In April, there’s April Fool’s Day, public holidays… and also lots of good things to do throughout the month! So if you’re looking for a cool program for the next few days, check out our list of things to do in Rio in April.
Note: this guide will be updated throughout the month, so keep an eye out so you don’t miss any tips!
Stranger Things: The Experience!
The Inverted World arrives in Rio de Janeiro this month! Are you ready to live this experience?
Then get ready to be part of a mysterious study at Hawkins Lab, which will take you straight into the universe of one of television’s most acclaimed series.
What’s more, you’ll be able to interact with your favorite characters, unlock powers in different immersive scenarios and have fun with the special effects! Get your ticket now!
Stranger Things: The Experience
Candlelight Concerts
On the list of things to do in Rio in April, the Candlelight Concerts cannot be left out!
After all, the candlelit shows take place in incredible venues around the city, bringing together classical and contemporary music in a way you’ ve never seen before!
This month, the program includes:
- Candlelight: Tribute to Bruno Mars – April 26, at the Museum of Tomorrow;
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer – April 26, at the Museum of Tomorrow;
- Candlelight: Tribute to Queen & The Beatles – April 30, at Teatro PRIO;
- Candlelight: Timeless Compositions by Mozart, Bach and others!–April 30, at the PRIO Theater.
Comida di Buteco
This month sees the start of the most delicious competition of the year: Comida di Buteco! What used to be just a competition between 10 bars in Belo Horizonte has now become a gigantic gastronomic circuit that has become a hit with the public and critics alike.
The competition works like this: each participating buteco creates a snack according to the year’s theme, served for a fixed price. The public and the jury, in turn, evaluate and give scores, based on the food, but also on hygiene, service and the temperature of the drink.
📌Complete list of bars
📅 From 11/04 to 11/05
💵 R$ 35,
Codfish Festival
After being postponed due to the rains, the Cod Festival will finally have its first edition in the Marvelous City – and it will be in April!
So, get ready to taste more than 30 cod-based dishes, as well as enjoy a fashion fair , handicrafts, decorations and a varied musical program, with samba and jazz circles.
📌Praça Paris – Glória
📅12 and 13/04 | from 11am to 9pm
💵Free entry
St. George’s Day
Another unmissable date – and holiday in Rio de Janeiro – is St. George’s Day.
This is because the warrior saint, present in different religions, is celebrated with festivities, fireworks and various feijoadas throughout the city. Here, we tell you more about the best St. George events and festivities in Rio de Janeiro!
Rio Boat Show
The Rio Boat Show is the largest outdoor boat show in Latin America and will take place in April in Rio de Janeiro.
With more than 100 boats expected to be on display, the event will also feature attractions such as test drives, exclusive talks with industry experts, boat parades, sailing tours and more!
In addition, projects aimed at practicing water sports and workshops for beginners in navigation will be some of the novelties of the 2025 edition.
📌Marina da Glória
📅 From 26/04 to 04/05
Firjan SESI Performing Arts Showcase
Also on the list of things to do in April in Rio, we told you here about the Mostra Firjan SESI de Artes Cênicas, which is taking place at Futuros – Arte e Tecnologia.
There are various dance, theater and circus shows for children and adults, the aim of which is to encourage new productions by groups, collectives and artists, as well as valuing culture and the creative industry. And for free!
📌Futuros – Arte e Tecnologia | Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 – Flamengo
Until 06/04 | Thursday to Sunday | at 16h, 18h and 19h
💵 Free of charge
Francisco, El Hombre
The band Francisco, El Hombre announced a break last year to embrace the new and oxygenate their ideas. But before the hiatus, they’re saying goodbye.
So the quintet made up of Mateo and Sebastián Piracés-Ugarte, Ju Strassacapa, Helena Papini and Andrei Martinez Kozyreff will come together for the last time on the “Farewell” tour to celebrate with the fans who have followed them since the group began 12 years ago.
Tickets are free, but you need to book them on the venue’s official website.
📌Espaço Cultural BNDES | Avenida República do Chile, 100 – Centro
📅 03/04
💵 Free of charge
TV Colosso – The Musical
The hit series from the 90s comes to the theater with an exciting story full of adventure!
On stage, a group of cybernetic dogs led by the terrible Vira-Lata de Aço must be fought off by the unforgettable Priscila, Gilmares and the whole gang, who teach a lesson in friendship, teamwork and respect for differences.
Celebrating 30 years of the project, the idea is that adults can relive their childhood while children explore the universe with lots of laughs, lessons and musical numbers!
📌Teatro Multiplan | VillageMall
📅 From April 12 to May 11 | Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. | Sundays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
💵 From R$40,
Lightness
Since 2023, the Santa Teresa MGallery hotel has been responsible for the “Art Project”, which receives works by different talents and reiterates its importance within the art scene of the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
This month, the hotel is hosting the ‘Lightness’ exhibition by Scottish artist Annabelle Smith Bigno. She is the second art world personality to exhibit at Bar dos Descasados this year.
For each show, the venue is transformed into an art gallery and receives a captive audience that appreciates being immersed in this universe. For the 2025 edition, the hotel has highlighted the work of female artists, reinforcing diversity and inclusion.
📌Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660 – Santa Teresa
Until 19/05 | from 8am to 10pm
💵 Free entry
Laughter, an act of resistance
Actor Paulo Gustavo, who died of complications from Covid-19, will receive an emotional tribute this month at the Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art.
In the exhibition ‘Rir, um ato de resistência’ (Laughing, an act of resistance), the public will have the chance to take a closer look at some of the items that marked the artist’s career, such as iconic costumes from plays and films. In addition, unpublished photos and pieces from his personal collection will also be on display.
📌Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
From April 13 to June 1 | Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💵From R$8 (half-price)