Event Dates
From: Sunday, March 1, 2026
To: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Woof Week
Rio Bear Week 2026
Woof Week Rio is the only official bear week in South America featuring the hottest Latin bears.
Woof Week Rio Bear Week 2026
Woof Week Rio is the only official bear week in South America featuring the hottest Latin bears, bearded guys and furry fetish lovers mixing it up with international visitors in some of the city’s most desirable locations.
- Are you visiting Rio for Bear week? Stay at the PortoBay Rio Hotel, rated “Fabulous” by guests with stunning views of the Sugarloaf, Corcovado and the Copacabana beachfront, stylish rooms and a beautiful rooftop pool.
The Event
- Next Edition – Sunday 1st March 2026 – Sunday 8th March 2026.
- Woof is the ultimate Latin American bear week, held over 10 days.
- Evenings include pool parties, social events, beach days and circuit nights.
- Don’t miss the legendary pool parties and boat cruise.
- Other events include a Rio Tour and charity ball.
- Stay just steps from the beach at the Sol Ipanema Hotel offering guests sea-views, beach chairs, a modern gym and stunning pool.
The Schedule
Date & Event Description Location & Time 01.03 – Welcome Party The official kickoff of Woof Week Rio. Drinks, music, and that first-night buzz as everyone arrives and reconnects. Easygoing, social, and very Woof. Quiosque VIDAH – Av. Epitácio Pessoa, quiosque 7 – Lagoa
5pm02.03 – Sambear Rio meets bears for a night of samba, Brazilian rhythms, and high-energy dancing with a Woof twist. Location to be confirmed 03.03 – Sauna Day + Mr Woof Bear Contest Relax, sweat, and recharge with hot steam and great company. Watch and vote for Mr. Woof Bear 2026. Sauna 83 – R. Dias da Rocha, 83 – Copacabana
3pm04.03 – Entertainment Night with Júnior Chicó Comedian Júnior Chicó presents “My Best Gay Friend,” packed with sharp humor and playful observations on friendship and LGBTQIA+ culture. Show in Brazilian Portuguese. Teatro Brigitte Blair – R. Miguel Lemos, 51 – Copacabana
8pm04.03 – Official After Party After the show, continue the night at La Cueva with music, dancing, and a packed floor. La Cueva – R. Miguel Lemos, 51 – Copacabana 05.03 – Grizzly Party Darker beats, bold looks, and intense bear energy. No rules — just pure Woof spirit.
DJs: Angelo, Alkay, Renan MeloRetrô Lapa Pub Dancing – Rua do Resende 82 – Lapa
10pm06.03 – Woof Party (Main Party) The centerpiece of the week with big music, a large crowd, and full production.
DJs: Rafael Barreto, VMC, Angelo, Yan RabelloRua Sacadura Cabral, 59
11pm07.03 – Day Barko Cruising by day with sunshine, drinks, and sweeping Rio views from the water.
DJs: Samurbi (Spain), Earl Oliveira, Gabriel OlivarMarina da Gloria – Av. Infante Dom Henrique S/N
2pm07.03 – TUFF Party Strong beats, a packed crowd, and high intensity carry the night forward.
DJs: Danny Lethal (USA), Rafa Guerra, N4740Mansão L&D – R. André Cavalcanti, 58 – Centro
11pm08.03 – Tsunami Pool Party Close the week with poolside music, sunshine, and a relaxed farewell vibe.
DJs: Samurbi, Marcelo Almeida, Earl Oliveira, Eduardo BravaCasa Maya – Estr. do Joá, 765 – São Conrado
1pmThe Pool Party
- Sunday – Tsunami Pool party at Ilha da Giogioa, Barra de Tijuca, from 2 pm.
Beach Days
- Daily – At Ipanema – Experience one of the world’s top beaches.
- Relax at Ooh La La, the official beach bar, with free chair and umbrella access.
- Refresh with fresh fruit caipirinhas among beautiful vistas and company.
- Discover Rio’s best gay beaches.
