Imagine walking into a single venue and discovering all 92 municipalities of Rio de Janeiro state — their beaches, mountains, waterfalls, food, handicrafts, and culture — under one roof. That’s exactly what ExpoRio Turismo delivers, and in 2026, it’s back for its 5th edition stronger than ever.
From March 26 to 29, the iconic Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas — one of Rio’s most breathtaking backdrops — becomes the stage for four days of free, immersive experiences that blend business, gastronomy, adventure, music, and authentic Brazilian culture. Whether you’re already in Rio or planning your trip, this is one event you simply cannot miss.
What Is ExpoRio Turismo?
ExpoRio Turismo is the largest tourism fair in the state of Rio de Janeiro, organized by the State Secretary of Tourism (Setur-RJ) and TurisRio — the state tourism company. Each edition brings together tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, government officials, cultural artists, and most importantly, travelers and curious locals who want to discover the best of fluminense culture.
The 2026 edition promises to be the most ambitious yet: 12 tourism regions represented, live music headliners every night, a gastronomic boulevard, immersive tech experiences, handicraft markets, and family-friendly activities — all completely free of charge.
When and Where
- Wednesday, March 26 — 2:00 PM to midnight
- Thursday, March 27 — 2:00 PM to midnight
- Friday, March 28 — 10:00 AM to midnight
- Saturday, March 29 — 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Venue: Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas, Rio de Janeiro.
Admission is FREE, but tickets are limited and subject to capacity. You can grab yours at Bilheteria Digital — just search for “ExpoRio Turismo 2026” and reserve your spot before they run out.
Important: The main evening shows are general admission — doors open to the concert area at 6:00 PM. Arrive early if you want a good spot.
Everything You Can Experience at ExpoRio Turismo
Espaço dos Municípios — A Journey Through 92 Cities
This is the heart of the event. All 12 tourism regions of Rio de Janeiro state are represented, each showcasing what makes their slice of the state unforgettable. From the colonial charm of Petrópolis to the wild surf beaches of Búzios, from the lush rainforest of the Serra Verde Imperial to the stunning waterfalls of Itatiaia — you’ll get a taste of it all in one afternoon.
Think of it as the ultimate trip-planning resource: real locals, real products, real stories. It’s the kind of insider knowledge that no travel app can replace.
Vivências do Rio — Handicrafts and Rural Treasures
Love authentic souvenirs? This area is dedicated to artisans and rural producers from all 12 tourism regions. You’ll find handwoven baskets, ceramic art, organic cachaça, specialty coffee, artisan cheeses, and dozens of one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find in any souvenir shop.
This isn’t a craft fair — it’s a cultural immersion. Each item carries the fingerprint of a community that has perfected its craft over generations.
Espaço Imersivo #TôNoRio — Technology Meets Tourism
One of the most exciting additions to the 2026 edition is the fully immersive multimedia space called #TôNoRio. Here, cutting-edge audiovisual technology transports visitors across the state without leaving the room.
Imagine standing inside a digital rainforest of the Atlantic coast, then gliding over the Marambaia Restinga, then diving into the turquoise waters of Ilha Grande — all in minutes. It’s the kind of sensory experience that turns a curious traveler into a passionate explorer.
Boulevard Gastronômico — Flavors of the State
Set right along the stunning shores of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Gastronomic Boulevard is where Rio’s most iconic culinary traditions come together. Highlights include:
- The Craft Beer Route — featuring small breweries from across the state
- Artisan coffee from mountain farms in the Vale do Café region
- Specialty cheeses from the rural highlands
- Traditional feijoada, pastéis, and carioca street food
Whether you’re a foodie chasing bold new flavors or simply hungry after hours of exploring, this boulevard is a destination in itself.
Orla #TôNoRio — Adventure and Family Fun
Got kids? Or do you have an adventurous spirit? The Orla #TôNoRio area is packed with activities for all ages:
- A live dinosaur exhibit from Terra dos Dinos (Miguel Pereira) — a massive hit with families
- Rowing lessons on Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
- Kayak classes for beginners
- Hang-gliding flight simulation — feel the rush of flying over Rio’s mountains
It’s rare to find this much family-friendly adventure packed into a free urban event. Budget at least two to three hours just for this section.
Institutional Spaces — Useful for Travelers and Professionals
CADASTUR, the federal tourism registry, will have a booth helping hospitality and tourism businesses get their certifications in order. There’s also a dedicated area for artisan registration and spaces where rural tourism producers can connect directly with buyers and visitors.
Even if you’re not in the industry, this is a great place to ask questions, get recommendations, and discover tourism experiences you wouldn’t find through a typical Google search.
The Shows — Free Concerts Every Night
Each evening closes with a major live concert on the main stage — completely free with your event ticket. The 2026 lineup includes some of Brazil’s hottest names:
- March 26 — Jeremias & Vitor Alley (sertanejo / country vibes)
- March 27 — Toni Garrido (legendary reggae/rock frontman, ex-Cidade Negra)
- March 28 — Diogo Nogueira (king of romantic samba)
- March 29 — Mumuzinho (beloved pagode and samba star)
The concert area opens at 6:00 PM. If you’re not familiar with these artists — trust us, do a quick listen before the event. You’ll arrive with the right energy.
The Talks and Panels (Plenárias)
ExpoRio Turismo isn’t just a party — it’s a serious industry event. The conference program (plenárias) brings together top names in Brazilian tourism for candid conversations about the future of the sector. Some confirmed speakers for 2026 include:
- Giovane Gávio — two-time Olympic volleyball champion, speaking on high performance
- Gabriel David — President of LIESA (the Carnival league organization)
- Netto Moreira — CEO of Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, on luxury tourism
- Alexandre Accioly — entrepreneur behind Rio’s premier entertainment venues
Talks begin at 3:00 PM on March 26 and cover themes like rural tourism, luxury experiences, large-scale events, and the nightlife economy. Even as a tourist, attending one of these talks gives you a rare peek behind the curtain of what makes Rio tick.
Practical Tips for Visiting ExpoRio Turismo
- Book your free ticket in advance at Bilheteria Digital — spots are limited
- Arrive early on show nights — the concert area fills up fast after 6:00 PM
- Wear comfortable shoes — the venue is large and you’ll be walking a lot
- Bring cash or a card — the food boulevard accepts both
- The event is outdoors and in an open venue, so dress for Rio’s warm March weather
- Getting there: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is easily accessible by Uber, taxi, or Metrô (General Osório station, then a short walk or ride)
Why This Event Is Worth Your Time
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most complex, layered, and extraordinary destinations on the planet. But most tourists spend their days bouncing between Copacabana, Ipanema, and the Christ the Redeemer — and miss 95% of what this state has to offer.
ExpoRio Turismo is your shortcut to that other 95%. In four days, you’ll discover mountains you didn’t know existed, tasting something you’ve never tried, hearing music you’ll want to track down for months, and talking to people who are genuinely proud of their corner of this magnificent state.
And the best part? It costs you nothing. Just your time and your curiosity. ExpoRio Turismo 2026 · March 26–29 · Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas, Rio de Janeiro · Free entry · Tickets: bilheteriadigital.com
