Friday’s Rio Nightlife Pick – Today as Carnival kicks off in earnest, an estimated ten thousand people will join the Carmelitas bloco parade as it makes it’s way from Rua Dias De Barros to Largo Dos Guimarães in Santa Teresa starting at 3PM.
This bloco on the slopes of Santa Teresa has developed as a tribute to the Carmelite Convent of Santa Teresa. Every year revelers recreate the legend that a nun jumps the convent wall to participate in carnival with men and women dressing as nuns, so that the “runaway” can play in peace without being identified.
With Carnival officially running from February 5th to 9th, there are around thirty official blocos happening in Rio de Janeiro today, and following below is a list of some of the largest.
BLOCOS: (short list)
Carmelitas (Santa Teresa)
An estimated ten thousand people will join Carmelitas parade as it makes it way from Rua Dias De Barros to Largo Dos Guimarães.
When: 3PM-7PM
Bloco Virtual (Leme)
Approximately twenty thousand people are expected to parade down Avenida Atlântica from Posto 1 (lifeguard stand 1) to Praça Almirante Julio De Noronha.
When: 5PM-9PM
Rola Preguiçosa – Tarda Mas Não Falha (Ipanema)
An estimated thirty thousand people will gather together to parade from Rua Maria Quitéria, Av. Visconde De Pirajá to Rua Vinícius De Moraes
When: 8PM-11PM
Embaixadores Da Folia (Centro)
An estimated eight thousand people will parade down Rua México to Rua Santa Luzia to Praça Mahatma Gandhi and then to Cinelândia.
When: 8PM-12AM
*For a complete list of all Rio Carnival 2016 blocos, see the wikirio page.
LIVE:
Rio Music Carnival with Axwell (Marina da Glória)
The dance music festival, Rio Music Carnaval begins tonight. Rafale Delgado, Rodrigo Vieira, and the Naza Brothers will spin. Axwell will headline the night.
Marina da Glória – 11PM
Av Infante Dom Henrique, s/n Marina da Glória.
Entrance: R$90+
Chá Fantasy (Lapa)
Tonight Circo Voador will host a costume edition of the popular Chá da Alice party. There will be special decorations, gifts, and suprises and DJs Giordanna Forte, Thiago Araújo, Gui Serrano, and Mil Faces will spin during the night.
Circo Voador – Gates will open at 11PM
Rua dos Arcos, S/N, Lapa – Tel: (21) 2533-0354
Entrance: R$40 – R$50
Monobloco (Lapa)
Popular bloco Monobloco will hold the third edition of their Carnival practice sessions live at Fundição Progresso tonight. Dream Team do Passinho will join the bloco during the show and Samba do Chapéu will perform live to open the night.
Fundição Progresso – House will open at 10PM.
Rua dos Arcos 24, Lapa – Tel: (21) 2220-5070
Entrance: See Venue for more information.
Ostra Brains, Catillinárias, and Kinderwhores (Botafogo)
Tonight bands Ostra Brains, Catillinárias, and Kinderwhores will perform live at Audio Rebel in Botafogo.
Audio Rebel – 7PM
Visconde de Silva 55, Botafogo – Tel: (21) 3435-2692
Entrance: R$20
OTHER:
Pub Crawl Lapa Loca (Lapa)
Tonight it’s time again for the Pub Crawl Lapa Loca. The meeting point to begin the crawl is at Rua Mem de Sá, 55 from 10:30 PM to 11PM. There will then be an open bar from 11:10 PM to 12:10 AM at Bar da Cachaça. Then from 12:20 AM to 1AM there will be free entry at the next location and one free shot of tequila or caipirinha. The crawl will then arrive at 1:20 AM at its final stop at Bar da Boa for the Lapa Loca party. Entry to that party will be free and pub crawlers will receive one free caipirinha.
Bar da Boa Show – 10:30 PM
Avenida Mem de Sá, 69, Lapa – Tel: (21) 2221-2542
Entrance: R$70
CLUBS:
Pega Bem (Arpoador)
The CAVE club in Arpoador will host a Baile de Carnaval edition of the Pega Bem party. DJs Aldo Barranco, Cereja, Lofaro, David, and Caur will spin the best of hip hop, funk, Carnival marches, and classic funk throughout the night.
CAVE – 11:30 PM
Rua Francisco Otaviano 20, Arpoador – Tel: (21) 3576-8024
Entrance: R$40+
Bootie Rio (Copacabana)
It’s time for the best of mashups as Fosfobox hosts a special Carnival edition of the Bootie Rio party. VideoMash will deliver a special Lady Gage video mashup set and DJs Moreira, Schlaepfer, Richard L, Folkatrua VJs and André Pipipi will spin during the night in the subsolo (basement). Ravena Creole, Aurora Black and Danjah Patra will perform live and DJs Érica Angélica, Glau Tavares and Lita Teglas will spin at the Fosfobar.
