Carnaval Brasileiro

The City’s most vibrant collection of sights, sounds, and hot-​blooded booty-​shaking in a single night! You and your friends DO NOT want to miss Carnaval Brasiliero!
Whether you’re a first-​time visitor or going on twenty years of attendance, enjoy this year as if it was your first. Austin’s greatest people-​watching event of the year!

I went to the event for the first time in 2014 as this was the year I had moved to Austin. This was one of the most fun event I have ever attended, with so many friendly people, really interesting costumes, some very elaborate, lots of dancing and overall I felt a very accepting, nonjudgmental atmosphere. Great samba band as well. I’ll be there again next year. I don’t want to miss the fun.

I go every year. Of course the feeling and experience varies, but it’s great generally.
Austin doesn’t have this type of atmosphere, so it’s great to unwind.
If you like meeting and mingling with travelers and expats, as well as a flamboyant and vibrantly gregarious atmosphere this is for you.
The drinks are expensive. I strongly suggest pre-​gaming ahead of time.
Carnival Brasilero added varied degrees of ‘VIP’ and ‘Deluxe VIP’ statuses, based on ticket price. Of course this undermines the spirit and equalizing nature of pre-​listen celebration of decadence. Caste based segregated zones of dance and revelry also stop the flow.
Aside from the tacky new staggered revelry, this is a mandatory and uninhibited celebration every year.
If there is a character that is lingering just below the surface, Carnival is the place to dress and play the part.

Carnival was impressive to me for about 10 minutes. I arrived in time to see the show with the dancers and acrobats. That part was pretty cool. But once the show ended I felt like I was at a high school dance in a gymnasium. Everyone was either hanging out on the bleachers or maybe dancing. I guess I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was not that.

I had a lot of fun at the even itself although it was quite empty this year. Not sure if it’s bc they used a bigger venue or what. What pissed me off is that during the event they said that if you took a picture from Carnaval and posted it on Instagram, followed them, and then tagged them in it… whosever pics got the most like would get free VIP tickets for next years carnaval. Well I went through all of the pics and sure enough mine was the one with the highest number of likes. I even commented on the photo they posed saying they were going to pick a winner soon and never got a reply. Seems to me like they were tricking people into doing free advertising for them. Either that or a scheme to get more followers. I decided to unfollow them and will be taking my pic down because I don’t want to advertise for people who lie to their customers.

Attended two Carnivals now – what a blast! First of all, the friendliest and most fun crowd in Austin I’ve experienced in my 10+ years here. Last year I went with some friends and we had an amazing time. This year I went solo and still had a great time! Everyone is there to have fun, dance, enjoy the music, and of course, people watch! Yes, there is a lot of nudity, but it is all in good fun, and the outrageous costumes are just incredible! The venue staff, bartenders, cops there for added security, etc., all do an amazing job at ensuring things are run efficiently and flawlessly! This is the party of the year, each year! Go!!! (Tip: no matter what you wear (or don’t wear) make sure you at least have comfortable shoes – you will dance until you can’t stand anymore!)

Well this is definitely a wild party. The music is loud, driving, fast and drum driven and it gets you moving. The outfits are over the top and in some cases sparse and it makes for great people watching. There are bleachers off to the sides to rest your weary bones in between bouncing around like a pinball, which is helpful. Fairly crowded, but enough space that you can get away from it if needed. Fun, lively atmosphere, but drinks are cash only so come prepared.

Came here for the first time and had fun. The band was really great and everyone seemed to be having an awesome time dancing and enjoying the music. There are definitely some interesting people here and if you aren’t into dancing, you can spend your time people watching! It was nice that they had set up bleachers on either side of the stage so you had a place to sit and rest between dancing or to escape the crowd for a bit. There were lots of people at the event, but it wasn’t stiflingly crowded if you stayed a little farther back from the main stage. It was probably evenly split with those in costume and those in plain clothes. All of the vendors are cash only and it helps to bring cash ahead of time, rather than using the on site ATM’s because the lines were pretty long. Overall, a fun time if you like Brazilian music and dancing (or people watching)!

such dancing
very costume
much naked
WOW
very conga
so drinking
much pictures
WOW
so friends
very samba
such happiness
WOW
This review brought to you by the letter «D,» for doge. Go to Carnaval to see a whole lot of things you want to see and a whole lot of things you never want to see again. Bring cash for drinks, wear your best or most revealing costume, and dance your booty off. No matter what happens, it’s sure to be a good time.

