Best things to do in Rio in May

May sees the Rio head outdoors as the weather becomes even more inviting. Cariocas begin to gear up for Festa Junina, the second-biggest round of festivities after Carnival, plus the domestic football season kicks off, making this month all about the warm days and balmy nights.

This month features many al fresco events, with a wine-tasting on top of one of Rio’s landmarks, a craft beer festival and a chance to catch a movie on the biggest open-air cinema screen in the world.

Rock out at Hocus Pocus Festival 2019

Usually known for its caipirinhas and ice-cold lagers, Brazil is also home to a booming craft beer industry. Hocus Pocus, hailing from Rio’s alternative Botafogo neighborhood, are one of the city’s best success stories. This May they’re putting on a festival which will include a launch of two new beers plus a live concert from Swedish psychedelic rockers Graveyard.

Date: 5pm, May 19

Place: Gen. Luís Mendes de Morais, 210, Santo Cristo

Catch a Movie at Shell Open Air 2019

For half of the month of May, Rio’s super-chic event space at Marina da Glória is transformed into a giant open air movie theater, complete with the biggest open-air cinema screen in the world (roughly the size of a tennis court). Sit under the stars and enjoy seeing a new release such as Aquaman or a cult classic like The Matrix at a cinema the likes of which you’ve never experienced before.

Date: May 15 – June 2

Place: Marina da Glória, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, Glória

Drink in the Rio view at Vinho na Vila

Morro da Urca is Pão de Açúcar’s little brother, offering equally incredible views and, for one weekend in May, a novel venue for a two-day wine-tasting opportunity. Promoted by sixteen of the main small and medium-sized Brazilian wineries, the weekend will also feature lectures, live music and tastings of over 200 of the best national labels.

Date: May 25-26

Place: Morro da Urca, Avenida Pasteur, Urca

See a Brazilian musical legend and family

Caetano Veloso is one of the most influential Brazilian musicians of the last fifty years. Now he is inviting three of his sons – Moreno, Zeca and Tom (all musicians in their own right) – to share the stage with him in an evening's celebration of family and music. Head down to Vivo Rio to see Caetano and his sons present a relaxed jam of Brazilian songs old and new.

Date: May 25-26

Place: Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Parque do Flamengo

Preview a Festa Junina at Rio’s Lagoa

Second only to Carnival in terms of national popularity, Festas Juninas (June Festivals) are all but unheard of outside of Brazil. To see what this celebration of traditional Brazilian culture is all about, come down to Rio’s picturesque Lagoa and experience the first Festa Junina of the year, featuring traditional food, drink and dances.

Date: May 31 – June 2

Place: Av. Borges de Medeiros 1424, Lagoa

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/rio-de-janeiro-city-guide-9