Stray Kids debuts k-pop at Rock in Rio 2026 with exclusive show on September 11th By Carolina Costa
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South Korean group Stray Kids was announced as the headliner of Rock in Rio 2026, marking the first appearance by a K-pop act at the festival. The presentation takes place on September 11th, at Palco Mundo, at Cidade of Rock, at Parque Olímpico of Rio of Janeiro. The event, held on the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th and 13th of September, seeks to diversify its programming with global genres after four decades of history.
The choice of Stray Kids reflects the growth of K-pop in Brasil, where the group has already attracted crowds at previous shows.
- Formed in 2017, the group has eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix,
- In 2025, they brought together 66 thousand people in a concert in São Paulo, a record for the genre in the country.
- The group ranks third in global sales in 2023, behind only Taylor Swift and Seventeen, according to Federação Internacional of Indústria Fonográfica.
Formation and global rise
Stray Kids appeared on a reality show on Coreia of Sul and quickly gained international recognition.
They released albums that debuted at number one on Billboard seven consecutive times, an unprecedented feat in the magazine’s history.
The group adopted a more intense sound identity, with elements of hip-hop and electronics, which attracted fans in different markets.
Festival dates and logistics
Ticket sales start on December 9th, at 7pm, on the Ticketmaster website.
The Rock in Rio Card allows flexible access to one of the event days.
The schedule includes a holiday on September 7th to boost tourism in the city.
Expectations of 100 thousand people per day reinforce the structure at Parque Olímpico.
Other confirmed attractions
Elton John performs on September 7th, in an exclusive show at Brasil for 2026.
Gilberto Gil shares the same day, paying homage to bossa nova at Palco Mundo.
The three-day headliners will perform uniquely at the festival.
Innovations in Palco Mundo
The scenography gains 2,400 square meters of LED for expanded visual effects.
The stage measures 104 meters long and 31.5 meters high.
Updates aim to improve the experience for the diverse audience.
Program Viva or Rio
The initiative offers discounts at tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Effective from December 19, 2025 to October 2026.
Partnership with the VisitRio website benefits ticket holders.
Partnership with CRM Bonus
Buyers receive up to 100% of the ticket price in credits.
Credits return as giftback after purchase.
The measure encourages early acquisitions.
Show history at Brasil
In April 2025, Stray Kids held three presentations in the country.
Fans lined up months in advance to secure nearby positions.
The concert in São Paulo sold out quickly, leading to an extra date.
Expectations for the premiere
The inclusion of K-pop expands the line-up to new audiences.
Stray Kids plans a setlist with hits from their career on Palco Mundo.
The festival maintains a tradition of mixing rock, pop and now Asian elements.
