Party with a Latin flavor at Carnaval parties and celebrations all over Houston from Friday, February 21 through Saturday, March 9, 2014.
[quote_box_right]Carnaval Shortcuts
Saturday, March 9[/quote_box_right]With a love for revelry and a prominent Brazilian and Latin American presence, it’s no wonder that Houston loves dive into Carnaval headfirst. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Brazilian and Latin American bashes that let it all hang out in days leading up to the stoart of Lent.
Although most of the events feature some elements of true bacchanalia, the 7th Annual Houston Brazilian Carnaval on March 1 and the Brazilian Carnival for Kids are both family friendly.
Friday, February 21
- 12th Annual Houston Carnaval do Brasil 2014 at Stereo Live – Let your hair down to the music of live band BomBrasil, samba dancers, a Brazilian bikini fashion show, and additional music from DJ Washington Revelo, DJ Richard Floor, DJ Zurdok and Dj Bad Asztech. $25. 9:30pm to 2:30am.
Saturday, February 22
- 4th Annual Carnaval in Rio de Janiero 2014 at Bam Bou – This large carnaval integrates elements from Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela and Mardi Gras, with music from DJ Pollo, DJ Kasanova and DJ Domenik James and stilt walkers, Brazilian music, Samba performers and wild costumes. $10. 9pm to 2am.
Sunday, February 23
- 3rd Annual Brazilian & Mardi Gras Houston Carnaval at Hughes Hangar – Celebrate the build-up to the start of Lent at this costume ball mash-up of South American and Southern Mardi Gras parties. Expect Brazilian and popular music from DJs, capoeira and samba performers, face painting, costumed dancers and a snake handler. $10 presale; $20 full price. 6pm to midnight.
Thursday, February 27
- Brazilian Carnaval at Batanga | Nightly from Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 1 – Mark Carnaval season at Batanga next to Market Square Park, featuring Brazilian and world music from Andre Rievers, Rafael Pereria, and Felipe and Helder Zanella. Sip on $5 caipirinhas and enjoy special pricing on tapas plates. Samba dancers join the fun the night of Saturday, March 1. No cover. 9pm to 1am.
Friday, February 28
- Carnaval de Barranquilla at Hughes Hangar and The De Gaulle – Carnival expands across the entire Hughes Hangar compound, with DJ music, dancers from Sambabom Dance Company and Houston Go Gos, stilt walkers, special drinks and food and lots of costume feathers. $20; $10 advance discount ends February 26. 9pm to 2am.
- Brazilian Carnaval at Batanga – The Latin-infused Carnaval continues at Batanga with delicious drinks, plates and live music from Andre Rievers, Rafael Pereria, and Felipe and Helder Zanella. No cover. 9pm to 1am.
Saturday, March 1
- 7th Annual Houston Brazilian Carnaval 2014 at Ayva Center on Richmond | Saturday, March 1 – Celebrating Brazil’s international futbol prominence this year, the 2014 event boasts the theme “”Carnaval da Copa – The World Cup in Brazil” and has stepped up its game with an all-new location. Dance to the samba rhythms of the JP Poupard Band and his special guest Shirley da Silva, along with the sequined and feathered Sambabom dancers, DJ Cassio Duarte and live beats from the Batala Band. Enjoy drinks, elaborate costumes and Brazilian dishes. Children welcome with parents or guardian. Discounted tickets are available in advance and LivingSocial is offering two tickets for $30 for a limited time. 9pm to 2am. (Note: this event was originally to be held at Houston FunPlex and then at Hess Mansion before settling at Ayva Center.)
- Brazilian Carnaval at Batanga – Batanga’s Carnaval reaches its zenith as samba dancers join in and perform, along with live music from Andre Rievers, Rafael Pereria, and Felipe and Helder Zanella. Specials on Brazilian drinks and plates. No cover. 9pm to 1am.
Fat Tuesday, March 4
- Carnaval 2014 at Américas in River Oaks – Choose from a variety of indulgences offered at Américas’ pre-Lentian Brazilian celebration. Singer João Poupard and his band and Sambabom Brazilian Dance Company will ensure Carnaval festivity and revelry. $35 admission includes a $20 dining certificate and three indulgences. Secure your tickets by emailing americasro@cordua.com or calling 832-200-1492. 8pm.
Saturday, March 9
- Brazilian Carnival for Kids at the Brazilian Arts Foundation Cultural Center – Kids will enjoy Brazilian snacks, crafts, games and more at this low-key family gathering organized by Brazilian Arts Foundation and Brazilian Moms in Houston. $5 ages 2 to 12, $2 adults presale; $7 and $3 at the door. 2pm to 5pm.
- Sundown Rio do Sol – Carnaval do Brazil at Proof Rooftop Lounge in Midtown – See the Brazilian samba dancers of LD Dance Company (pictured above) at Proof in Midtown as they’re joined by bateristas, guest DJs, a live drummer and sax player, stilt walkers, a snake woman, Brazilian face and body painting, complimentary beads and masks. $10 general admission; $5 early bird admission. 5pm to 10pm. (Note: This event was rescheduled from its original date of Sunday, March 2.)