Rock in Rio has once again concluded an iconic edition, celebrating 40 years of uninterrupted success and solidifying its position as the world’s largest music and entertainment festival. This year, some of the biggest names in global music came together, reaffirming the festival’s reputation as a premier launchpad for artists and brands, often compared to the ‘Super Bowl of Music.’
With over 700,000 attendees across seven days, Rock in Rio 2024 showcased a stellar lineup featuring Travis Scott, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, and Mariah Carey, while also spotlighting emerging talent from around the world. As the festival celebrates four decades of existence, it not only enjoyed sold-out crowds but also delivered an immersive experience that transcended music, embracing culture, innovation, and global influence.
Over the last 40 years, Rock in Rio has become a key platform for both artists and brands to engage with millions of fans globally. Many of the world’s top artists have chosen the festival as a venue to debut albums, singles, and special projects. This year, Katy Perry gave a groundbreaking performance on a stage designed exclusively for Rock in Rio, unveiling her new album 143 in an electrifying show that will be remembered in the festival’s history. Hollywood star Will Smith also chose the festival’s Sunset Stage to mark his much-anticipated return to music.
Brands across industries continue to use Rock in Rio as a strategic space to connect with a diverse audience through innovative activations and immersive experiences. Much like the Super Bowl in the U.S., Rock in Rio has become a global hub for marketing and entertainment, offering brands direct access to consumers in one of the world’s largest entertainment venues.
Just as the Super Bowl has transcended sports to become a global media phenomenon, Rock in Rio has evolved into the epicenter of global entertainment. Drawing millions of fans in person and billions more online, the festival crosses borders and unites diverse cultures, leaving a lasting influence on the entertainment industry. From world-renowned music artists to technological innovations, fireworks displays, themed areas, and interactive experiences, Rock in Rio now stands as a unique gathering point where fans, artists, and brands come together in a spectacular celebration of culture and entertainment.
As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, Portuguese singer Carminho graced the stage in the new Global Village, an entertainment space that underscores the festival’s commitment to diversity and cultural exchange. Spanning 7,500 m², this immersive new area invites visitors to explore a long avenue inspired by architectural icons from around the world, shop, and enjoy cuisine from various countries.
This year, the City of Rock was transformed into a magical world, welcoming more than 700,000 attendees to its grounds at Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic Park. Festival-goers were treated to a wide array of entertainment, from a video-mapping and fireworks show to the Esquadrilha Céu planes performing aerial choreography to music, with smoke trails in festival colors filling the sky. Performers and dancers added to the excitement in the Global Village, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Fans of all ages enjoyed a host of activities, including brand activations, free giveaways, and popular attractions like the Ferris wheel, zipline, and roller coaster. The festival also featured the musical Dreams, Mud, and Rock n’ Roll, conceptualized by Rock in Rio’s founder, Roberto Medina, which narrated the story of the festival’s inception and its rise to global prominence.
About Rock In Rio
Rock in Rio started in 1984, founded by Roberto Medina, and has since grown into the world’s largest music and entertainment festival. The first edition was held in Rio de Janeiro, and it helped place Brazil on the map for major international events. Over ten days, 1.38 million people attended the inaugural festival, enjoying performances by 15 national artists and 16 international acts on what was, at the time, the world’s largest stage.
Since its inception, Rock in Rio has expanded globally, with editions held in Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas, in addition to Rio de Janeiro. The festival has created over 265,000 direct and indirect jobs and generated billions in economic impact for host cities. In 2022 alone, the event contributed over 2 billion reais to Rio de Janeiro’s economy.
The festival’s global reach is undeniable, with over 11.6 million attendees across its history and 4,666 performances spanning 141 days. In 2022, Rock in Rio reached 64 million people on social media and engaged 12 million fans online.
Rock in Rio is also committed to making a positive impact on the world. With more than 118 million reais invested in sustainability, education, and environmental projects—including the planting of over 4 million trees in the Amazon—the festival is a pioneer in sustainable event management. It was the first in the world to achieve ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Events and has been carbon neutral since 2006. Looking to the future, Rock in Rio is working toward ambitious 2030 goals in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2024 festivities took place in Rio de Janeiro from September 13-15 and September 19-22 at the Olympic Park, and in Lisbon on June 15-16 and June 22-23 at Parque Tejo.
