Closed parties and gala nights

If the thought of sweating it out in a sea of people under the blazing sun isn't your thing, fear not! Rio's Carnival boasts a whole lot more than parades and street bashes.

For those who want a more exclusive Carnival experience without losing the festive vibe, Rio has plenty of cool parties around the city. Some of these are invite-only and have some rules for getting in. At these private shindigs, you can dance to the tunes of famous DJs, enjoy delicious food, and sip on fancy drinks.

Among these opulent gatherings is the renowned Gala Ball at Copacabana Palace, where tickets range from R$2,100 to R$5,786, and guests are expected to don mandatory black-tie attire. This event typically draws celebrities and notable figures from Brazilian society. Scala Rio, situated near the Municipal Theater, is well-known for hosting numerous galas, including the Baile da Cidade Maravilhosa and the Gay Gala, specifically curated for the LGBT community.

A top-tier celebration that's been gaining significant attention lately is the Rio Carnival Music, a grand extravaganza that combines the finest in electronic music with DJs hailing from around the globe, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Other popular dance parties include Clube Monte Líbano, Feijoada do Amaral, and the Official Dance of the City of Rio de Janeiro.

For those seeking less exclusive but still incredibly enjoyable affairs with more affordable tickets, exploring the dance clubs and gafieiras is a great idea. Clube Democráticos, Gafieira Estudantina Musical, and Clube Municipal da Tijuca are worth checking out. Additionally, the city administration organizes open events in areas like Cinelândia and Lapa (Marechal Floriano Square).