Go for the people-​watching, go for the debauchery, go for the conga lines, whatever the reason, JUST GO!!! And wear a costume while you’re at it or you’ll feel left out of all the fun.
It’s one of my favorite events in Austin every year. I go for the ridiculously intoxicating drum beats from the live band and The Austin Samba School’s drumline. I go for the dancing all night just to get sweaty in a crowd full of once strangers who soon become friends. I go for the revelry, I go for the tiny costumes, I go for the dramatic ones, too. I just go! Because it’s fun, it’s Austin, and it only comes around once a year.

What a fantastic night, and thank you Unilocal for hooking us up with tickets and backstage passes!
So I will admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect, nor was I sure I would fit in or even have a good time. So glad I didn’t listen to my insecurities and that I went! Basically, it is a room full of people just wanting to enjoy good music, good costumes, good dancing, and good fun! No judgment people!
I put on a rather short and low cut sparkly dress and felt like I looked scandalous walking down the street. Once inside Carnaval, I looked conservative! There is no costume that could go too far here. Yes, there were girls body painted, there were girls topless, there were old men wearing thongs… literally you can wear anything and get away with it here. The focus is to enjoy yourself, and wear whatever you want, who can argue with that!
The drinks aren’t cheap, but they aren’t expensive either for an event like this. There are performers and live music playing in the front stage, and then bleachers on either side to sit and watch, or your can dance in the middle, or get a drink and sit towards the back. It is relaxed, and fun, and everyone enjoys themselves.
Takeaway? Put on your party pants (or not) and join the party!

OMG what can I say!!! This event should be experienced at least once if you live in Austin. The musicians were amazing! Loved the drummers, made my latin blood boil! The samba dancers were great and loved having access backstage where hubby and I could see the dancers prep and really appreciate their ornate and beautiful costumes. But speaking about costumes… the costumes were SCANDALOUS! Lots of body painting, some women even went topless! I ended up opting for a green fairy costume with a glittery green bra, a tutu, and fairy wings!
From various accounts I had heard that the drinks were going to be pricey, but honestly they were quite reasonable so I was able to get my drink on despite not pregaming, which was highly recommended. The bartenders were pretty cool, the people were awesome, and I was always pulled in the conga line! I also liked the fact that they had some stands so that all that wanted to see the samba show were able to. I would post pictures but my phone became rather faulty after someone bumped into me with a beer, causing my phone to become soggy, and the lens foggy… boo to that. But at least it is working now and I will post some pics soon!!! But despite that setback, I LOVE CARNAVAL!!!

I went to the 2014 Austin Carnaval an event virgin and left a bonafide Brasilero woman!
From the walk to the Palmer Events Center to the Carnaval itself to the VIP lounge, the whole experience was a colorful blur of gyrating painted and feathered nudity to samba beats and boozey revelry!
On the way from the parking lot to the Palmer Event Center, we just had to follow the colorful and scantily clad masses to find the fun!
And though I expected an out of control night of pure debauchery based on previous reviews, the night was enjoyably tame.
We got there around the 10pm mark and the party was already in full swing with the samba dancers and drummers showing off their mad crazy skills! From the minute we walked in the door our asses didn’t stop shaking til they hit the cold leather of the car seat 3hrs later!
I loved how open and friendly everyone was! Especially those in full on crazy and fabulous costumes! We watched the «parade» from the stands and then when the dance floor opened up joined a conga line right to the front of the stage where we shook it like a polaroid picture! The entertainment was just amazing and the energy permeated and flowed through the gleefully sweaty crowd! It wasn’t nearly as awful as I imagined it would be in the crowd, it was packed, but not claustrophobically so. And, to my surprise, there was not nearly the amount of nudity I expected… I mean bare bootys and boobies abounded, but in a tasteful and non-​gratuitous way.
I ended up backstage because of my VIP pass because no one could tell me how to get to the «lounge», but that ended up being an awesome experience!
Needless to say, I will be returning to Carnaval next year… and honestly, if you can’t be in Rio, this is the next best thing! Braaaazilll ATX style baby!