Fosfobox – 11PM
Rua Siqueira Campos 143, Copacabana – Tel: (21) 2548-7498
Entrance: R$15 – R$50
Keg (Botafogo)
In anticipation of the SuperBowl, Casa da Matriz will host the Keg party, Football Night edition tonight. There will be pizza, beer, beer kegs, drinking games and two floors of DJs spinning during the night. DJs Grazzia, Ingrid Nepomuceno, SaJoao, and Mayara Araujo will spin the best of pop, hip hop, and funk on the first floor and DJs Sal and Fel will spin the best of rock, pop, and punk on the second floor during the night. Additionally during the night, there will be a costume contest with the champion winning R$100.
Casa da Matriz – 11PM
Rua Henrique de Novaes 107, Botafogo – Tel: (21) 2226-9691 / (21) 2266-1014
Entrance: R$20 – R$50
Surububa (Lapa)
The Surububa party returns to Teatro Odisséia tonight with a special Baile de Máscaras edition. There will be body shots on stage; distribution of drinks throughout the night; and a live bondage demonstration. DJs Buba and Fabitch will spin the best of pop, hip hop, r&b, and funk on the first stage while DJs Bgolls Incrivel and Boechat spin the best of alternative rock, heavy metal, hard pop, and rock on the second stage during the night.
Teatro Odisséia – 11PM
Avenida Mem de Sá 66, Lapa – Tel: (21) 2548-7498
Entrance: R$25 – R$35
Carnabaret (Botafogo)
Tonight Cabaret Lounge will host Carnabaret: Baile de Carnaval á Fantasia. DJ Haron Dufau will spin and there will be a costume contest with the winner receiving at a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and VIP access for 2016.
Cabaret Lounge – 9PM
Rua Voluntários da Pátria 449, Botafogo – Tel: (21) 2226-4126
Entrance: R$25 – R$38
CL∆PS (Centro)
La Paz in Centro will host the CL∆PS party tonight. It will be a special technobregafunk edition with the Ondas Tropicais party joining to bring the best of funk, tropical rhythms, carimbó, brega, and techno to the venue throughout the night. DJs Luancito, IOIA, El Amaral, Justy Divynal, XapaKente, Mr. Mambo Jazz, Matias Maxx, Mel Pimenta, and Ritmo de Favela with MC Luizinho will provide the music during the night and VJ Chico Abreu will provide visuals.
La Paz – 11PM
Rua do Rezende 82, Centro – Tel: (21) 2509-2403
Entrance: R$10 – R$20
Baile da Pesada (Lapa)
Raízes da Lapa will host the fourth edition of the Baile da Pesada tonight. It will be a Carnival and Baile de Favela edition with DJs Negralha, Nino Leal, Rodrigo Senna, Anderson America, Pedro Bonn, and Ezio Sant’Ana spinning during the night. Additionally Yas Werneck will serve as Master of Ceremonies during the event.
Raízes da Lapa – 11PM
Avenida Mem de Sá 21, Lapa – Tel: (21) 96958-8877
Entrance: R$10 – R$25
Festival Mimosa Rock 2016 (Praça da Bandeira)
The Festival Mimosa Rock 2016 will begin at Porto Pirata tonight with bands Skorno, Bala Solta, Banda Huguenots, and DAOS performing live. The festival will continue throughout Carnival on the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. Entry is free.
Porto Pirata – 10PM
Rua Lópes de Sousa 24, Praça da Bandeira. – Tel: (21) 2520-2754
Entrance: FREE
MÚSICA BRASILEIRA:
Bateria da União da Ilha, Ito Melodia, and Tico do Gato of Salgueiro (Centro)
It’s all about Carnival and samba tonight at Rio Scenarium. Tico do Gato of the Salgueiro samba school will start off the night at 8PM and União da Ilha composer Ito Melodia will follow at 11PM. The Bateria (Percussion section) of União da Ilha will then perform beginning at 3AM.
Rio Scenarium – 8PM, 11PM, and 3AM
Rua do Lavradio, 20 casa, Centro – Tel: (21) 3147-9000
Entrance: R$45
Julio Estrela, Marina Iris and Késia Estácio
Vocalist and instrumentalist Késia Estácio will start the night at Carioca da Gema tonight and Julio Estrela and Marina Iris will follow with the best of samba.
Carioca da Gema – 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM and 11:30 PM
Av. Mem de Sá 79, Lapa – Tel: (21) 2221-0043
Entrance: R$30
Lapafest (Lapa)
It’s time again for Lapafest at Leviano bar tonight. Singer Lucas de Moraes will start off the night by performing his reinterpretations of works by Zeca Pagodinho, Jorge Aragão, and Clara Nunes, among others. The bloco Picada de Primeira will then perform the best of samba, MPB, soul, and samba reggae. On the second floor during the night, the power trio Johnny’s will perform the best of international pop rock. Additionally during the night, DJs Marilo and Ailton Areas will spin the best of samba, sambalançco, funk, hip hop and electronic during show intervals. Caipirinhas will be free for all until 12AM.
