Rio prepares for free show with 2 million people from all over the world; mega event takes place on May 2nd 2026 on the iconic sands of Copacabana
Brazil will be the stage for one of the biggest music events in the world this year. On May 2nd 2026, global superstar Shakira will perform a show for 2 million people on the sands of Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro, one of the musician’s most famous beaches and a symbol of Brazilian culture and music.
The show celebrates the strength of Latin culture and its growing global projection, which gained even greater repercussion with Bad Bunny’s performance at the last Super Bowl. The concert is part of the Everyone in Rio platform (“Todo Mundo no Rio”), which transforms one of the world’s most iconic settings into a stage for great cultural experiences.
The Colombian artist will bring to the public a free show with her greatest hits, celebrating the trajectory that made her a global phenomenon.
In 2025, Shakira entered the Guinness World Records with the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, recognised as the highest-grossing tour in history for a Latin artist. Throughout her career, the singer has accumulated 33 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 13 Latin Grammys, and three Grammy Awards, in addition to being the most-viewed female Latin artist on YouTube, with over 27 billion views.
Besides celebrating Latin music, the event highlights the impact of the creative industry on tourism and the economy. The first edition of the free concert was held and performed by Madonna in 2024, while Lady Gaga took to the stage in 2025, injecting approximately R$ 600 million into the Rio de Janeiro economy, surpassing the impact of Madonna’s previous show by 30%. In terms of public, Madonna’s concert drew a crowd of 1.6 million people, while Lady Gaga’s entertained over 2 million people at Copacabana Beach.
Brazil of major events
The traditional show on the first Saturday of May on the sands of Copacabana is yet another initiative that demonstrates Brazil’s vocation for major events and festivals. In 2026 so far, from north to south of the country, New Year’s celebrations and Carnival have already taken place, bringing together more than 300,000 international tourists from all over the world in the streets and parties. With big stars from the music industry, the country will host the Lollapalooza Festival at the end of March, and Rock in Rio in September. Brazil will also host the Women’s World Cup in 2027, with eight host cities ready to welcome tourists in search of sport, but also nature, gastronomy and culture. The Brazilian vibe is different even in the way events are organised. There is no place like Brazil.
What to see in Rio during the “Everyone in Rio” week
Beyond the big show at Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro offers a cultural programme and unique experiences that help to understand why the city is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. Here are five suggested experiences for those visiting Rio during the week of the event:
1. Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca National Park – A symbol of Brazil and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Christ the Redeemer offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. The visit can be combined with trails and viewpoints in Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests on the planet.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain at Sunset – The cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain reveals one of Rio’s most emblematic landscapes. A remarkable experience is watching the sunset, which transforms Guanabara Bay into one of the city’s most impressive settings.
3. Samba at Pedra do Sal – Considered one of the birthplaces of Rio’s samba, Pedra do Sal hosts samba circles that bring together residents and visitors in a spontaneous celebration of Brazilian music.
4. Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard – In the revitalised port area, the Museum of Tomorrow combines science, innovation, and sustainability. The tour can be complemented with a walk along the Olympic Boulevard, known for its urban art murals.
5. Santa Teresa and Selarón Steps – With historic streets, studios and charming bars, Santa Teresa is one of the most authentic neighbourhoods in the city. A few steps away is the Selarón Steps, one of the most photographed tourist spots in Rio.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source travellingforbusiness.co.uk ’
