Rio de Janeiro
Gay Travel Guide 2025
By a Local
For Gay Travelers

RIO BEST GAY BARS, CLUBS AND POP UP PARTIES 2025

THE REAL PARTY IN RIO ISN'T INSIDE THE CLUBS!

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Here’s something most tourists don’t know: Rio de Janeiro isn’t exactly a "club city." Sure, there are a few clubs around—but the best, most unforgettable nights? They happen at pop-up parties, street events, and open-air gatherings that pulse with energy, music, and people from all over the world. This might just be the most important tip you'll get about partying in Rio. And I’m here to keep you up to date—with the latest info for 2025—so you don’t miss a thing. The truth is: almost every weekend, there’s a hot new event catching everyone’s attention. These parties are spontaneous, creative, and constantly evolving.​

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Weekly Gay Parties

Pop-up Parties

Best Gay Bars

Top Gay Clubs

Xtra Tips​

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​Not sure where to go this week? I’m just a WhatsApp away for honest, local advice.

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🎉 RIO GAY WEEKLY PARTIES

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SAMBAY
📍 Terrasse Rio
🕕 Every Sunday, 6PM to 3AM
📲 @rodasambay
Sambay claims to be the largest LGBTQIAPN+ samba circle in the world, and it lives up to the hype. Expect an upscale crowd from South Rio, travelers from across Brazil, and, of course, international tourists. Samba, live music, and that unmistakable Carioca vibe make it a must.

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FESTA TRETA
📍 @pinkflamingorio
🕘 Alternate Wednesdays, 9PM to 5AM
📲 @tretafesta
A hit with locals and tourists alike, TRETA! is one of Brazil’s biggest LGBTQIAPN+ party exports—with editions in São Paulo, New York, and even a Carnival bloco. Expect a high-energy mix of Brazilian pop, funk, and a crowd that’s diverse, sexy, and always ready to dance.

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🌟 RIO’S "POP UP" PARTIES

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These are my personal favorites—the kind of events that truly define Rio’s underground scene. They're not your typical weekly parties, and that’s part of the magic. Most don’t happen on a fixed schedule, so the key is to follow them on Instagram to see what’s happening during your stay.

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Some of them aren’t exclusively gay but are incredibly LGBTQIAPN+ friendly and packed with stylish, open-minded people.

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🎧 I’ll also share some of my favorite DJs’ profiles soon—following them is a great way to discover what’s hot in town. Honestly, this section might be the most valuable tip in this entire guide if you're chasing the best music and the coolest crowds in Rio.

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Pro tip: Many of these parties have editions outside of Rio too—check before buying tickets. Some are free with RSVP!

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🎉 Party List

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SELVAGEM – @festaselvagem

VACA PROFANA – @vacaprofana_afesta

MORMAÇO – @aquele.mormaco

SARRAÇÃO - @festasarracao

LÂMINA – @festalamina

ASSEMBLEIA – @assembleia.rio

PURO SUCO - @purosucoafesta

FESTA BOHO - @bohoafesta

RARA – @rarafestarara

TRETA! - @tretafesta

GLORIOSO – @gloriosomergulho

DISCOS BARATOS – @discos.baratos

PARADIS – @paradis_____________

MANIA – @maniaafestaa

ME CHAMA DE POP – @mechamadepop

DOMPLY – @domply_

JAZZPROIBIDÃO – @jazzproibidao

V DE VIADÃO – @vdeviadao

SVRVRV – @svrvrv_

BARKABRA – @_barkabra

CARNAGERALDA – @carnageralda_

DANÇA E BRONZE – @dancaebronze

MOLEJAZZ – @mole.jazz

FOFOKA – @fofoka.rio 

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🍸 RIO GAY BARS

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CALMA BAR – @calma.tocalma
Open Thursday to Sunday from 6PM. A cozy bohemian spot in Botafogo that draws an artsy, alternative crowd. Great music, even better drinks, and perfect for bar hopping in the area.

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SILÊNCIO IPANEMA – @silencio.ipanema
Open daily from 5PM. A favorite for after-beach drinks (especially Fridays and Sundays) or as a pre-party warm-up on Wednesdays before TRETA. Expect electronic beats and a stylish, mixed crowd.

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PINK FLAMINGO – @pinkflamingorio
Open every night, but the peak is Wednesday’s TRETA FESTA (Brazilian pop and funk). Other nights, the vibe is more international, with lots of reggaeton and Latin beats.

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GALERIA CAFÉ – @galeriacaferio
Open Thursday to Sunday. Known for pop hits and a mostly tourist crowd—not the most authentic Brazilian vibe, but fun if you’re in the mood for a dance floor and familiar beats.

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💃🏽 RIO GAY CLUBS

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THE HOME – @thehomerio
Rio’s biggest and most iconic gay club, open every Saturday from 11PM. Expect long lines and a packed dance floor. The crowd skews toward shirtless, muscular guys, with electronic music all night. No darkroom, but… let’s just say the bathrooms stay busy.

 

D-EDGE RIO – @dedgeclubrio
Not exclusively gay, but very gay-friendly and probably the coolest club in town. Top-tier house, disco, and techno with a sleek, stylish vibe. Follow their socials to catch the best nights.

 

AGYTO – @agytorio
PORTAL – @portalrio_
Both are located in downtown Rio near the iconic Lapa Arches. These clubs attract a younger, diverse crowd (18–30, lots of lesbians), and often throw affordable open-bar parties (under $20 USD!). Expect Brazilian pop, funk, and Latin reggaeton. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11PM to 5AM.

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FLORIDA - @floridario

Starting Sundays at 9 AM

When the night at The Home ends, the after-party begins here. it’s the spot for those who never want the party to end​​.

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💡 XTRA TIPS

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When it comes to nightlife in Rio, don’t stress too much about your outfit. Cariocas are famously casual — it’s perfectly acceptable to go out in shorts, and if the party is on the beach or during the day, even flip-flops won’t raise an eyebrow. Comfort often comes before dress codes. That said, some of the bigger clubs (like The Week) might expect a slightly more polished look — think jeans or stylish sneakers instead of beachwear.

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Other useful tips:

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• Cover charges vary: expect anywhere from R$20 to R$150 depending on the venue and event.

• Cash & card: most bars accept cards, but it’s smart to carry some cash for smaller parties or drinks on the street.

• Transport: plan your way back in advance — Uber or taxis are the safest late at night.

• Arrive late: many parties only start to heat up after midnight.