If you’re passionate about food and culture, Rio Gastronomia is your dream come true. This is the largest food festival in Brazil, and it happens right here in the heart of Rio de Janeiro! Whether you’re sampling a hearty feijoada or crunching on flavorful farofa, this event is a tasty celebration of Brazil’s culinary identity.
What is Rio Gastronomia?
Hosted at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Gávea, the Rio Gastronomia festival is more than a food fair. It was first held in 2009, born from a love of Brazilian cuisine and a desire to showcase the country’s culinary richness to locals and visitors alike. Since then, it has grown into a landmark on the city’s cultural calendar, bringing together chefs, producers, artists, and foodies in one joyful space. Past editions have featured unique culinary experiences like regional food pavilions, live cook-offs, and themed nights.
Dates and Location Dates: September 17 to 20, September 24 to 27, and October 1 to 4, 2026 (three weekends, Thursday to Sunday).
Location: Jockey Club Brasileiro in Gávea, Rio de Janeiro.
Hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 17:00 to midnight (except Friday, Sept 18 starting at 18:00), Saturdays from 12:00 to midnight, and Sundays from 12:00 to 23:00.
Attractions and Highlights
Restaurants & Bars: Over 30 top local eateries participating, including Michelin-starred spots like Casa 201 and San Omakase, alongside classics like Bar do Momo and Ferro e Farinha.
Music Line-up: Live evening shows featuring major artists such as Samuel Rosa, Marcelo D2, Blitz, Silva, Ferrugem, Arlindinho, and a closing performance by Bloco da Favorita.
Family Activities: Ferris wheel, zip line, kids’ area, chef masterclasses, and a small-producers farmers market.
🍽️ Want to go beyond just tasting? Join our RioLIVE! Weekend Brazilian Cooking Class and learn how to prepare traditional dishes like feijoada and moqueca, with our local teachers and a friendly local chef. It’s a delicious way to get hands-on and deepen your cultural immersion!

What to Expect?
You can explore over 35 bars and restaurants, including award-winning spots like Lasai, Giuseppe Grill, and Babbo Osteria. Each of them offers a curated menu that captures the richness of the gastronomy of Rio de Janeiro.
Food, Drinks, and Brazilian Favorites
From a cold caipirinha next to golden cassava fries, you’ll find all the beloved flavors of Brazil here. Go on an empty stomach and with an open mind, this is your chance to experience the full spectrum of Brazil’s culinary identity, from beloved classics to creative fusions. Curious about what you’ll find? We recommend diving into our Dica on Brazilian Typical Food to brush up before the feast!
More Than Food
Rio Gastronomia offers much more than a full belly, and the 2024 edition proved that once again. With over 80 chefs leading workshops and food talks, the event also hosted immersive installations by food brands and interactive experiences that brought traditional Brazilian dishes to life. A standout moment was the performance by Mart’nália under the stars, blending samba with savory aromas from the nearby food tents.
- 🎶 Live concerts every night at 8 PM (past lineups include Titãs, Paula Toller, and Xande de Pilares)
- 🍳 Aulas e palestras with Brazil’s top chefs
- 🧀 The Producers’ Fair, where you can buy local cheeses, cachaças, sweets, and artisanal bread
- 🎡 Fun extras: a ferris wheel, zipline, kids’ play area, and brand activations

Tickets & Info
You can buy your ticket online, prices start at R$37.50 in the early bird batch. But heads up: tickets are sold in lots, and prices go up as the event approaches. So the sooner you grab yours, the better! Kids under 10 enter free. Just remember: pets are not allowed.
And speaking of mouthwatering dishes, picanha, one of Brazil’s most iconic cuts of beef, has just been named one of the best dishes in the world. You’ll likely see it sizzling on a grill during the festival. If you’re curious to learn what makes this cut so special, check out our News from Brazil feature before you go!
Food and Culture: Why It All Tastes Better Together
In Brazil, food is more than just a meal, it’s a way of connecting. The Rio Gastronomia reflects this beautifully. Meals here are shared and savored slowly, with conversation, laughter, and plenty of stories passed around the table. Whether it’s over a sizzling platter or while tasting something new from a local stand, food becomes the gateway to bonding.
It’s not just about tasting, it’s about connecting. Rio Gastronomia gives you the chance to live the culture through music, food, and conversation. Ordering your plate becomes a mini Portuguese lesson, and at every tent there’s a chance to ask, smile, and maybe even say “posso experimentar?” with confidence.
But if you’re more into drinks and beach vibes, don’t miss our Dica on Brazilian Beach Food, caipirinhas, grilled cheese, and local street snacks all have their place in the sun.

Final Tip
If you’re learning Portuguese, this is the perfect place to practice! With plenty of cariocas around, fun conversations, and food names to learn, it’s an ideal cultural immersion.
So mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and let the flavors of Rio de Janeiro gastronomia win your heart. We’ll see you at the Rio Gastronomia 2025!
Bom apetite!
A native Brazilian Portuguese speaker with a degree in Languages (Portuguese and English) from UFRJ, she has over eight years of experience teaching languages, specializing in Portuguese for international students. Passionate about communication, she combines creativity and precision to make learning Portuguese engaging, enjoyable, and culturally immersive. Her global experience and strong connection with diverse cultures enable her to create dynamic, tailored lessons for learners worldwide.