Not everyone visiting Brazil in early 2026 will be here for the official Carnival dates, which run from February 13 to 17. Many international travelers arrive in São Paulo for work, events, or short stays — and assume they’ll miss Brazil’s most iconic celebration altogether.
The good news? São Paulo’s pré-Carnaval offers a vibrant preview of Carnival season weeks in advance, with open rehearsals, themed parties, and blocos that bring the rhythm, color, and joy of the festivities to the city as early as January. It’s an ideal way to experience Carnival energy without committing to the peak holiday crowds.
Here are pre-Carnival events in São Paulo worth adding to your itinerary.
📅 January 17 (Saturday)
🎤 Bloco do Silva — Pre-Carnival Festival
A big kickoff party mixing axé, pop, samba, and Carnival vibes at Memorial da América Latina.
🎟️ Tickets from R$140
🇯🇲 Carnaval Jamaicano
Celebrating Jamaican rhythms with blocos like Kaya Na Gandaia, Jah É, and Skaravana at Tarantino Cervejaria.
🎟️ Tickets from R$40
🎷 Monobloco Rehearsal Night
Pre-Carnival drum party at Audio (Audio), tickets from R$60.
🎶 Cradle of São Mateus Samba (Night Show)
Samba roots and percussion at Casa de Francisca — tickets from R$26.
🎸 Nação Zumbi
Live show blending maracatu, rock, and Afro influences — tickets from R$84.
🪩 Batekoo Pre-Carnival Night
Funk, hip-hop & dancehall celebration — tickets from R$41.
📅 January 18 (Sunday)
🎭 Botecagem Festival
Open-air samba and pagode party in Largo da Batata — free entry.
🚕 Bloco Vou de Taxi — Open Rehearsal
Free blocos event with nostalgic hits on Rua Cunha Gago — free entry.
🥁 Bloco Afro É di Santo
Morning percussion circle at M’Boi Mirim Cultural Center — free entry.
🎤 Elis Regina Tribute Show
Live music on Avenida Paulista — tickets from R$70.
🎭 Ilú Obá de Min Closing Show
Afro-feminist arts performance at Casa Natura Musical — tickets from R$80.
📅 January 20 (Tuesday)
🎷 Charanga do França Rehearsal
Jazz & Brazilian rhythms night in Bela Vista — tickets from R$15.
📅 January 23 (Friday)
🎵 Bloco Forrozin Pre-Carnival Party
Forró night at Casa Natura Musical — tickets from R$54.
🥁 Batuqueiros & Guests at Vila do Samba
Percussion session in Casa Verde — tickets from R$30.
📅 January 24 (Saturday)
🥁 Bloco do Samba de Caboclo
Samba celebration in Santana — tickets from R$30.
🎉 Let’s Block Open Rehearsal
Rock + Carnival beats in Bela Vista — tickets from R$20.
🏴 Pirate Ship – Baile da BaianaSystem
Bahian pagodão x electronic at Memorial da América Latina — tickets from R$200.
📅 January 25 (Sunday)
🏳️🌈 MinhoQueens Pre-Carnival Party
LGBTQ+ dance event at Fabrique Club — free until midnight, then R$30.
🎸 Ritaleena Carnival Rehearsal
Tribute to Rita Lee at Casa Natura Musical — tickets from R$80.
📅 January 31 (Saturday)
🥁 Confraria do Pasmado — Open Rehearsal
Traditional bloco at Casa Natura Musical — tickets from R$180.
🎭 Pirajá Carnival Scream
Bohemian pre-Carnival party in Pinheiros — tickets from R$120.
🎉 Agrada Gregos Warm-Up Party
LGBTQIA+ block with 3 dance floors at High Club — tickets from R$20.
📅 January–Early February (ongoing traditions)
🎷 Samba Schools Technical Rehearsals (Anhembi Sambadrome)
Over 50 free rehearsals with samba schools happening most weekends from January 10 to February 1 — free entry.
📅 Acadêmicos do Baixo Augusta — Sunday Rehearsals
January 18, 25 & February 1, at Pavilhão Audio — free entry with tickets released weekly.
📅 February 8 (Sunday)
🔥 Ensaios da Anitta — São Paulo
Major stadium performance (already sold out).
🔥 Tip for travelers: São Paulo’s pré-Carnaval now includes everything from traditional blocos to samba school rehearsals and themed parties across genres — perfect for catching folia in January and early February before the official Carnival dates.
Why Pre-Carnival in São Paulo Works for International Visitors
São Paulo’s pre-Carnival season is ideal for travelers who:
- Are in Brazil for business before mid-February
- Want a taste of Carnival without traveling to Rio
- Prefer organized events, rehearsals, and ticketed experiences
- Enjoy discovering local culture beyond peak tourist dates
It’s a chance to experience Carnival as locals do — gradually, creatively, and across multiple neighborhoods.
