Sat 13 Feb | Champions Parade | The six best-placed Special Group schools parade again |
Since 2025 the Special Group has paraded over three nights instead of two, with twelve schools in total. The running order for 2027 is drawn and published by LIESA, the league of Samba Schools; we update this page when it is confirmed.
Timings on a parade night
- Gates open in the late afternoon or early evening; arriving early gets you better unreserved seats in the grandstand sectors.
- First school enters around 9 to 10 pm.
- Each school has 60 to 70 minutes on the avenue, with short intervals between them.
- Last school finishes around 5 to 6 am. Most people stay for the whole night; the metro runs 24 hours during Carnival.
Which night should you choose?
To parade
The Special Group nights (7, 8 and 9 February) are the main event: the largest schools, the most elaborate costumes, the full stadium and the TV broadcast. The Série Ouro (5 and 6 February) is a strong alternative: the parades are just as passionate, costumes are generally more affordable and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Our parade guide explains how joining a school works.
To watch
For the full competition, pick a Special Group night. The Champions Parade on 13 February is the easiest option for families and first-timers: the six best parades of the year, a festive rather than competitive mood, and more ticket availability. If you parade on one night, watching on another is the classic combination.
Beyond the Sambadrome
Rio's street blocos start in mid-January and peak from the Friday before Carnival to Carnival Tuesday, with hundreds of free parades across the city, morning to evening. They are free and need no ticket. Carnival balls, the Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace among them, happen the same week.
Planning timeline
- Now to December 2026: book flights and accommodation. Carnival is the busiest week of the year in Rio and prices rise steadily.
- October to December: reserve parade costumes. The most popular schools sell out first.
- November to January: Sambadrome tickets and frisas go on sale and sell out progressively; VIP spaces earlier.
- January: technical rehearsals at the Sambadrome, free and open to the public, on weekends.
- Early February: arrive in Rio at least two days before your parade night to collect your costume.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rio Carnival 2027?
Carnival Tuesday is 9 February 2027. The Sambadrome parades run from Friday 5 February (Série Ouro) to Tuesday 9 February (Special Group), with the Champions Parade on Saturday 13 February. Street blocos start in mid-January.
What time do the parades start and end?
The first school enters around 9 to 10 pm and the last one finishes around 5 to 6 am. Each school parades for 60 to 70 minutes.
What is the difference between the Special Group and the Série Ouro?
The Special Group is the top division, with twelve schools over three nights. The Série Ouro is the access division: its winner is promoted. Both parade at the Sambadrome with full costumes and floats.
What is the Champions Parade?
On the Saturday after Carnival, the six best-placed Special Group schools parade again. It is not judged, tickets are easier to get and the mood is a celebration.
Can the dates change?
The Carnival dates are fixed by the calendar. The running order of the schools and operational details are published by LIESA closer to the event and can change; everything is confirmed in writing when you book.
Information in this guide reflects recent Rio Carnival editions and the published 2027 calendar. Parade dates, running order and Samba School rules are set by LIESA and the schools and can change; everything is confirmed in writing when you book.
