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!! read more

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I know it's an event but it's annual sooo if anyone is curious about this party and does a little research here, let me shed some light (it's okay, I won't illuminate the darkest corners!). Imagine if a gay bar Halloween party and a strip club Halloween party were to have a baby....no, imagine if Mardi Gras had a super sexy, blatantly flirtatious Latino cousin.....no, imagine that dream you have with all the sexy demons and angels and they all want to have sex with you. Yeah, put all that together and you can get an idea. I've been going to this party for almost 15 years and I never get tired of it. Not only is it about the costumes and the flirting, but it's also about the incredible music. Every year they get a nationally known Brazilian Samba band to play the stage, but lately they have also used Austin's own Academicos da Opera which I think is even better cause they get right down on the floor in a huge drum circle. This music is intoxicating (which is great cause it's damn hard to get a drink here---lines too long). You cannot stop dancing and at the end of the night you get that all over warm body relaxation that you get after a great workout or even better sex. But if you are an exhibitionist or a voyeur or if you are not afraid of a large crowd of these, then this is your party. To get anywhere in the crowd, you have to get in a conga line and next thing you know, you are swept away with a bunch of fun-loving strangers to god knows where. And costumes! I am always awed by the work that goes into this event. From feathers and beads to leather and chains. Drag queens and dominatrixes. Fairies and well, fairies. Body painting to body stockings. It's all here and it doesn't mind being seen and photographed and danced with. Sigh. I always have a bit of post-Carnaval depression. So, don't be scerd. You are really missing out if you let your fears hold you back. True of Carnaval and of life. read more

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 yelpers 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! read more

Carnaval Brasileiro - My girl Courtney W and I! - Festivals Near Me - Austin, Texas

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- read more

Carnaval Brasileiro - Represent. - Festivals Near Me - Austin, Texas

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 1/2 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. read more

This girl is no longer a Carnaval virgin thanks to free tickets from Yelp! I admit I was a tad bit intimidated beforehand--it's really difficult to accurately describe this event and the people that make it so special so I wasn't sure what I was walking in to. Behold! A feast for your eyes and a beat for your bootyshaking. No costume is out of place, but feathers, lights, skin and fishnets are more than welcome. I spotted more than a few Native Americans, alligators and peacocks floating around. The bevvies were easily accessible, too! Just another reason why Keep Austin Weird is totally appropriate for our city. read more

Carnaval Brasileiro - Ay! - Festivals Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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 yelpers, 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. read more

What a fantastic night, and thank you Yelp 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! read more

Carnaval Brasileiro - Carnaval yelp sign! - Festivals Near Me - Austin, Texas

Carnaval Brasileiro began in 1975, organized by a group of home-sick Brazilian UT students trying to replicate the flavor of their home country's wild, colorful and raucous pre-Lenten celebration. Since then, fertilized by that stuff that has kept Austin weird, Carnaval Brasileiro gets bigger and more famous every year. My SO heard about it this year via a coworker and wanted to go. So... after a dinner at Sampaio, we headed for the Palmer Events Center. Since it's our first time, we decided to just be dressy as if going to a upscale night club, rather than throw together a couple of half-assed costumes. Believe me however, NO MATTER how one dresses, NOBODY gives a sh!t, and one WILL have a great time! And you don't have to be wildly exhibitionistic, or enjoy such display, nor do you have to be into a wide range of sexual preferences, or overt displays of one's gender (or lack thereof), nor do you have to be three sheets to the wind, to have a GREAT time at Carnaval Brasileiro. The costumes range from hangin'-out-at-the-neighborhood-bar garb, to a bunch of beads strings and face paint, to ultra-sexy boudoir wear, to Halloween-like costumes, to hyper-imaginative (and time-consuming!) home-made costumes. No matter WHAT you wear, you will fit in! There are AMAZINGLY hot bods (women AND men!), scantily clad or merely painted. Just standing in one place enjoying the passing crowd is great fun. But of course, there are the two shows by the drum corps and dancers of Austin's Samba School, "Academicos da Opera", and two sets by one of the best Samba bands in the US, Grupo Saveiro. Oh, you don't have to know how to samba either. We don't. Just bring your open mind and happy feet and you'll be all set. Next year, we're gonna go ALL OUT. The theme of our costumes has to be a secret of course, but think retro cult sci-fi movie gone hi-tech and sexy! (A side bonus is that, most likely, you can recycle your Halloween costume into your Carnaval costume, and vice versa.) read more

