Rock in Rio 2028: things to do nearby between sets

8 to 17 September 2028 · ExpectedRio de Janeiro, Brazil

At Rock in Rio the music runs from the afternoon, so mornings and the day after are free. This guide covers the town around the site: boat trips, a real meal, a shower and a day out from Rio de Janeiro.

Tours in Rio de Janeiro Hotels for these dates

Know before you go

Held in even years over two weekends.

Airport to Cidade do Rock, Barra da Tijuca

Galeão (GIG) is 40 to 60 minutes from Copacabana; Santos Dumont (SDU) is downtown.

Official BRT express buses and Primeira Classe shuttles from the city.

Public transport directions to Cidade do Rock, Barra da Tijuca

Where to stay by budget

Budget	Where	Why
Budget	Botafogo	Cheaper on the metro.
Mid-range	Copacabana	Beachfront with many hotels.
Splurge	Ipanema and Leblon	Upscale beaches.

Three hotels we would book

Budget: Selina Copacabana
Mid-range: Hotel Atlântico Copacabana
Splurge: Copacabana Palace

Links search the nights from 7 September to 18 September. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual festival weekend schedule for 8 to 17 September 2028. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Before the gates open

Friday 8 September

Music runs from the afternoon. Mornings are free: get out on the water or into town.

Easy outingFavela tour with local guides Half day
Community-run tours.
FreeCopacabana and Ipanema beaches.

A day off-site

Saturday 9 September

Skip the early acts and take a day trip. Be back for the headliners.

Half-dayTijuca forest hike Half day · Family
Waterfalls in the city.
EatFeira de São Cristóvão Northeastern food fair

Campers: shower, food and a break

Day passes for pools and spas, and a real meal in town.

Rain or heat backupMuseum of Tomorrow.
EatConfeitaria Colombo Belle Époque café

Recovery day

Monday 18 September

Slow outings only.

Free ideaEscadaria Selarón.
EatChurrascarias in Copacabana All-you-can-eat barbecue

Family-friendly picks

Full day · Family

Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf

Both icons in one day.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Tijuca forest hike

Waterfalls in the city.

See times and prices

Full day · Family

Ilha Grande day trip

Island beaches.

See times and prices

AquaRio.

Evening and day-trip tours

Evening · Nightlife

Samba night in Lapa

Live samba clubs.

See times and prices

Full day · Family

Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf

Both icons in one day.

See times and prices

Full day · Family

Ilha Grande day trip

Island beaches.

See times and prices

After dark

Lapa.

5 tours worth booking for Rock in Rio

Tour	Length	Good for
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf	Full day	Families
Favela tour with local guides	Half day	Everyone
Tijuca forest hike	Half day	Families
Ilha Grande day trip	Full day	Families
Samba night in Lapa	Evening	Night owls

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Confeitaria Colombo Belle Époque café
Churrascarias in Copacabana All-you-can-eat barbecue
Feira de São Cristóvão Northeastern food fair

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Museum of Tomorrow.

Getting around on event days

Metro links the beaches and downtown; Uber is easy. Keep phones out of sight on the street.

Day trips from Rio de Janeiro

Petrópolis: 1.5 hours
Búzios: 3 hours

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Rock in Rio.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is Rock in Rio 2028?

The next edition is 8 to 17 September 2028, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Cidade do Rock, Barra da Tijuca?

Galeão (GIG) is 40 to 60 minutes from Copacabana; Santos Dumont (SDU) is downtown. Official BRT express buses and Primeira Classe shuttles from the city.

Where should I stay for Rock in Rio?

For most visitors the best base is Copacabana: Beachfront with many hotels.

What else can we do around Rock in Rio?

Good short outings in Rio de Janeiro include Favela tour with local guides, Tijuca forest hike. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Rock in Rio?

Family-friendly picks: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, Tijuca forest hike, Ilha Grande day trip. AquaRio.

How far is Cidade do Rock, Barra da Tijuca from Rio de Janeiro centre?

About 24 km in a straight line. Official BRT express buses and Primeira Classe shuttles from the city.

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