The Venues
- VIDAH Gastro Lounge (Quiosque VIDAH) – Open-air lakeside kiosk with breezy seating and a relaxed bar feel, set right on Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. District: Lagoa
- Teatro Brigitte Blair – Small, intimate theatre with a cosy interior and a lively local crowd, tucked just off the action in Copacabana. District: Copacabana
- La Cueva – Classic late-night club with a dark, old-school interior and that iconic Copacabana nightlife energy right outside. District: Copacabana
- Retrô Lapa Pub Dancing – Lapa party spot with retro styling, a compact street-front entrance, and a dancefloor vibe that builds fast after dark. District: Lapa
- Kalesa – Modern club space with a sleek interior and a more industrial Centro setting, close to the nightlife pockets around Praça Mauá. District: Centro
- Marina da Glória – Waterfront marina with wide open views, palm-lined approaches, and an easy pre-party daytime feel by Guanabara Bay. District: Glória
- Mansão L&D – Large mansion-style venue with bigger rooms, heavier nighttime lighting, and a central location that keeps arrivals simple. District: Centro
- Casa Maya – Hilltop-style event house with a pool-focused setup, modern finishes, and São Conrado scenery close to the Joá road. District: São Conrado
- Sauna 83 – Classic Copacabana sauna with a discreet street presence, steamy interior spaces, and a social vibe built for a long afternoon. District: Copacabana
Recommended Hotels in Rio
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action
Orla Copacabana Hotel, Rio Othon Palace, Atlantis Copacabana Hotel, Hotel Fasano
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Book Now and pay on arrival.
Where we stay!
Windsor Miramar is the hotel our editors
love right in the heart of Copacabana
More on Rio?
For further information and advice on
Rio Bear Week, Instagram
Gay Map of Rio
Most of Rips gay bars are located in Ipanema and Copacabana. Ipanema’s gayest nightspot is on the beach block of Rua Teixeira de Melo, next to Farme.
Along Copacabana beach there is a traditionally gay-friendly area known as Bolsa, near Lido. Hustlers are pretty much part of the scene, and you should keep a good hold on your wallet
Address: Avenida Atlântica, Copacabana, Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro,
- Beachfront address at Posto 5, Copacabana.
- Calm rooms, comfy beds, strong showers.
- Rooftop pool-bar with wide bay views.
- Big breakfast; smooth beach service.
- Short walk to Arpoador and Ipanema.
- Website
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
- Design icon on Ipanema’s beachfront.
- Atlantic-view rooms; calm, refined interiors.
- Rooftop pool with showstopper views.
- Gero dining and a sharp cocktail bar.
- Polished service; beach setup done right.
- Website
Address: Av. Atlântica 1702 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- Historic beachfront legend on Copacabana.
- Elegant rooms; many with ocean views.
- Iconic pool; calm guest-only deck.
- Cipriani and MEE lead standout dining.
- Polished service with full beach setup.
- Website
Address: Av. Atlântica, 4122 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- Beachfront stay at Posto 6 near Arpoador.
- Compact, tidy rooms; many with ocean views.
- Rooftop terrace with small pool and gym.
- Solid breakfast; beach kit provided.
- Easy walk to Ipanema; taxis on the door.
- Website
Address: Rua Sacadura Cabral, 135 – Saúde/Gamboa
- Huge LGBTQ club in Saúde/Gamboa.
- Big floor, mezzanine, heavy sound.
- Fast bars; mixed, friendly crowd.
- Event-led nights with headliner DJs.
- Open: Thursday–Sunday 11pm–5am
Address: Rua do Riachuelo, 97 – Lapa/Centro
- Mansion-style LGBTQ club in Rio.
- Runway shows, dancers, heavy sound.
- Quick bars; good for groups.
- Packed weekends; late finish.
- Open: Event nights only 11pm–6am
Address: Rua Teixeira de Melo 31 Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
- Staple LGBTQ club in Ipanema.
- Pop/house, drag moments, late crowd.
- Fast pours; friendly, mixed vibe.
- Close to the Farme strip.
- Open: Thursday–Saturday 11pm–4am (Sunday–Wednesday Closed)
Address: Rua Raul Pompéia 102, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- Copacabana’s pop-drag late-night club.
- Shows first, then DJs till morning.