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Admission ticket: $40 Parmer Events Center Parking: $7 Coat check: $3 Water boots: Priceless But I was not wearing water boots to the Festival of Soggy Feet, also known as Carnaval. Everyone's probably said enough already about this festival; the 2012 event went by in flashes of glitter, costumes, bodily exposure, and documentation for future blackmailing purposes. Had it not been for a fabulous group Carnaval prep and pre-party, however, I wouldn't have enjoyed this event nearly as much. I'm thinking of cheeky commentary regarding the event: bare cheeks abounded? I don't know. I do know they could've installed a Slip 'n' Slide with the layer of alcohol on the ground. I also know I was tired of kicking the bottles and cups away from my feet on the ground, only to recreate a scene from Singin' in the Rain with all the splashing. Really? There's no way to remedy the total nastiness that is the half inch of fluids on the ground? Kind of tough to samba when it feels like you're going to get sucked into a puddle of yuck. This may have gone unnoticed were I intoxicated, but such is life. And thank Krishna Keri B advised against the coat check; the line to retrieve your checked item was ridiculous. But I found the secret bathroom, danced for a few hours, elbowed some touchy dudes, and had an awesome time. read more

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. read more

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I love being a Yelper. 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 Yelpers 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! read more

Oh, what a night! I was so overwhelmed, I don't know how to describe it! I took my co-worker, budding Yelper 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 Yelpers 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! read more

you like to wear costumes? you like drums and shaking your body parts? you like exposing your body parts or looking at exposed parts? you like art painted on your body parts or like to look at art ON bodies? what about the costumes (so relevant I mentioned it 2x) if you said yes to any 4 of the above, get the self to Carnaval Brasleiro read more

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Even if you don't dress up and don't drink it is still a blast, I know from experience. Just going to observe people, costumes and the general merriment of the event is fantastic. The music is very rhythmic and even my boyfriend that never ever dances and listens to metal enjoyed it and danced with me. The atmosphere and the energy given off from the party is so much fun...even waiting in line for the doors to open is enjoyable. The year that I went there was lots of standing, dancing and who knows what else in the middle and stadium bleachers on the sides for you to take a break and observe. The food, drinks, and face painting are pricey as expected. read more

I feel like not enough people know about this amazing event. First weekend in February people! What else do you have going on?!! What is Carnaval you ask? Probably one of the most free spirited events in Austin, you can wear (or not wear) whatever you want, dance around to samba music, plus there are bars surrounding the entire place, and you kind of feel like a celebrity because everyone wants to take your picture. Everyone here is SO HAPPY. It's awesome. Everyone who lives in Austin should go at least once, go to the costume store, grab a mask and some feathers and go crazy. You won't regret it. read more

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. read more

Very un-Austin and in a good way, Carvanal brings Rio (or at least a small bit of it) to us without having to travel for 10 hours. Buy tickets in advance (around $40 each) as they seem to always sell out. The number of people dressed up this year was incredible - at least 75% of the people attending had some sort of costume, many of them incredibly risque (Lucy in Disguise and The Bazaar are your best friend). You'll see boobs of all sizes and types and way more beer belly than during a visit to Sea World. Wear a mask and something tiny and revealing (they have a coat check) as the place is hot and sweaty once the sea of people starts grinding to the samba beats. Nice and dark inside to help hide your flaws too. People will usually ask before taking your picture as well. World famous samba performers will fly in for this event, along with my favorite part, the Austin Samba school. Lots of scantily clad dancers and tons of drums. They perform two or three times during the evening - make sure you catch at least one performance. Like everything else fun in Austin that is popular and packed, be prepared to wait. Unfortunately, the venue for this event has pretty limited bathrooms and space for port o cans. Bar lines can be 20+ minutes and bathrooms can be even worse (try the portable toilets in the beer garden patio area, which tend to be quicker). Probably worth bringing in a flask should your outfit permit. Police are present and are complete asses if you try to get on stage and dance, even when the singer asks for people to get up. No worries if you remain in the crowd. read more

