Hello, 2025! Another year ahead and we’ve already got the best tips for you to enjoy the first month. So, if you want to know what to do in January in Rio de Janeiro, check out our complete guide to enjoying the city to the full!
Enjoying summer in Rio de Janeiro
Not only has a new month begun, but so has the summer season. What’s more, the hottest season of the year looks just like the Marvelous City, doesn’t it? Rio de Janeiro gets even bluer and busier!
Here, we have some tips that you can’t miss if you’re enjoying the summer in Rio de Janeiro… and also tips for nearby cities for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle!
Candlelight Concerts
If the idea in January is to slow down and also enjoy a different program, then how about enjoying one of the Candlelight Concerts? This is because the candlelight shows are surprising, exciting and always take place in iconic places in Rio de Janeiro.
Check out the program for January:
- 16/01 – Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay;
- 16/01 – Candlelight: The Best of Bossa Nova;
- 21 and 22/01 – Candlelight: The Best of Bridgerton;
- 23/01 – Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer;
- 23/01 – Candlelight: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons;
- 25/01 – Candlelight: Coldplay x Imagine Dragons;
- 26/01 – Candlelight: Rock Classics from Queen to Pink Floyd;
- 26/01 – Candlelight: Rings, Thrones and Dragons;
- 29/01 – Candlelight: Magical Soundtracks;
My Dear Friend
The musical monologue ‘Meu Caro Amigo’ is a great tribute to Chico Buarque and is back after 15 years!
The play tells the story of the character Norma, a teacher who lived through the country’s great transformations, such as the military dictatorship and Diretas Já.
However, even in the most difficult times, Norma never felt completely alone: it was as if Chico Buarque de Hollanda guessed all her feelings and created the songs with her in mind.
📌Firjan Theater | Avenida Graça Aranha, 1 – Centro
📅From January 20 to February 25 | Monday and Tuesday at 7pm
💵From R$20 (half-price)
Universo Spanta 2025
One of the biggest music festivals in Brazil, Universo Spanta is going to rock Rio’s summer this month!
That’s because the program starts on the first Monday of the year, with a line-up full of established artists and new talents to cater for the most different audiences.
In addition, Carnival blocks, samba schools, among other attractions, are on the festival program.
📌Marina da Glória
📅From 06 to 20/01
💵From R$30 (half-price)
Juliana Silveira sings Floribella
Any popcorn here? Then get ready, because actress Juliana Silveira is returning to the stage in January to pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of the soap opera Floribella, in which she played the lead role for two seasons.
As well as enjoying the show, fans can also take part in a Q&A session with the actress and an exclusive Meet & Greet, with photo opportunities and autographs.
📌Lagune Barra Hotel
📅18/01 | at 3pm
💵From R$ 145, (half-price)
Dawn Patrol
This month, Brazilian DJs and producers Maz and Antdot are holding the second edition of their signature party Dawn Patrol, at a venue with one of the most beautiful views in the Marvelous City, on Estrada do Joá.
In addition, the hosts are joined by Riascode and BAKKA for a line-up that starts at sunset and extends into the early hours of the morning in this movement that unites electronic music and lifestyle, in a crossover with surf, skate and Brazilian popular music.
📌Estrada do Joá, 1410 – Joá
📅11/01 | from 4pm
💵R$ 300,
Jazz at Lavradio
Rua do Lavradio, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most historic and charming addresses, has gained a new attraction on Sundays.
That’s because, every week, Galeria Scenarium, Celeste and Mooyo join forces to offer afternoons of jazz and instrumental music, free of charge.
In addition, the relaxed atmosphere, with beach chairs and bar tables, and the varied cuisine at Mooyo and Celeste promise to please everyone.
📌Rua do Lavradio, at number 11 – Centro
Every Sunday from 12pm to 6pm
💵Free entry
Summer Breaking
In January, the ‘Breaking do Verão’ festival, the largest in the country, is back for its fourth edition, but this time in the traditional neighborhood of Lapa.
The festival will feature invited national and international athletes, as well as the winners of the competition’s regional qualifiers. In all, there will be 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls, with the highlight being Frenchman Dany Dann, silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In addition, among the national athletes, one of the main names is Pará b-boy Leony, a member of the Brazilian national team and champion of the first edition of Breaking do Verão.
📌Fundição Progresso | Rua dos Arcos, 24 a 50 – Centro
📅16 to 18/01| Thursday and Friday, from 2pm | Saturday, from 10am
💵Free admission
Tuesdays in Ipanema
A new musical project begins in Rio in January. It’s ‘Tuesdays in Ipanema’, which will bring music back to the Ipanema Rubens Corrêa Municipal Theater on a permanent basis, always on Tuesdays.
The idea behind the project is to revive the habit of seasons, which is currently restricted to theatrical performances.
The opening act for ‘Tuesdays at Ipanema’ is singer-songwriter Joyce Moreno, who is not only a regular at the theater on stage, but also in the audience.
📌Rua Prudente de Morais, 824 – Ipanema
📅07, 14, 21 and 28/01| at 8pm
💵From R$40, (half-price)
We are all Amazon
In November 2024, Rio de Janeiro hosted the G20 international forum and had a mega holiday and a whole special program in the city.
However, until the 31st of this month, it’s possible to take a closer look at the works in the exhibition ‘Somos Todos Amazônia’ (We Are All Amazon), on display at the Navy Cultural Warehouse.
The exhibition is one of the previews of the Amazon Biennial 2025 and aims to promote environmental awareness and understanding of climate issues.
It is also a celebration of Brazil’s wealth, while promoting reflection on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
📌Avenida Alfred Agache, s/n – Centro
Until 31/01 | from 11am
💵Free admission on Tuesdays