Leviano – 6PM
Mem de Sá 47, Lapa – Tel: (21) 2507-5779
Entrance: R$20-R$40 (Cash only)
PUBS & BARS:
Hard Attack @ Lapa Irish Pub (Lapa)
It’s time for the best of classic rock as the group Hard Attack performs live at Lapa Irish Pub tonight. If you’re looking for quality imported beers and a welcoming environment to drink them in, this is the place to go.
Lapa Irish Pub – 8PM
Rua Evaristo da Veiga 147, Lapa – Tel (21) 2221-7236
Entrance: R$10
Os Vulcânicos and Beach Combers @ Saloon 79 (Botafogo)
Tonight bands Os Vulcânicos and Beach Combers will perform live at Saloon 79 in Botafogo. Additionally during show intervals, DJs will spin the best of rock.
Saloon 79 – House will open at 9PM and shows should begin at approximately 10:30 PM.
Rua Pinheiro Guimarães 79, Botafogo – Tel: (21) 7544-5151
Entrance: R$10 – R$20
Pop Sessions with Love Joe (Ipanema)
Tonight Barzin Bar and Restaurant in Ipanema will host the Pop Sessions party with the band Love Joe performing the best of Calvin Harris, Anitta, Gabriel Pensador, Tim Maia and Charlie Brown, among others. Special guests Caio Bucker, Erick Do Ben and the bloco Brasilia Amarela will join the party during the night and Mahú will serve as Master of Ceremonies during the night. Additionally during the night, DJ Bruno Rebello will spin the best of hip hop, house, pop, and funk throughout the night.
Barzin – 11PM
Rua Vinícius de Moraes 75, Ipanema
Entrance: R$15 – R$50
Ladies Night – Lord Jim Pub (Ipanema)
It’s Ladies Night at the Lord Jim Pub tonight. A DJ will spin the best of the Eighties and promotions will include two-for-one specials on sparkling wine for women and tequila and Jagermeister for everyone.
Lord Jim’s Pub – 6PM-4AM
Rua Paul Redfern 44, Ipanema – Tel: (21) 2249-4881
Entrance: R$20 for women and R$25 for men.
Blue Agave Ipanema (Ipanema)
For great Mexican food, drinks and live sports, be sure to check out the original Blue Agave in Ipanema.
Blue Agave Ipanema – 1PM – 3AM
Vinicus de Moraes 68, Ipanema – Tel: (21) 3592-9271 / (21) 7544-5151
Entrance: FREE. Food and drink prices vary.
Bar 48 (Ipanema)
Located in the heart of the Ipanema neighborhood, Bar 48 (Quarenta e Oito) is one of the hottest new bars in the city. Owned and operated by French expats, the bar is making a name for itself by hosting live music, DJ sets and by offering a nice atmosphere and great mixed drinks including caipirinhas.
Bar 48 – 6PM-3AM
48 Rua Teixeira de Melo, Ipanema – Tel: (21) 2548-8484
Entrance: See venue for details.
Shenanigan’s (Ipanema)
With classic pub games like darts and pool, Ipanema’s Shenanigan’s is always a great spot to visit. This is a great place to watch live streaming sports, both international and national.
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub – 7PM
Rua Visconde de Pirajá 122A (Upstairs), Ipanema – Tel: (21) 2267-5860
Entrance: See venue for details.
The Lucky Screw American Irish Pub (Copacabana)
Know for its cold beer, specialty beers, and great atmosphere, The Lucky Screw American Irish Pub also hosts live music every night of the week except for Wednesdays. Additionally, this is a great place to watch live sports.
The Lucky Screw American Irish Pub – 5PM-2AM
Av. Atlântica, 3056, Loja B, Copacabana – Tel: (21) 98317-5258
Entrance: Free
Mab’s Restaurant and Bar (Copacabana)
This American-owned restaurant and bar on Copacabana Beach is a great place for food, drinks and entertainment. Additionally, Tony Boka is playing at Mab’s now everyday of the week from 6PM to 10PM. Boka is known for his varied repertoire that always pleases the crowd.
Restaurante Mab’s – 9AM-4AM everyday.
Avenida Atlantica 1140, Copacabana – Tel: (21) 2275-7299
Entrance: See venue for more information.
Mud Bug (Copacabana)
Mud Bug in Copacabana provides a great selection of food and drinks, including more than thirty types of international and national beers
Mud Bug – 5PM-3AM
Rua Rudolpho Dantas 16, Copacabana – Tel: (21) 2543-5052
Entrance: Free
OMG Lounge (Leblon)
Since its opening, the OMG Lounge has been attracting both locals and tourists alike with its intimate atmosphere and new varieties of food and drinks.
OMG Lounge – 8PM-3AM
Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 1321, Leblon – Tel: (21) 3083-6486
Entrance: See venue for more information.
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