This was the craziest wildest party ever. I consider myself an Old fogey, but had the time of my life! Everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves. The music is throbbing and pulsating and LOUD! There is no better people watching anywhere, and Everyone is dressed (or undressed) with faces painted and glittery. It's Mayhem and Merriment! Can't imagine a better place for this kind of party than Austin! read more

Ah, Carnaval. We've been going for years and will continue to do so for as long as we stay in Austin. Carnaval is the Austin equivalent of the real Carnaval down in Rio. Happens every February around mid-month. Live Music! Live Dancers! Live! Live! Live! You get to shake yer booty and dance all night to Drummers and a Samba Band all the way from Rio itself :-) What a great time! Get your tix online at www.Sambaparty.org, dream up a costume (or not), and go revel in this high-energy festivity! As previously stated, we go every year, and have always been thrilled by the crowds, the costumes, and especially the great music and awesome people we meet :-) We seem to make new friends each year, and always go home with huge smiles and great memories. If you've never been, you should try it at least once! You won't be disappointed! read more

I went to Carnaval for the first time in 2005, when I first moved here, and I just went this year for my second time. And WOW, it was definitely a lot more crowded (which I expected). While there's no denying that Carnaval is a blast, I think it is extremely expensive for what you get. I had luckily won tix this year, but I most likely would've felt pretty ripped off if I'd paid $40 to stand in long bathroom lines, barely get to see most of the dance performances (because they're on the floor and you must battle through throngs of people to try to get a glimpse), and paid for pricey drinks once I arrived (which I did do, but wasn't nearly as big of a deal since my tix were free!) At least coat check is only a mere $3.00. Oh-- and this year they ran out of water!!! There was still over an hour left and absolutely none of the bars had water left! All the bartenders kept trying to hawk more alcohol on us instead. Ummmmmm....??? I think that, if tickets are going to be $40, the event should at least last longer. It goes til 2am (when the light are abruptly flipped on), but the place was still filled with a ton of people dancing while performances were still finishing up. If they stopped serving alcohol and kept it open for 2 more hours (maybe just turn it into a DJ'ed dance party??) it would not only be more fun and worth the price tag, but probably a lot more safe than kicking a bunch of half-naked, liquored-up people out onto the streets... read more

Never thought I'd leave a Missed Connection for a 40ish Westlake soccer mom, but ever since you walked past, whipped my nip out and buried your sweet face in my bosom all the while telling me about your 24-year-old son, I just haven't been able to get you out of my head. Can your lucky milf-huz send me the pics? HOTTTTT read more

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. read more

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. read more

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!!! read more

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)! read more

Carnaval Brasileiro - CARNAVAL crowd - Festivals Near Me - Austin, Texas

I woke up on Sunday morning and I wondered if the carnaval party I attended on Saturday night was a dream or fantasy. I couldn't believe what I saw and the whatever I saw blew me away! This event is the wildest/weirdest costume party I have ever attended in my life. It was such an insanely crazy party that no word could describe it. I love the fact I saw all kinds of people in there and they were all friendly and fun to hang out with. For such a huge event I was surprised how safe and orderly everything was that night. I am marking this event as a MUST-DO every year from now on. read more

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. read more

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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 yelpers 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. :) read more

