And isn’t the year flying by? September has barely begun, but it feels like the days are flying by so fast that we’ll soon be in the last quarter of the year. So that you won’t be caught by surprise when the month ends, we’ve already brought you the best tips on how to enjoy October in São Paulo. There’s art, music, gastronomy and much more. Mark your calendars!
Paid activities and tours to enjoy October in São Paulo
1. Halloween plans
Halloween is coming, bringing with it the spookiest night of the year. But don’t worry: the fun isn’t just limited to Halloween! Throughout the month of October, São Paulo will be hosting “hallowinesque” activities for all tastes, from themed parties and haunted train rides to events for children. In this article, we bring you the best tips for making the most of the season. Get ready for a month of chills!
2. Hidden Evidence: A Murder Mystery experience
An immersive game for those who love solving crimes is coming to São Paulo: ‘Hidden Evidence’, from Murder Mystery! With lots of clues, mystery and adventure, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to show your detective side. Tickets for the October 2nd show are already on sale, so don’t waste any time in securing your seat.
3. Coffee Week Brasil
Can you smell the coffee? The next edition of Coffee Week Brasil is coming to São Paulo. From October 4 to 27, coffee lovers can enjoy exclusive combos at fixed prices of R$14.90 and R$24.90. After all, coffee is much more than a drink – it’s an experience.
4. Restaurant Week
Another eagerly awaited festival, Restaurant Week is now in its 33rd edition and once again features a selection of the best of the city’s gastronomy. From October 17 to November 17, participating restaurants throughout the metropolitan region will offer menus with a starter, main course and dessert at fixed prices.
5. Enchanted Sips Lab
Explore the art of mixology in a magical and immersive environment. During a one-and-a-half hour session, participants in this unique event will be able to create and taste their own cocktails and drinks in a super Instagrammable space.
Under the guidance of a “magician”, the public will use herbs and colored liquids to prepare their potions in an enchanting setting filled with bubbling cauldrons and flickering candles. A unique and memorable experience, for sure!
📅 11 a 13/10
🎟️ From R$175 available here
📍 Collection
🔞 Event for over 18s
6. Anne Frank: let us be
This exhibition explores the fight against racism and intolerance, with Anne Frank’s diary as its starting point. In this way, it addresses not only anti-Semitism during the Holocaust, but also contemporary human rights issues. Such as indigenous, gender and racial issues.
Among the works on display is a faithful reproduction of the Secret Annex that housed the Frank family during the Holocaust. The work is unseen in Brazil and includes exclusive materials sent to the curators by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
📅 Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
🎟️ From R$7.50 available here
📍 Unibes Cultural
7. By a Thread
In ‘By a Thread’, you’ll get to know the story of two very different teenagers: Lorena, a digital influencer, and Maria Augusta, who has just been diagnosed with ASD. When their parents decide to move in together, their lives change completely!
The play is for the whole family and addresses issues such as social media addiction, human connections and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is because, through the relationship between the protagonists, the show demystifies and allows for a greater understanding of ASD, promoting greater empathy and understanding on the part of the audience.
📅 Until 26/10
🎟️ From R$ 80
📍 Jardim Sul Theater
8. Singular Plural: Rubem Valentim
Take a closer look at the work of Rubem Valentim, who explored Brazil’s cultural and religious diversity through creative and colorful signs. Born in Salvador in 1922, the artist used symbolic geometric shapes to give new meaning to Afro-Christian, Afro-Brazilian and indigenous traditions.
The exhibition is also part of the ‘Singular Plural’ program, which aims to make the Museu Afro Brasil more accessible. It features works adapted for people with visual impairments , including photographs, serigraphs, sculptures and tactile maps, as well as interactive games. A rich and inclusive experience for all visitors!
📅 Until 01/2025
🎟️ From R$7.50
📍 Afro Brazil Museum
9. Forever Young
In this retirement home, when the nurse is off duty, rock takes over! The show, which has been a hit since 2016, is back on stage in São Paulo, chronicling the days of a retreat for elderly artists. As well as lots of music and humor, it tackles serious issues such as ageism and the social exclusion suffered by people in their third age. With a great soundtrack, it features classics such as “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Imagine”.
