Curitiba’s event calendar is anchored by two major festivals: the Curitiba Theater Festival in spring and the Christmas program in December. Between these, the city hosts music workshops, design biennials, and a packed calendar of Sunday markets and seasonal food fairs. Most events are concentrated in the Centro, Batel, and the Pedreiras cultural complex. For more context, see our Curitiba travel guide page. See our Curitiba weather by month for more information.
Curitiba Events and Festivals: Spring and Summer (September to March)
Curitiba Theater Festival (Festival de Teatro de Curitiba)
Brazil’s largest performing arts festival, held annually in late March through early April. The 2025 edition featured over 300 performances across 50 venues including the Ópera de Arame, Teatro Guaíra, and Teatro Positivo. The program spans fringe theater, children’s shows, musicals, stand-up comedy, and international productions. Tickets range from free (street performances at Praça Santos Andrade) to R$80 for headline shows. The Risorama comedy showcase and MishMash cultural fair run concurrently. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead as hotels fill up. Full program at festivaldecuritiba.com.br.
Natal de Curitiba (Curitiba Christmas)
The city’s Christmas program runs from late November through December 23. The centerpiece is the Christmas Choir at the Ópera de Arame, where 100+ choristers perform inside the illuminated theater above the lake (free, tickets distributed 1 hour before each show). Other highlights include the Rua das Flores light tunnel (Rua XV de Novembro), the Palácio Avenida children’s choir performing from the building’s windows, and the Christmas Market at Praça Santos Andrade with food stalls and craft vendors. The carousel and mini train at Praça Osório are popular with families. All events are free except food/drink purchases.
Oficina de Música de Curitiba (Curitiba Music Workshop)
Two editions: a summer edition in January (2-3 weeks) and a winter edition in July (10 days). Both feature masterclasses, workshops, and free public concerts across the city. The January edition includes popular music, choral, and Brazilian genres; the July edition focuses on classical, baroque, and Brazilian popular music (MPB). Venues include Teatro Guaíra, Capela Santa Maria, and the Ópera de Arame. Most concerts are free with tickets distributed at the venue 1 hour before. The full schedule is published at oficinademusica.org.br about 3 weeks before each edition.
Carnival in Curitiba
Curitiba’s Carnival (February or March, depending on the year) is modest compared to Rio, Salvador, or Recife. The main events are Zombie Walk (a satirical pre-Carnival zombie-themed parade, early February), the Samba School parade at Avenida Marechal Floriano Peixoto (one night), and various blocos (street bands) in neighborhoods like São Francisco and Largo da Ordem. It’s a low-key affair: if you’re after massive street parties, fly to Rio or Salvador instead. If you’re in Curitiba during Carnival, the Zombie Walk on a Saturday afternoon is the most uniquely Curitibano event of the season.
Curitiba Events and Festivals: Autumn and Winter (April to August)
Feira do Largo da Ordem (Every Sunday)
The Sunday craft and antiques market in the historic center runs every Sunday year-round, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. During the June/July winter months, the market adds pinhão (roasted pine nuts) and quentão (hot spiced cachaça or wine) stalls, and the atmosphere becomes cozier with the cold weather. The market spreads across Largo da Ordem, Rua Kellers, and Rua São Francisco with 1,000+ vendors. Best finds: leather goods from Rio Grande do Sul artisans, local geometric pottery, and vintage Brazilian vinyl records.
Bienal Internacional de Curitiba
A contemporary art biennial held in odd-numbered years (next: 2027), usually from September through February. The 2025 edition featured 150+ artists across 20 venues including MON, Museu Paranaense, and public spaces. Free entry to most exhibitions. The biennial includes film screenings, artist talks, and a strong educational program. Dates and theme are announced 6-8 months in advance at bienaldecuritiba.com.br.
Festa da Uva (Grape Festival)
Held in late January or early February in the Santa Felicidade neighborhood, celebrating the Italian immigrant wine-making tradition. Expect grape-stomping demonstrations, wine tastings from local producers, polenta and pasta stands, and folk music performances. The 2025 edition ran three weekends. Free entry, food and wine charged per item. Bus 304 from the city center. Also see our guides to best time to visit Curitiba, things to do in Curitiba, Curitiba neighborhoods guide, where to stay in Curitiba, and Curitiba travel tips and FAQ.