It’s rare when you can say…
«So, I found this party… that I think I’m going to go to… every year.»
But that’s definitely what happened. Once I found my tickets at will call… I started running around trying to find other Unilocalers and asking everyone and their mother where I could locate them… no one could tell me! Which sucks bc it was the first event I was actually able to attend and I would have LOVED to have met folks!
Outside of that — the event was awesome. I stomped, jiggled, swished my way all over the venue. My eyeballs could barely take in all the AMAZING outfits that folks pulled together.
The thing about Carnaval is… it doesn’t matter, your age, your body shape, your gender identity, your sexual preference, or your age…
You just come out… and you have fun. It’s a positive/​safe space to let your inhibitions out, to dance, and admire the gumption that folks have.
All in all… fantastic. Definitely experience it. :)

I love being a Unilocaler.
Waltzing straight back to the VIP — decked out in feathers from head to turquoise-​heeled toe — was an incredible feeling for my first Carnaval experience!
The drums beat. The music bounced. The tooshies bounced. Everything bounced. The conga line was magnetic and almost impossible to escape.
I had NO idea what to expect when I RSVP’d and I was absolutely blown away — I’ll be a repeat attendee for sure! Hopefully next year there will be an epic crowd like I’ve seen in the past; I was a tad surprised to find so much standing room this time!
The Unilocalers who came out, came out with a vengeance. First of all, Keri B. (and, of course, Randy) not only OWN this entire event, but they were hands down the bestest and most wonderful pair I could have hung out with all night. They ushered me through my virgin voyage and took care of me to the bitter (ly cold) peddy cab ride at the end. Thank you, guys!!! xoxoxo
Alyssa’s unitard of awesomeness and her professional feather crown were fantastic; and she is largely responsible for helping me even pull a costume together — so she really helped make this event happen for me. And her pal Cassie is so much fun to hang out with and needs to be the plus one at all events ever. Courtney & Lily were an adorable duet, wonderful to see them out! Mark E, showed up with another Bethany, which, of course is awesome itself. James in his blue undies, Monica O. MEOW, girl! Marilee’s BEST wig ever, and Matt let me spray him with glitter. I got to meet Jerry finally, too!!! All awesome. Everyone.
Only regret? I took not a single photo. Epic. Fail. Beth D. Epic.
What a fun night!

Oh, what a night! I was so overwhelmed, I don’t know how to describe it! I took my co-​worker, budding Unilocaler Bethany R, and experienced an event like no other. The costumes, the music, the $ 6 beers… It was a complete bacchanalia extraordinaire! I was really blown away by the energy of the opening parade. There was a brass marching band, troupes of dancers, Caribbean women, Marie Anoinette-​looking ladies, powdered-​wig guys, and giant puppet-​looking things on stilts. Everyone was moving – it couldn’t be helped.
Some of the Unilocalers I saw looked amazingly sexy and festive – Keri B, Monica O, Marilee M, Beth D, and Alyssa B were some of our beautiful provocative party-​goers. I also saw an abundance of a personal favorite of mine – tattooed women. Yee-​HAW!!! The music has us going and moving and running conga lines until 2am, and the energy was truly amazing. I’ll be back next year, for sure!
(I was instructed to take lots or pics, and i wish I did, but my phone battery died just as I arrived at the venue. i managed to take one though, as I arrived. My caption for that pic was my only thought at the time – «Wow»)
Thanks Kelly S, and whoever else made it happen. It was mind-​blowing!

Review #100! Woot! I had a fantastic night at Carnival. Fan-​frickin-​tastic. And I learned something new: Paint + beads = clothing.
There were costumes, music, booze, and naked people (it should go without saying that these are all good things). The dancers were awesome and the people watching was top notch. I mean where else can you see Gotye, olympic athletes, a priest, the devil, zoo animals, and that much general debauchery?!? (The answer is NOWHERE.) I also had the pleasure of running into a number of fellow Unilocalers, so bonus points there. Oh! And Conga lines! So many Conga lines!
Only minus is that the drinks are super expensive and they only take cash, but this was to be expected.

AMAAAZZZING! Bright flashing lights, loud samba music, elaborate costumes, feathers, beautiful women, boisterous laughter, and Conga lines going left & right!!! I don’t know how to describe everything with some much going on all at once; it just has to be Experienced! Soooo my advice to anyone and everyone is Come and Check It Out for Yourselves! The experience is gonna be Mind Blowing!
And do yourself a favor, DRESS UP!!! That’s ½ the Fun right there. So what do you wear? (At least that’s what I was thinking prior to the event.) Answer: Pretty much whatever you want to wear or don’t want to wear; is going to be completely Acceptable! I went as a cross between a Dirty Luigi/​Disco Mardi gras/​Party Pimp! My friends went full on feathers, glitter, corsets, bikini tops, etc. So be CREATIVE and have FUN!!!
Drinks: $ 6 Beers, $ 6 Single Mixed Drink, $ 8 Wine. CASH Only. ATM machines on-​site so no need to freak out of you forget.
V.I.P. Area: Worth it. With all the partying going on in the front, the VIP area behind the main stage was very chill and laid back. No lines to the restrooms. No lines to the get drinks. Couch lounge areas. Free Coat Check-​in. The prices for the drinks were the same; so nothing special there.