- Quick pours; mixed, friendly crowd.
- Near the beach; easy taxi pickup.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 9pm–4am, Friday–Saturday 9pm–5:30am Sunday 9pm–4am
Address: Rua do Resende 82 A - Lapa - Centro, Rio de Janeiro
- Retro pop-dance club in Lapa.
- Drag moments, DJs, packed weekends.
- Fast bar, fair prices, mixed crowd.
- Easy taxi pick-up outside.
- Open: Friday–Saturday 11pm–5am, (Sunday–Thursday Closed)
Address: Av. Gomes Freire, 599 - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
- New LGBTQ club with two floors in Lapa.
- Drag, dancers, DJs; open-bar party nights.
- Quick bars; fair prices; mixed crowd.
- Easy taxis; late, high-energy weekends.
- Open: Friday–Saturday 11pm–7am (Sunday–Thursday Closed)
Address: R. Teixeira de Melo, 47 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
- Ipanema gay bar with a lively crowd.
- Cocktails, DJs, and drag pop-ups.
- Terrace people-watching before clubs.
- Fast pours; friendly, mixed vibe.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 12pm–2am, Friday–Saturday 12pm–3am Sunday 12pm–2am
- Insragram
Address: Av. Rodrigues Alves, 293 - Saúde, Rio de Janeiro
Address: R. Riachuelo, 20 - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
- Lapa club with big floor and mezzanine.
- Drag, bands, and DJ pop/EDM nights.
- Quick bars; fair prices; friendly door.
- Central, LGBTQ-friendly, late energy.
- It also holds the bear party night festaursada.
- Open: Event nights 11pm–5am
- Website festaursada Intagram
Address: R. do Lavradio, 163 - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
Address: R. Pedro Ernesto 5, Gamboa, Rio de Janeiro
- Inclusive LGBTQ bar-club in Gamboa.
- DJs, drag pop-ups, late weekend buzz.
- Fair prices; quick bar and table service.
- Easy taxis; compact, high-energy room.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 10am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–5am (Sunday Closed)
Address: Av. Princesa Isabel, 21 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- LGBTQ pop/drag party with big energy.
- Cheeky hosts, dancers, fast bars.
- Young mixed crowd; fair prices.
- Now based in Copacabana.
- Open: Daily 11pm to 5am
Address: Av. Niemeyer, 101 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
- Leblon beach club with rooftop and pool.
- Sunset views, daybeds, strong cocktails.
- Event nights with drag and big DJs.
- LGBTQ-friendly crowd, easy taxis.
- Open: Thursday–Sunday 2pm–10pm, Monday–Wednesday Closed
- Website
Address: R. Joana Angélica, 40 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
- Eclectic bistrô near Ipanema Beach, close to Farme.
- Creative small plates, smart cocktails, strong caipirinhas.
- Cozy rooms and street tables; date-night feel, warm service.
- Friendly team and an LGBTQ-friendly crowd from lunch to late.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 12pm–12am,
- Friday–Sunday 12pm–12.30am
Address: Praça da República, 141 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro
- Men-only cruising bar with cabins and maze.
- Lockers, showers, tidy and discreet.
- DJ playlists on peak nights, friendly crew.
- Central spot with easy taxi pickup.
- Open: Daily 10am–10pm
- Website
Address: Rua Miguel Lemos 51 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- Historic Copacabana gay bar since 1964.
- Pop, Brazilian, retro; small, lively floor.
- Fair prices, quick pours, friendly door.
- Late, relaxed crowd near the beach.
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 10pm–4am, Friday–Saturday 10pm–5am
- Sunday 10pm–4am. (Monday Closed)
Address: R. dos Inválidos, n39 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro
- Historic LGBTQ+ cabaret in central Rio.
- Drag shows, live vocals, cheeky theatre.
- Fair prices; quick bar; friendly door.
- Lively late on weekends; classic vibe.
- Open: Friday–Saturday 9pm–3am, Sunday 8pm–1am
- Monday–Thursday Closed
Address: Av. Atlântica 1850 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- Classic Copacabana gay bar.
- Pop/Brazilian hits; busier weekends.
