(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Tonight in Rio: The weekend kicks off with high energy- Toquinho performs his classic MPB repertoire at Qualistage (21:00), Lapa's iconic venues host vibrant Friday samba rodas (Carioca da Gema and Rio Scenarium from 19:30), Beco das Garrafas offers intimate bossa nova and jazz sets (20:00), and Blue Note Rio presents sophisticated MPB/jazz programming. Links for details and tickets are below.

Top Picks Tonight Toquinho - Qualistage (21:00)

• Why picked: The legendary guitarist and composer brings his timeless bossa nova and MPB hits to a major stage-essential for expats seeking an iconic Brazilian music experience on a Friday night.
• Start: 21:00
• Address: Av. Ayrton Senna, 3000, Barra da Tijuca
• Tickets/Info: href="" target="_blank" co or ticket platforms

Friday Roda de Samba - Carioca da Gema (19:30)

• Why picked: Lapa's premier samba house delivers energetic weekend rodas with top musicians-lively, authentic atmosphere perfect for expats diving into Rio's party spirit.
• Start: 19:30 onward
• Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 79, Lapa (Centro)
• Website: href="" target="_blank" com/show

Live Samba & Pagode - Rio Scenarium (19:30)

• Why picked: Multi-floor antique venue comes alive with dancing and roots samba on Fridays-vibrant yet cultured, great for expats enjoying historic Lapa nightlife.
• Start: 19:30 onward
• Address: Rua do Lavradio, 20, Centro
• Website: href="" target="_blank" co

Bossa Nova & Jazz Sets - Beco das Garrafas (20:00)

• Why picked: Historic birthplace of bossa nova with intimate performances-relaxed, high-quality option for expats preferring sophisticated sounds near Copacabana beach.
• Start: 20:00
• Address: Rua Duvivier, 37, Copacabana
• Event page: href="" target="_blank" com/principal/event

Also notable

• Pedra do Sal Roda de Samba (19:00 onward) - Historic Centro steps with free street samba-spontaneous and crowded post-holiday vibe.
• MPB/Jazz Night - Blue Note Rio (20:00) - Av. Atlântica 1910, Copacabana. Check href="" target="_blank" co for exact lineup.

Suggested route

Lapa weekend starter: Begin at Carioca da Gema or Rio Scenarium (19:30) for samba, then explore nearby bars and street energy-classic Friday circuit.

Barra → Copacabana: Catch Toquinho at Qualistage (21:00), then 30–40 min ride to Copacabana for late sets at Beco das Garrafas or Blue Note.

Getting around & quick tips

• Use registered taxis/ride-hailing between Lapa, Centro, Copacabana and Barra; Metro reliable pre-midnight (Carioca ↔ Siqueira Campos).
• Friday crowds build early in Lapa-arrive by 20:00 for good spots; bring photo ID. Most venues accept cards.

Listings gathered for Friday, November 21, 2025. Weekend energy post-Consciência Negra holiday; recheck venue sites/ticket platforms for confirmed lineups and availability close to showtime.

MENAFN21112025007421016031ID1110380736