Life tip: Never pass up a chance to wear a mask or rock the crazy tutu you bought on a spontaneous whim from a custom tutu shop.
That’s right, anything and everything you could ever dream up for a costume can be found at this event. I decided last minute to attend this event with a friend of mine this year and I’m glad I did.
I had a chance to hangout with some Unilocalers and meet some new friends while I was there. My girl Courtney W. and I semi-​coordinated our outfits with corset-​like tops, tutu bottoms, and killer heels. We also rocked some glam-​tastic sparkly makeup. I have to give props to Keri B. because her outfit was not only amazing, but hilariously tongue-​in-​cheek. Beth D. and Alyssa B. also looked great with their feathered headpieces and I finally got a chance to actually meet Alyssa. Marilee M. was wearing a snazzy wig and a slinky black dress and looked like a diva! Monica A. probably stole the show in her body-​painted outfit; she looked amazing and definitely rocked it! Later I ran into Lauren B. and Victoria A. and Lauren and I bonded over our mutual love for salt and pepper coated seafood.
The music was bumping and there were Conga lines going as far as the eye could see! In addition to the awesome music you can also spot some incredibly over-​the-​top. jaw-​droppingly crazy costumes. There were people in full on Carnaval gear with crystals, amazing plumed headdresses, and ostrich plumed bustle skirts. In contrast there were also girls who rocked only thongs and bodypaint. Either way everyone was clearly ready to party.
I had a great time dancing around and just seeing what everyone was wearing. I suppose next year, I should just commit to going early on so I can plan for such an epic event accordingly. Yay for Carnaval!

It was really amazing!
The best people watching experience ever!!! I got to see Aladdin, unicorns, rainbows, big bird, captain America, lots of nipples and A$$ and let’s not forget saggy titties (yeah! jk) I would say there is only one way to describe it this truly is a staple of what it means to keep austin werid. It’s the one day you could kick off your shoes and go wild.
I really enjoyed all the live music, the awesome dancers. There are women with all shapes and sizes which really felt like a dove commercial in allowing me to embrace my size. It was really fun experience love the music, people, dancers and the booze. I would definitely put this on my to do list every year! It reminds me of west Hollywood in California on Halloween.

I think we blew the mind of a visiting very-​cowboy New Mexico native into a thousand little pieces. He was warned but he mistakenly underestimated our ability to rope him into ‘the biggest gay naked party’ he’s never imagined. Cowboy Sunshine will never be the same.
Step 1: Band together with a group after way too many winter beers & T-​Rex impersonations and settle on a theme. Ours was Garden of Eden. I was elected Satan, ‘cos I look good in red. Simple.
Step 2: Enter in a handful of local contests to win a ticket, ‘cos those puppies have shot up a bit in price since 2008. Keep the hope alive.
Step 3: Begin scavenging for parts of costume. ‘Costume’ is used liberally here, as most people’s costumes are comprised of underwear, and headpiece and lots of strategically placed paint. Wrap a passport belt around your lower leg a few times and cover with leg warmers. It’s cold this time of year.
Step 4: Work out like your life (and dignity) depends on it. Think Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. Yeah. That or as-​close-​as-​humanly-​possible or bust, kids.
Step 5: Reply like a madwoman to a ticket giveaway, allowing your non-​Carnaval-​but-​still-​supportive friends to rsvp for you if you are driving between towns at the moment. Check your street mailbox several times a day. Repeat.
Step 6: Rope others into your twisted group theme. In Garden of Eden we had Adam, Eve, a snake, an apple, the devil, an angel (Giddeon? I don’t know) a tornado, a flying monkey. Who’s missing? A tree of knowledge, God and the sun. Triple check, after a Screw Your Resolutions event.
Step 7: Head to Eve’s house and learn how to muddle Caipirinhas and have flames of eternal damnation painted on you. Try not to laugh when your armpits are painted. Fail in doing so. Pun back and forth between you and God for laughs. Make him a Caipirinha and ask him questions.
Step 8: Do your Samba thing in boots to prevent mystery puddles from fuddling your feet ew. Wear a mask if you don’t want your face plastered all over the interwebs but then pose with lots of strangers while losing God, your tree, Sunshine, Flower, Snake, Apple, Adam & Eve. Regroup. Repeat.
Step 9: Shower all that off, refuel with Central Market frozen pizzas and don’t wake Sunshine up till morning. He’s had a rough weekend.
Step 10: Start thinking of next year’s theme. Bollywood anyone?
–Fin–