Carioca Matsuri 2026: Japanese culture, food and cosplay

Carioca Matsuri is a Japanese culture festival where traditional performances share the programme with cosplay, pop culture and food. It takes place on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November 2026 in Pavilion 2 at Riocentro. Friends can spend a day around a shared interest while choosing different activities along the way.

What can you see and try?

The programme combines cultural performances, cosplay, appearances by people from the pop culture scene, workshops and food. You can focus on the stage, browse exhibitors or leave more time for eating and activities. If you are coming as a group, pick out the performances you want to watch together.

According to the official FAQ, the festival opens from 11:00 to 22:00 on all three days. Check the schedule for individual activities before visiting: a full day at the festival calls for a different plan from a trip to see one particular performance.

A day ticket or a three-day pass

The organiser offers day tickets and a three-day pass. Check the date, inclusions and current availability when choosing. The official FAQ lists the separate VIP Sensei option as sold out on the date of this check; consult the festival for its current ticket options.

Riocentro is at Avenida Salvador Allende, 6555, Barra Olímpica. Specify Pavilion 2 in your plans and journey enquiry.

Visiting with friends

If you want to travel together from your hotel, give Hola Taxi the date, departure address and passenger count. Add the time of the first performance you want to see. Discuss your return around your own plans, whether you stay for dinner, a workshop or the last show. An arrival at GIG or SDU is a separate journey from the trip to the festival.