📅 Until 11/11
🎟️ From R$ 45
📍 Fernando Torres Theater
10. Tomorrowland Brasil
One of the most eagerly awaited musicals of the year is coming to São Paulo in October! For three days, São Paulo residents will be able to see big names in electronic music , such as Cat Dealers, Armin van Buuren, Alesso and Steve Aoki. As well as Alok, the most eagerly awaited artist who will be performing on the last day of the event.
📅 11 a 13/10
🎟️ From R$ 500
📍 Maeda Park (Itu)
11. ‘Crystal’, Cirque du Soleil
Attention São Paulo residents, October is the last month to see this emblematic Cirque du Soleil show up close ! As well as the traditional breathtaking acrobatics, this time the circus is performing on an ice rink, with professional trapeze artists, acrobats and skaters. It tells the story of Crystal, a young girl who goes through various conflicts with herself and the world as she seeks to mature and empower herself. But stay tuned, as the show only runs for a few days a month!
📅 Until 06/10
🎟️ From R$ 380
📍 Villa-Lobos Park
12. Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight concerts bring the best of classical and contemporary music together in a very original and innovative way. Check out some of the unmissable concerts this month:
- 05/10: Candlelight: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons
- 11/10: Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
- 18/10: Candlelight: Coldplay x Imagine Dragons
- 19/10: Candlelight Kids: Cartoon Soundtracks
13. Love Cabaret
Love Cabaret is an iconic venue that offers a unique experience celebrating desire, diversity and art. With unforgettable performances, it’s worth including Love Cabaret on your bucket list this month. What’s more, the event features original drinks and an intoxicating atmosphere!
14. Dining in the Dark: Blind Dining
Dining in the Dark is proof that you can make food even tastier just by blindfolding yourself. There will be four sessions in October, always on Fridays. So don’t miss out on this intense gastronomic adventure in São Paulo!
15. Brunch and tour of Sé Cathedral
After mass at the Sé Cathedral on October 12 and 20, you can enjoy a delicious brunch menu with more than twenty gastronomic options. This tour also includes a guided tour of the entire cathedral, including the presbytery, the crypt, the central nave, the tower and the dome of one of the largest neo-Gothic temples in the world.
16. Neon Brush
Painting and drinks? We really want to! And if you also love this kind of experience, Neon Brush is the perfect event for you. The October sessions take place in two different venues, Pintxos.Bar and Teatro da Rotina, and tickets are already on sale. So don’t waste any time and book your place.
17. Shows and concerts at Theatro São Pedro
In October, Theatro São Pedro continues its season with another great show.
From October 12 to 20, audiences will enjoy performances of the opera of an unforgettable work, ‘Cinderella’.
What to do for free in October in São Paulo!
18. Oktoberfesta in Moema
Our next tip for enjoying October in São Paulo is the 3rd edition of the Oktoberfesta, an event inspired by German culture that will bring plenty of draft beer, dances and typical cuisine. Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of German dishes and desserts, as well as craft fairs. The event will also include performances of traditional dances and will have a children’s area and pet area, guaranteeing fun for the whole family!
📅 19 and 20/10, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday)
🎟️ Free
📍 Nossa Senhora Aparecida Square (in front of Moema Subway)
19. Roots Festival
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Ibirapuera is hosting the Raízes Festival, which aims to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The event, which stands out for its social impact , features a rich program of concerts, activities for children and even live cooking. As well as educational activities, black entrepreneurship and more.
📅 12 and 13/10, from 12pm to 10pm
🎟️ Free
📍 Ibirapuera Park (access through Gate 10, next to the Afro Brasil Museum)
20. LIVE – Inside someone’s head
Inspired by Anton Chekov’s ‘The Seagull’, the show dives into the mind and innermost thoughts of an artist. With Renata Sorrah in the lead role, the play modernizes the questions posed by the Russian classic, exploring the character’s memories and reflections on her art, as well as her desire for freedom in a macho and ageist world.
📅 Until 01/12
🎟️ Free
📍 FIESP Cultural Center
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21. The Incredible Journey of the Backyard
A hit on TV, Quintal da Cultura is now also playing as a theater in São Paulo, bringing fun to children. ‘A Incrível Viagem do Quintal’ (The Incredible Journey of the Backyard) takes the characters on an educational adventure through Brazil, exploring the culture of the four corners of the country.
The plot revolves around Ludovico, who, after losing his ID card, embarks on a journey through Brazil with his friends to try and recover it. With lots of music, dance and Brazilian culture, the play will entertain the whole family during the month of October!
