Once a year, São Paulo transforms into a massive open-air cultural arena during Virada Cultural, a 24-hour celebration of music, theater, film, dance, and visual arts. Inspired by France’s Nuit Blanche, the event invites the public to explore the city in an entirely different way — through culture that’s free, democratic, and everywhere.
Held since 2005 and organized by the São Paulo City Department of Culture, Virada Cultural brings together emerging talents and established icons from Brazil’s vibrant cultural scene. All performances are free, and the program reaches every corner of the city — from iconic sites like Avenida Paulista to lesser-known neighborhoods.
What to expect:
- Nonstop concerts, film screenings, theater performances, and visual art installations
- Programming that spans samba, hip hop, rock, electronic, classical, and more
- Stages and events in central and peripheral areas of the city
- Subway running all night for easy movement between venues
Traditional hotspots include:
- Vale do Anhangabaú: A historic pedestrian corridor in downtown São Paulo known for massive outdoor shows
- Avenida Paulista: The city’s most iconic avenue hosts diverse performances under the skyline
- Parque do Ibirapuera: São Paulo’s most famous park often features open-air performances and installations
✨ The 2025 locations and full lineup have not yet been announced, but these sites are recurring favorites.
Cultural and economic impact:
Virada Cultural is more than a festival — it’s a cultural movement. It revitalizes urban spaces, supports local artists, decentralizes access to the arts, and stimulates the city’s economy by attracting tourists and locals alike to explore bars, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces in a completely new way.
The event plays a key role in reshaping the cultural landscape of São Paulo, highlighting its diversity, creativity, and social inclusion.