Have gone for the last 5 years. never drank anything but water and it has been a super awesome time. so enjoy seeing people's creativity and costumes. great show, great music, everyone's in a great mood, everyone is so gracious in posing for pictures. would recommend to anyone at least once. if costuming is not your thang, don't despair! lots of tshirts and shorts/pants & beads... though if you're feeling adventurous Lucy in Disguise on soco rents out costumes for the night, other places to hit up for ideas are the Bazaar Austin, Cindie's and costume world on north Burnet. it's mardi gras Brazilian style! part lingerie show, part masquerade, part halloween, part whatevah! anything goes! body paint artists on site ! monies at coat check goes toward camps for at-risk kids. all around superlative! read more

Carnaval Brasileiro - Festivals Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've gone to Carnaval every year for the last 5 years and at this point I believe it to be a sort of Austin right-of-passage. It's a whirlwind of glitter, makeup, feathers, drums and skin and while it might cause seizures for some, it's a ton of fun for others. The weird thing is, for me, the event itself is only about 23% of the fun you'll have all night (if you do it right). Even though it's enjoyable dancing in a crowd of semi-naked strangers who are ogling each other with hand binoculars, it's really the preparation to Carnaval that makes the night as fun as it is. Even a small percentage of fun goes to the walk to and from the festival as car horns greet you on the sidewalks and keep you blushing and warm. So basically, if you don't have a pre-party somewhere where everyone is getting ready by painting each others' heavily exposed bodies and dumping glitter over each others' feather-adorned heads, then you're definitely doing it wrong. read more

One of my best friend wanted to go to Carnaval for her bday - and I was dreading the whole commute and being in a hot and sweaty crowded concert . It was nothing like that! We got a great event deal with the Holiday inn ten minutes away, the samba music was great, and plenty of room to dance. I definitely a expected crazy scene, which was great for people watching and meeting others. I wore a sequined skirt and crop top, but I was conservative compared to the rest. Expect topless girls, glitter, body paint, masks, feathers, gentlemen in thongs, and great music. The conga lines were awesome and crazy, towards the end there were so many different lines overlapping and merging into each other. Everyone is pretty much friendly and will let you take pictures, majority of the girls in our group wore bikinis and one wore pasties with a tutu - so some of the men were too friendly with our group. The samba schools put on great performances that you can watch from the bleachers. There was also an eating area, and the restrooms were easily accessible towards the back. There was about 4000 folks in the center, but in no way did you ever feel over crowded. It was a great first Carnaval experience and I am glad I went. read more

For all things "Austin" and keepin' it weird, Carnaval Brasileiro is the place to be. It truly is not weird in a "weird" way. It is so much fun and it rocks all the way to the point of closing time, which I think is 2 am. The conga line and the Samba dancing and the sweating your arse off and the skimpy costumes, from the men and women is all over the top. Straight or Gay, Conservative or Liberal, Republican (well?) or definitely Democrat, etc...you get the point. It's a party for all. Young AND Old. Everyone gets along and it's a beautiful thing. When in Austin, it is a MUST see and MUST do at some point, and then year to year. read more

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. read more

I have been to Carnaval Brasileiro about 4 times over the last 10 years. It has certainly changed over the years! The fact that I have not gone every year has no bearing on the event itself, but the company I have kept. As a Brazilian American, I have found that it is a wonderful opportunity for the Brazilian Community to really feel at home. I loved last year's event so much that I decided to join the Austin Samba School, which is an unbelievably wonderful community. I have attended Carnaval in MidWest cities like Cedar Falls (IA), Iowa City, Madison (WI) and Chicago in the past, but NONE compare to this event. You will not be sorry, this year will be even better! read more

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! read more

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. read more

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!) read more

5 stars for people watching . . . . had a great time at this party and will be back next year!

CARNAVAL has been the best party in Austin... EVER....for years. Great music, costumes, and all-around party vibe. And one of the best showcases for the infinite wacky creativity and ingenuity of the people of this town. If you've been, you know that you can watch costumes on parade for hours and never see the same thing twice. You know that everyone there, once under that roof, has an unspoken agreement that TONIGHT WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL. TONIGHT WE PARTY ! If you haven't been, come on ! We're here waiting for you ! We promise you'll have a great time. I've been to many a CARNAVAL and can honestly say is a life-changing experience ! read more