📅 Until 22/12
🎟️ Free
📍 Fiesp Cultural Center
22. Ancestral Treasures of Peru
After success in other Brazilian capitals, the exhibition arrives in São Paulo to celebrate the culture and wealth of the Inca Empire. It features 162 rare objects dating from 900 BC to 1600 AD, including bags, gold crowns, clothing and ceremonial knives from the ancient Andean peoples. Throughout the tour, visitors can explore Inca history and gain a better understanding of the culture and technologies of this people, as well as the impact suffered by Spanish colonization.
Until 18/11
🎟️ Free
📍 CCBB-SP
23. Exhibitions on dictatorships in Brazil and Argentina
In October, São Paulo’s Memorial da Resistência is offering two exhibitions exploring the dictatorships in Brazil and Argentina. Using pages from Superior Military Court cases, it highlights the struggle and resistance in both countries and reveals the violence of the state during these regimes – especially against minorities and vulnerable populations.
📅 Until 07/2025
🎟️ Free
📍 São Paulo Resistance Memorial
24. Extasia
Visual artist Flávia Junqueira opens the exhibition ‘Extasia’, with works that challenge the boundary between dream and reality. The show brings together works from the last five years of Junqueira’s career, in an immersive installation with playful photographs that evoke the viewer’s childhood and memory. Exploring themes such as time and fantasy, she makes interventions in iconic locations in Brazil and around the world, creating magical and dreamlike scenarios that awaken nostalgia in visitors.
📅 Until 26/01/2025
🎟️ Free
📍 Fiesp Cultural Center
25. Mission Mars
The interactive exhibition ‘Mission Mars’ is a perfect outing for those who have always been curious to see up close the objects that have been millions of kilometers away from Earth. Have you ever thought about going on a space mission? Because this exhibition could make you dream of other planets!
📅 Until 30/11
🎟️ Free
📍 West Plaza Shopping Center
26. Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum – 30 years
The Rá-Tim-Bum Castle exhibition is back and promises to enchant fans with its magic. The exhibition, which has attracted more than 1 million visitors in previous editions, surprises right from the entrance with a façade of the famous castle, which will be more than 17 meters high. Visitors will be able to explore 18 sets, including one that pays homage to the professionals behind the scenes (such as set designers and scriptwriters). In addition, the exhibition features original objects and new sets, offering a nostalgic experience in a space of over 600 m². Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the show that marked generations in the 90s!
📅 From 10/10
🎟️ From R$ 20
📍 Solar Fábio Prado
27. Hairspray
With a talented cast, the musical Hairspray transports the audience to 1960s Baltimore. The plot follows young Tracy Turnblad (Vânia Canto), who dreams of dancing on the TV show “The Corny Collins Show” and, in the meantime, ends up facing social norms and fighting against racial discrimination. The show is an ode to inclusion and respect for differences, highlighting the transformative power of music and dance. With vibrant sets and engaging choreography, it promises to thrill audiences with its captivating narrative and iconic musical numbers.
📅 Until 03/11
🎟️ From R$ 23,76
📍 Renault Theater
28. Panorama of Brazilian Art: One Thousand Degrees
Another artistic tip for October in São Paulo is the 38th edition of the Panorama of Brazilian Art, entitled “Mil Graus”, which will present 34 artists from 16 Brazilian states. Since its first edition in 1969, the event has promoted dialog about Brazilian artistic production in relation to history, culture and society. Held every two years, Panorama seeks to address urgent contemporary debates. This year, the curators are presenting a plural and intersectional selection of artists from different generations and different media.
📅 From 05/10
🎟️ Free
📍 MAC USP
29. Korean Film Festival
The second edition of the Korean Film Festival (KOFF) is coming up, offering the public more than 60 films from the country, including new productions in Brazil. Organized by the São Paulo Institute of Art and Culture (ISPAC), the festival will also offer virtual workshops with Korean filmmakers and actors.
📅 From 03 to 09/10
🎟️ Free
📍 Cultural Reserve
30. ÆTERNAL LIGHT – Essay on the Sun
This new exhibition highlights the importance and influence of the sun in our lives, through immersive installations and digital projections. Curated by Antonio Curti, it features works by five Brazilian artists who use light and technology to create interactive experiences that allow the public to explore the evolution of the sun as a celestial body and divine entity in various cultures.
📅 Until 25/11
🎟️ Free
📍 CCBB-SP
