The Série Ouro is the second division of Rio's samba schools, and it parades in the same Sambódromo as the Grupo Especial, but two nights earlier. In 2027, 17 schools compete on Friday, February 5, and Saturday, February 6, with tickets at a fraction of the price of the main nights. If you arrive in Rio before Carnival Sunday, it's a genuine way to experience the Sapucaí.
At a glance
- Dates: Friday, February 5, and Saturday, February 6, 2027, at the Marquês de Sapucaí.
- Schools: 17, eight on Friday and nine on Saturday. It's the first edition with that many.
- Organizer: Liga RJ, separate from Liesa, which organizes the Grupo Especial.
- Tickets: through Ticketmaster. Sectors 2 to 8, 10 and 11: R$ 45, and half-price ticket R$ 22,50.
- What's at stake: according to Riotur, the top two move up to the Grupo Especial in 2028.
What the Série Ouro is
Rio's Carnival has several divisions. The Grupo Especial, with twelve schools, parades on Carnival Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (February 7, 8 and 9, 2027). The Série Ouro is the access group: schools with history and huge communities, some of which have already been in the Grupo Especial, competing to move up. The parade has the same structure (samba-enredo, drum section, wings, floats), with productions that are generally smaller.
2027 parade order
Liga RJ drew the order on April 27, 2026, according to Riotur ↗:
Friday, February 5
- São Clemente
- Unidos do Jacarezinho
- Unidos do Porto da Pedra
- Acadêmicos de Vigário Geral
- Acadêmicos de Niterói
- União da Ilha do Governador
- Unidos da Ponte
- Unidos de Bangu
Saturday, February 6
- Acadêmicos de Santa Cruz
- Inocentes de Belford Roxo
- Estácio de Sá
- Unidos de Padre Miguel
- Arranco do Engenho de Dentro
- Império Serrano
- Em Cima da Hora
- Botafogo Samba Clube
- União do Parque Acari
As of October 16, 2026, the start time for each night hadn't been published. With eight or nine schools, expect a long night that ends in the early morning hours.
Tickets and prices
Sales started on August 18, 2026, through Ticketmaster ↗, according to Riotur ↗:
- Arquibancadas in sectors 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11: R$ 45; half-price ticket, R$ 22,50.
- Other products (frisas, camarotes): the announcement doesn't give details. Check the sales page.
It's a separate product from Grupo Especial tickets: one can't be used for the other. The rules for buying from abroad (card, registration, digital delivery) are in Rio Carnival 2027 tickets; confirm on the Série Ouro page what applies to that product.
Is it right for you?
- Yes, if you arrive before Sunday the 7th: you can see a full parade at the Sapucaí before the main nights.
- Yes, if it's your first time and you want to spend little: the ticket costs much less than a Grupo Especial night (R$ 250 in Liesa's general sale).
- Yes, if you're interested in a particular school: the Série Ouro includes traditional schools that have already been in the Grupo Especial, such as Império Serrano, Estácio de Sá or São Clemente.
- It may not be enough if your idea of Carnival is seeing the best-known schools, such as Mangueira, Portela or Beija-Flor: those parade in the Grupo Especial.
The two options combine well: Série Ouro on Friday or Saturday, Grupo Especial on one of the three following nights. To decide where to sit, see which Sambódromo sector to choose, and for the trip back, how to get to the Sambódromo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same Sambódromo?
Yes. The Série Ouro parades on the same Marquês de Sapucaí avenue as the Grupo Especial.
Are there free Série Ouro rehearsals?
There were in 2026, in January. For 2027 we couldn't find the schedule as of October 16. The Grupo Especial rehearsals already have dates: you'll find them in Carnival 2027 technical rehearsals.
Where do I check for changes?
On Liga RJ's channels and on the Ticketmaster sales page.
For the rest of your trip, continue with the Carnival 2027 guide.
Sources: parade order at carnaval.rio (Riotur) ↗, sales and prices according to Riotur ↗ and Diário do Rio ↗, accessed October 16, 2026.