Rock in Rio is one of the best music festivals in the world, which recently returned after the pandemic. For this reason, today we are going to talk about my experience at Rock in Rio in 2023.
>> Leia em Português
The festival was created in 1985, due to the request of Cervejaria Brahma (a Brazilian Beer Company), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After its immeasurable success, the event also took place in other big cities around the world: Lisbon, Madrid and Las Vegas.
I’m Isabelle Fraga, sister of Rodrigo Schmiegelow, the blog’s creator. I’m here to share some of my experiences and comment on unseen tips, stay up-to-date!
Who is my brother?
He’s Rodrigo Schmiegelow, an advertiser specializing in Digital Marketing, today he lives as a Digital Nomad (what is it). In other words, that he has geographic freedom and can work from anywhere in the world.
That’s why he can have amazing experiences like this.
He started a trip around the world to get to know places, cultures and regional cuisines. He will bring great surprises from these experiences.
Follow the O Mundo em Lanches Project (The world in sandwiches) blog on Instagram.
How was my experience at Rock in Rio?
Before the festival
In 2023, Rock in Rio featured 7 non-consecutive days of pure music and culture: September 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th. In my case, the chosen day was September 4th, the Lineup had very famous artists like: Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Gilberto Gil and Luíza Sonza.
But this day wasn’t the only unmissable one:
- 07/02: Iron Maiden and Dream Theater
- 07/03: Post Malone, Jason Derulo and Marshmallow
- 07/08 featured: Gun N’ Roses, Jessie J
- 07/09: Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne
- 07/10: Coldplay and Camilla Cabello
- And finally, 07/11: Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion and Ivete Sangalo.
Remembering these are just some of the main names, the list of artists is very extensive and exciting.
I chose September 4th because I really want to take my chance to see Justin Bieber. I took a bus in the morning from the state of São Paulo to Rock in Rio, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The trip lasted around 6 hours. The bus company I chose made two quite long stops, but the truth is that I only thought about resting for the festival.
Click here to know more about the bus company I chose: Juca na Balada.
The day – my experience at Rock in Rio
I took some snacks with me and R$ 100.00 to spend during the day. As soon as I arrived, I was delighted with what I saw. The place was so charming, several stands offering gifts, huge stages, and many, many people.
I stood in line to enter the Kit Kat’s stand but soon gave up, I went for a walk and had that wonderful feeling of freedom. I came face to face with that huge zip line and ran to see if I could make a reservation
The festival’s gate had been open for not even an hour, however, I couldn’t go to the zip line because there were no reservations available. I only found out that it could be made through the Rock in Rio app in advance when I was there, lol!
As I was alone, I quickly got in front of the main stage, and made friends along the way. From 3 pm onwards, I didn’t leave my spot because I didn’t want to lose the privileged view of the Palco Mundo (stage).
Near the crowd control barriers, I received several bottles of water, distributed by the event, 100% free. In addition to two gifts from Itáu: a bucket and a cup with LEDs.
I was lucky to have food with me, I ate only what I took, and oddly enough, I didn’t feel like I needed to buy anything at the festival. During the rest of the day, I enjoyed the concerts (about one hour each), seeing the artists right in front of me.
As night fell, the crowd energy became more and more contagious, more people gathered around the stage waiting for the last concert of the night, Justin Bieber. And it was amazing, as expected, the singer’s voice could barely be heard due to the audience choir.
concert
Time to say goodbay
When the show ended, the challenge of getting back to the bus began. It was a huge crowd, going in the same direction, at the same time. There were two queues, one for those heading towards the Rock in Rio’s transport, and another for those heading straight to the street (waiting for a ride) or to the bus parking lot.
It wasn’t my lucky day: those who came by Rock in Rio’s transport received an identification bracelet. However, the company that drove me from São Paulo to Rio also gave me a bracelet.
Therefore, I took the wrong line. When I realized I was alone, lost and my bus was going to leave in half an hour, I got crazy. I talked to the local security guards, while crying, and no one knew where I should go.
When they finally managed to inform me, I understood that I should be in the line right next to me, but, there was a railing in between. Outcome? I slipped underneath it and got to the bus safely and in time.
Despite all the emotion, the trip was really worth it, the show was incredible, I’ve never felt anything like it.
How about you? Thinking about experiencing a day at Rock in Rio?