The 2027 Sambadrome parades are on February 7, 8 and 9, with the Champions Parade on February 13. Tickets are already on sale, so this is the part of Carnival planning to settle before you choose a hotel. Here's where official sales happen, what the main ticket types mean and how to avoid paying for the wrong night.
Where should you buy Rio Carnival tickets?
Official sales for the Special Group are being handled online through Ticketmaster, through the official Carnival sales arrangements. Riotur explicitly states that current ticket sales are taking place through Ticketmaster. I would strongly prioritize official sales channels.
Carnival creates an enormous resale market, and adding uncertainty about whether your ticket exists is an unnecessary way to make the week more exciting.
Current 2027 ticket prices
For the current Special Group ticket release, Riotur announced a standard price of R$250 per night for special grandstand tickets and numbered individual chairs. Half-price eligible tickets are R$125.
Prices differ for other ticket types, such as frisas or hospitality packages, and availability changes as sales progress. Always verify live pricing before buying.
Which nights are the main parades?
The twelve Special Group samba schools will parade across three nights:
Sunday, February 7 Monday, February 8 Tuesday, February 9
The six highest-ranked schools then return for the Champions Parade on Saturday, February 13. You do not need to attend all three main nights to experience the Sambadrome. For most first-time visitors, one full parade night is already a substantial event.
What are grandstand tickets?
Grandstand, or arquibancada, tickets are the straightforward option for many visitors. You sit in one of the stadium sectors lining the parade avenue. Current Special Group sales cover special grandstands in Sectors 2 through 11, except Sector 9, while numbered chairs are located in Sector 12. The exact atmosphere and viewing angle vary by sector.
What are frisas?
Frisas are box-style seating areas closer to parade level. They usually cost considerably more than standard grandstand tickets. The trade-off is being much closer to the schools as they pass.
If Carnival is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and your budget allows it, this is one upgrade worth considering.
What is the Rio Carnival Passport?
A three-night Passaporte Rio Carnaval 2027 was launched for spectators wanting to attend all Special Group nights. The passport covers February 7, 8 and 9 in the same grandstand sector and went on sale through official Liesa/Ticketmaster channels. This is primarily for serious Carnival fans.
For a normal first visit, I would not automatically commit to three consecutive nights finishing extremely late. Sleep also deserves occasional representation in your itinerary.
What about the Gold Series?
The Série Ouro parades take place on February 5 and 6, 2027. Current tickets were announced at R$45 for full-price entry and R$22.50 for eligible half-price tickets. This can be an excellent, cheaper introduction to Sambadrome Carnival.
Should you buy now?
If the Sambadrome is an essential part of your trip, I would not wait unnecessarily. Availability changes as sectors sell. Book your accommodation at roughly the same time because well-located Rio hotels become expensive around Carnival.
Our guide to where to stay in Rio for Carnival can help with the neighborhood decision.
FAQ - Rio Carnival 2027 Tickets
When is Rio Carnival 2027?
The Special Group parades take place February 7, 8 and 9, with the Champions Parade on February 13.
Where can I buy official Rio Carnival tickets?
Current official sales are being handled online through Ticketmaster.
How much are Rio Carnival 2027 tickets?
Current standard special-grandstand and numbered-chair tickets are R$250 per night, with eligible half-price tickets at R$125.
Do you need tickets for street Carnival?
No. Street blocos are generally public street events rather than Sambadrome ticketed parades.
Is one night at the Sambadrome enough?
For most first-time visitors, yes. One parade night already lasts many hours.
Which Sambadrome sector should first-time visitors choose?
Compare sightlines, seating style, access and budget rather than choosing on price alone. The best sector for you depends on whether you want comfort or to be close to the parade.
Do Rio Carnival tickets include transport?
Usually you should plan transport separately unless your specific package says otherwise. Check the meeting point, return arrangements and what happens after the last parade.
Can you buy Sambadrome tickets at the last minute?
Availability and prices can change quickly for popular nights. If attending the parade is central to your trip, buy through a verified channel once the official sale is clear.
