Copacabana hosts most of Rio's Réveillon, but it isn't the only place to ring in the new year. Last time there were official stages and fireworks in other neighborhoods of the city, and Niterói put on its own party overlooking the bay. This guide brings together what was done to welcome 2026, as a reference, and what has already been announced for 2027.
At a glance
- There's no full program for 2027 yet. Rio City Hall has confirmed Djavan in Copacabana, and Niterói City Hall has already announced the acts for Icaraí.
- 2026 reference in Rio: 13 official stages, 3 in Copacabana and 10 in other neighborhoods, plus fireworks in Flamengo, Penha, Parque Oeste and Parque Realengo.
- 2026 reference in Niterói: a party on Icaraí Beach and low-noise fireworks at five points in the city.
- Barra da Tijuca: it wasn't among the official stages in 2026.
- Transportation: the plan changes every year. Check it close to the date.
Why choose somewhere else
Copacabana drew more than 2.6 million people to welcome 2026, according to Diário do Rio, citing Riotur data ↗. If you'd rather avoid huge crowds, are staying far from Zona Sul or are traveling with kids, another spot may be more comfortable. In exchange, the fireworks are shorter and there are fewer shows.
Flamengo
In the operational plan for Réveillon 2026 ↗, City Hall included a stage with shows in Flamengo and a 10-minute fireworks display from three barges. That night, the Aterro do Flamengo (Avenida Infante Dom Henrique) was closed at 19:00 in both directions.
Flamengo looks out over the bay and Sugarloaf Mountain and sits on metro Line 1. For the 2027 celebration, check the official program to see whether the stage and the fireworks return.
Other Rio neighborhoods
According to the same plan, in 2026 there were stages with shows and samba schools in Parque Realengo, Sepetiba, Pedra de Guaratiba, Parque Oeste, Penha, Madureira, Piscinão de Ramos, Flamengo, Ilha do Governador and Paquetá. There were fireworks in Flamengo (10 minutes), at Igreja da Penha (8 minutes), in Parque Oeste (6 minutes) and in Parque Realengo (6 minutes).
These are neighborhood celebrations, aimed mainly at people who live nearby. If you're staying in Zona Sul, getting there and back may be harder than going to Copacabana.
What about Barra da Tijuca?
Barra doesn't appear on the official list of 2026 stages. City Hall only mentions it as a metro boarding point (Jardim Oceânico) after midnight. If you're spending the night there, check what your hotel or venue has planned.
Niterói: the bay from the other side
To welcome 2026, according to Niterói City Hall ↗:
- Main venue: Icaraí Beach, with shows from 20:00.
- Fireworks: 16 minutes at midnight, at five points in the city (Icaraí, Itaipu, Santa Rosa, Caramujo and Vila Ipiranga). In Icaraí they were launched from five barges.
- Low noise: they used low-noise fireworks, designed with autistic children, older people, animals and noise-sensitive people in mind.
- Rules: there were access checks into Icaraí, and glass bottles, speakers and grills were not allowed on the beach.
According to City Hall's wrap-up ↗, about 700,000 people filled Icaraí Beach.
For 2027, Niterói City Hall announced ↗ João Gomes as the headliner, with Alceu Valença and the Unidos do Viradouro drum section. It hasn't yet published the venue, the fireworks locations or the transportation plan.
If you're coming from Rio, think about how you'll get back: check in advance whether Barcas Rio ↗ announces a special service that night. The regular crossing is covered in Niterói in a day.
What to keep in mind wherever you go
- Getting back is the hardest part. Copacabana has a special metro plan, but not every neighborhood does. See how the welcome to 2026 was organized in the Copacabana plan.
- Arrive early if you're heading to a spot with road closures.
- With kids: shorter, low-noise fireworks can be an advantage.
- Travel light: a copy of your ID, one payment method and your phone tucked away.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Réveillon 2027 program for Rio out yet?
Not in full. As of late October 2026, Rio City Hall had confirmed on its social media that Djavan will play the main stage in Copacabana, according to the press ↗. Follow the Réveillon 2027 guide for updates.
Where can I see the Copacabana fireworks from a distance?
Some lookouts have views of the waterfront, but there is no official list of viewing points. If you want to watch the fireworks from up high, check beforehand whether access is open that night.
What traditions will I see that night?
White clothes, jumping seven waves and offerings to Iemanjá. We explain them in Réveillon traditions.
Sources: Riotur: Réveillon 2026 operational plan ↗, Diário do Rio, January 1, 2026 ↗, Niterói City Hall: Réveillon 2026 ↗, wrap-up ↗ and 2027 announcement ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.