- Fair prices; fast, friendly pours.
- Easy stop before the bigger clubs.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 10pm–3am,
- Friday–Saturday 10pm–5am, Sunday 10pm–3am
- Monday–Tuesday Closed
Address: Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana, 1417 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- Lively Copacabana LGBTQ bar-club.
- Shows early; DJs run late.
- Fast bars; mixed, friendly vibe.
- Near the beach; easy taxi pickup.
- Open: Monday–Saturday 8pm–5am, Sunday 10pm–5am
Address: Avenida Atlântica, in front of Copacabana Palace (near Rua Rodolfo Dantas), Copacabana, Rio
- LGBTQ beach kiosk by Copacabana Palace.
- Cold drinks, pizzas, casual bites.
- Sunset people-watching, easy vibes.
- Day into night; relaxed and friendly.
- Open: Sunday–Thursday 8am–12am, Friday–Saturday 8am–1am
Address: Avenida Atlântica, Kiosk 63, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- LGBTQ-friendly beach kiosk on Copacabana.
- Cold caipirinhas, beers, casual bites.
- Great sunset views; easy vibe all day.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly service.
- Open: Daily 8am–12am
Address: R. Cândido Mendes, 117 - Glória, Rio de Janeiro
- Multi-room LGBTQ club in Glória.
- Pop/funk/house; drag and dancers.
- Quick bars; friendly mixed crowd.
- Late weekends; easy taxi access.
- Open: Thursday–Saturday 11pm–5am, Sunday 10pm–3am
- Monday–Wednesday Closed
Address: R. Teixeira de Melo 16, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
- Ipanema men’s spa with full facilities.
- Steam, dry sauna, cabins, bar, massage.
- Clean, relaxed vibe; busiest late afternoon.
- Near Farme beach; handy central spot.
- Open: Daily 3pm-10pm
- Website
Recommended Hotels in Rio By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Rio that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Hotel Fasano
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, rooftop pool, Ipanema Beach
- Close to the gay district
- Balcony, flat-screen TV, minibar
- Luxurious beachfront accommodation with spa, wellness center, and stunning sea views.
Copacabana Palace
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, ocean views
- Close to the gay district
- King-size beds, free internet
- Offers a wellness spa, gastronomic restaurants, and panoramic views on Copacabana Beachfront.
Miramar Hotel
5 Star, Great Value
- 5-star, opposite Copacabana Beach
- Close to the gay district
- Air conditioning, cable TV
- Features a green granite pool, modern gym, butler service, and rich breakfast options.
Orla Copacabana
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, facing Copacabana Beach
- Close to the gay district
- Air conditioning, cable TV, minibar
- Free WiFi, rooftop pool, restaurant with panoramic views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the ocean.
Video Guide to Rio Beaches
Discover the best of Copacabana and Ipanema with Jean Arnas
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro
Gay Rio de Janeiro, a city that pulses with energy, celebrates diversity, and embraces the LGBTQ+ community with open arms. Nestled between lush mountains and stunning beaches, Rio de Janeiro is not only a tropical paradise but also a haven for those seeking a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. From the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches to the lively Lapa district, gay Rio de Janeiro offers a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Ipanema | The heart of Rio’s beauty
Photo: Ipanema is home to some of Rio’s most popular beaches
- Ipanema, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro that’s known for its LGBTQ+ friendly vibe and diverse community.
- Nestled alongside the iconic Ipanema Beach, this area has become a hub for LGBTQ+ travelers and locals alike.
- With its relaxed beach culture, a range of LGBTQ+-owned businesses where you can enjoy the sand and surf during the day and explore the local nightlife after dark.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Ipanema
Copacabana
The iconic beachfront of Copacabana has a variety of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments & a diverse crowd.
Lapa
Lapa is an eclectic neighborhood with a mix of nightlife options, including LGBTQ+ bars & clubs.
Leblon
Leblon is known for its beautiful beach, high-end shops, restaurants, bars and the best hotels in Rio
Santa Teresa
This bohemian neighborhood has a relaxed & inclusive vibe. It’s known for its artsy atmosphere.
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