Under a large white tent beside the Lapa Arches, Circo Voador (“Flying Circus”) is one of Rio’s best-loved concert venues. It hosts everything from rock to samba, reggae to electronic music, with Brazilian and international artists.
It was born in January 1982 as a tent put up by artists on Arpoador beach and moved to Lapa in October that same year. Bands like Blitz, Barão Vermelho, Paralamas do Sucesso, Legião Urbana and Capital Inicial started out here — the Circo became the cradle of 1980s Brazilian rock.
In 1996 the city shut it down. After a long battle led by cultural producer Maria Juçá, the Circo was rebuilt and reopened in 2004. Today it is run by a nonprofit association that also runs arts-education projects.
The venue holds about 2,500 people, with a dance floor, bleachers and an outdoor area overlooking the Arches. Its acoustics and closeness to the stage make every show special.
Tips: buy tickets in advance — shows often sell out. Events end late, so plan your ride home. Arrive a little early to see the Arches lit up.
Official website: Circo Voador ↗