Tonight in Rio: A relaxed Sunday with genuine samba at Carioca da Gema’s Samba do Domingo (19:30), roots samba at Rio Scenarium (19:00), intimate bossa nova and jazz units at Beco das Garrafas (20:00), and a jazz session at Blue Note Rio (20:00). Links for particulars and reservations are beneath.
Top Picks Tonight
Samba do Domingo — Carioca da Gema (19:30)
- Why picked: Traditional Sunday roda in Lapa’s premier samba home—communal rhythms and vitality preferrred for expats winding down the weekend with real carioca vibes.
- Start: 19:30
- Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 79, Lapa (Centro)
- Website: barcariocadagema.com.br/reveals
Roots Samba Sunday — Rio Scenarium (19:00)
- Why picked: Lively roots samba in an antique-filled multi-level Centro venue—mixing historical past and dance for expats looking for a cultured Sunday shut.
- Start: 19:00
- Address: Rua do Lavradio, 20, Centro
- Website: rioscenarium.com.br
Bossa Nova & Jazz Sets — Beco das Garrafas (20:00)
- Why picked: Historic birthplace of bossa nova hosts intimate performances—cozy, melodic Sunday choice close to Copacabana seashore for expats appreciating Rio’s heritage.
- Start: 20:00
- Address: Rua Duvivier, 37, Copacabana
- Event web page: becodasgarrafas.com.br/principal/occasions
Jazz Session — Blue Note Rio (20:00)
- Why picked: Sophisticated jazz in a premier membership overlooking Copacabana—high-quality reside music with ocean views, suited to expats’ elegant weekend finale.
- Start: 20:00
- Address: Avenida Atlântica, 1910, Copacabana
- Website: bluenoterio.com.br
Also notable
-
Pedra do Sal Roda de Samba (19:00 onward)
— Largo Pedro do Sal, Centro. Free spontaneous avenue gatherings—genuine communal vitality.
-
Holiday lights and informal bars in Cinelândia or Ipanema
— Festive December ambiance with people-watching in expat-friendly spots.
Suggested route
Centro/Lapa: Start at Rio Scenarium (19:00) for roots samba, then 10-minute stroll to Carioca da Gema (19:30)—seamless historic district movement.
Copacabana: Blue Note jazz (20:00) to Beco das Garrafas (20:00) stroll—relaxed beachside Sunday shut.
Getting round & fast ideas
- Use registered taxis/ride-hailing between Centro, Lapa, and Copacabana; Metro dependable pre-midnight (Carioca ↔ Siqueira Campos).
- Arrive 20–half-hour early for seated rooms; carry picture ID. Most venues settle for playing cards.
Listings gathered for Sunday, December 14, 2025. Recheck venue websites for any last-minute programming near showtime.
