Royal Court competition 2026: Programming follows with big shows on Cidade do Samba

The Carnaval 2026 Royal Court concert season follows firmly on the Cidade do Samba, with a schedule that brings together some of the most beloved names of the samba wheels in Rio. The event, which has already moved the public in the early stages of the contest, gains even more strength in the next dates, with presentations by Sapagode, Grande Rio, Karoline Absyntho, Prosa Lady, Terreiro de Creoulo, Salgueiro, Samba Que Elas Desir, Empress Leopoldinense, Meime dos Brilhos, Karina Karão, Sambay, Quintal da Magia, Beija-Flor and Arlindinho.

With free entry, the space becomes a great popular meeting, uniting competition, culture and music. The presentations always take place from 7 p.m. on Cidade do Samba, and have live transmission on the channels of Riotur and Yellow Tape on YouTube.

About the Royal Cut Competition Carnaval 2026

The Royal Court Contest is one of the most beloved traditions of the Rio carnaval. Performed by Riotur, the event chooses King Momo, Queen and Princesses of the Carnaval, as well as the LGBT+ Court (Museum, Muse and Non-Binary Person), figures that symbolize the joy and representativeness of the folia. The 2026 edition brings the theme "Celebrating Ancestrality", with homage to great names of samba and presentations of consecrated groups of popular culture, consolidating the Cidade do Samba as a meeting point for lovers of the carnaval.

Programming of shows and tributes

16/10 (Thursday) – Homage to Maria Augusta Attractions: Sapagode, Grande Rio, Rio Samba Show and Karoline Absyntho

17/10 (Friday) – Homage to Rose Magellan Attractions: Lady Prosa, Salgueiro, Rio Samba Show and Terreiro de Creole

23/10 (Thursday) – Black Gil Honor Attractions: Samba They Want, Empress Leopoldinense, Meime dos Lilhos, Karina Karão and Sambay

24/10 (Friday) – Honor Arlindo Cruz, Bira Presidente and Gilsinho da Portela Attractions: Quintal da Magia, Kiss-Flor and Arlindinho

Service

Carnaval Royal Cut Competition 2026Dates: 16, 17, 23 and 24 October Timetable: From 7 pm Location: Cidade do Samba – R. Rivadavia Corrêa, 60 – Holy Christ Best way to get there: VLT Line 1 (Santos Dumont x Gentleness Terminal) – Station Cidade do Samba/Tia Ciata Free entryLive broadcast: YouTube @Rioturofficial and @Fittamarella

Check it out: Second day of the qualifiers was surrounded by lots of excitement and exciting moments