What's On in Sao Paulo

São Paulo is the cultural capital of Brazil, and the city's action-packed events calendar is reflective of this. It's also a city with a rich sporting heritage and is home to several of Brazil's best-known football teams. The Brazilian Grand Prix is also hosted here.

Aside from the major yearly festivals that the city is known for, it also frequently hosts concerts by the world's best musicians along with film festivals and art exhibitions.

Annual events in São Paulo

Carnival (February/March)

Millions  flock to São Paulo every year to watch and take part in a spectacle that has become an integral part of Brazil’s cultural identity. Options for celebrations are plenty, from troupes of samba dancers parading through the streets, competing for the prestigious championship trophy, to massive street parties known as blocas.

São Paulo Fashion Week (April/August)

Taking place twice a year, São Paulo Fashion Week has continued growing since it was first held in 1995. Featuring local and international models and designers, Brazilian haute couture gets its moment on the catwalk in front of world-famous fashionistas.

São Paulo Gay Pride Parade (May/June)

This event is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the biggest gay pride parades in the world. Over 5 million people flock to the streets to take part in this festive spectacle of colour. The event is well-supported by the local government and is an international tourist attraction in its own right.

São Paulo Grand Prix (November)

Although the date can shift from year to year, the city’s enthusiasm for São Paulo Grand Prix does not. The home of driving legends such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Felipe Massa, the event demands the F1 world’s attention. The city occasionally hosts the last race of the season, which adds to the event's magic and magnitude.

Saint Silvester Road Race (December)

Held on 31 December every year, runners from all over the world come to run through the city’s streets in this traditional road race. It's Brazil's oldest street race and boasts thousands of participants each year. Though the track's distance is shorter than a traditional marathon, the heat, along with the hilly terrain, make this a challenging run.

New Year’s Eve (December)

Much like Carnival, Rio De Janeiro might get the credit for hosting the best new year’s celebrations in Brazil. However, São Paulo has a good time of its own to offer. Normally celebrated on Paulista Avenue, around 2 million of the city’s residents dance the year away under fireworks at a concert featuring DJs and musicians.