Check out some of the new bar and restaurant openings in Rio 漏聽MaximFesenko / Getty Images
April is a time when the weather cools down and Rio de Janeiro (almost) finally accepts Carnival is over for another year, with plenty of exhibitions and festivals popping up throughout the city.
This month gives visitors a chance to check out one of the most exciting new bars in town, visit an exhibition of historic importance and sample a literary festival in Rio鈥檚 picturesque hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
Pay homage to Alfredinho at Bip Bip
Alfredinho, a giant of Copacabana鈥檚 cultural landscape, died at the beginning of March 2019. However, his bar, Bip Bip, lives on. Inconspicuously located on a side street a block away from the beach, this shrine to Rio bohemia hosts free and informal 鈥 yet virtuoso 鈥 musical sessions of choro (Monday and Tuesday) bossa nova (Wednesday) and samba (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Look out for special events during April on the bar鈥檚 Facebook .
Date: 8pm-4am, Mon to Sat; 7pm-1am Sun
Place: Alm. Gon莽alves 50, Loja D, Copacabana
Visit Canastra Ros茅
is the latest creation from the masterminds behind Salom茅 Bistr么 in Leme, in Ipanema, and the original Canastra, also in Ipanema. Following their successful formula, this two-story restored mansion on Botafogo鈥檚 buzzing Rua 脕lvaro Ramos serves cocktails, wine, and churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) snacks against an Instagram-friendly background of tropical plants and retro furniture.
Date: 6:30pm-2am Tues-Fri, 6:30pm-12am Sat, Botafogo
Support the Museu Nacional at CCBB
The National Museum of Brazil was tragically gutted by a fire in September of 2018. During March and April of 2019, the rescue effort are proudly displaying the fruits of their tireless work to salvage the priceless collection of artifacts that were engulfed in the blaze. This free, unique and timely is hosted at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil one of Rio鈥檚 most pleasant cultural spaces.
Date: February 27-April 29, 9am-9pm (closed Tuesdays)
Place: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, Primeiro de Mar莽o 66, Centro
See Samba Que Elas Querem at Ilha da Gig贸ia
Ilha da Gig贸ia is a tranquil idyll off the coast of Rio鈥檚 flashy Barra da Tijuca neighborhood. With a few cafes, restaurants and bed and breakfasts, it is the perfect place to while away a Sunday listening to one of the best samba troupes in the city for free (if you get there before 6pm). (roughly translated to 鈥楽amba that the women want鈥) are eight women who celebrate the female voices from Brazil鈥檚 most treasured musical genre.
Date: 4pm, April 14
Place: Mans茫o do Japon锚s, Ilha da Gig贸ia, Barra da Tijuca
Experience the literary festival FLIST 2019
Taking place over the last weekend of April on the charming hillside of Santa Teresa鈥檚 Parque das Ru铆nas, (Festa Liter谩ria de Santa Teresa) is one of Rio鈥檚 best-known literary festivals. This year they are honoring the work of m煤sica popular brasileira icon and acclaimed author Chico Buarque. Expect plenty of exhibitions, presentations and performances celebrating the literature of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.
Date: April 27-April 28
Place: Parque das Ru铆nas, Rua Murtinho Nobre 169, Santa Teresa
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