São Paulo Anniversary: the 10 main attractions for the weekend

The anniversary of São Paulo, celebrated on January 25, energizes the city with a special program that brings together culture, leisure, and gastronomy. Museums, libraries, cultural centers, and open spaces host free or low-cost activities throughout the weekend with options spread across different regions of the capital. Below are ten attractions that make up the agenda for the anniversary of SP and help map what to do in the city during this date.

Museums with Free Admission

State museums will have free entry throughout the weekend to celebrate the anniversary of SP. These include: Museum of the Portuguese Language, Catavento Museum, Pinacoteca, Museum of Indigenous Cultures, Casa Museums, Immigration Museum, and Museum of Image and Sound. In the case of MIS, there are photography exhibitions and Jean Manzon open.

Special Programming in Public Libraries

The Biblioteca Viva program will promote 56 activities in libraries, reading spots, and reading groves. Writers Mário de Andrade and Carolina Maria de Jesus will be honored in storytelling sessions. Additionally, the anniversary of SP will feature musical performances, circus shows, theatrical plays, concerts, and free book distributions at various locations.

Open Cinema Sessions – including Oscar Nominee!

SPCine, the cinema arm of the city government of São Paulo, will host a cinematic marathon in 29 theaters across the city. The following films will be screened for free: The Secret Agent, Wicked – Part 2, Amarela, and Between Feathers and Pecks. Among the venues are the Centro Cultural de São Paulo (CCSP), Biblioteca Roberto Santos, Centro Cultural Olido, Centro de Formação Cidade Tiradentes, and 25 CEU units.

Neighborhood Flavors Fair

The gastronomic fair Sabores dos Bairros is returning for its second edition, celebrating the anniversary of SP. Held in Pinheiros, the event will gather over 50 exhibitors of food and drinks over the weekend. The proposal is to celebrate Paulist identity through neighborhood food, cultural diversity, and creative occupation of urban space. Entry is free and dishes start at R$ 15.

Walking Tour on Av. Paulista

The traditional Walking Tour promoted by Top Center Shopping on Avenida Paulista will feature a special program for the anniversary of SP. Led by a specialized guide, the free tour will focus on memory, cultural diversity, and the transformations of the capital over the 472 years. In addition to the themed walk, the Bike Tour will continue its regular programming from January 18 to 25.

Playground at MASP

In partnership with SESC, the Decathlon Playground returns to the São Paulo Art Museum to celebrate the anniversary of SP. The event will transform the free space of MASP into an open-air sports playground – featuring open classes, sports experiences, and presentations by Olympic athletes, including gymnasts Julia Soares and Lorrane Oliveira.

Conversation Circle at the Museum of Indigenous Cultures

The museum will host a conversation circle “(Re)Existences of Indigenous Peoples in the Daily Dynamics of a Metropolis”. Mediated by Emerson Baré Puranga, the chat will include Akayse Fulni-ô and Kerexu Mirin to reflect on territory, city occupation, and the resistance of indigenous peoples in São Paulo. Registration can be done through the website.

Performances at the State Pinacoteca

The State Pinacoteca will host four meetings of the Afro Ilu Obá de Min institution, known for its artistic work in valuing black and female culture. As part of the exhibition Carnival Work, its members will occupy the square of Pina Contemporânea with music and dance to celebrate Afro-Brazilian traditions.

Concert in Honor of Maurício de Sousa

Alongside the anniversary of SP, cartoonist Maurício de Sousa will be honored with the concert “Sonorous Myths – Filar Mônica” on January 25. The performance will take place at the Municipal Theater, with the Experimental Repertory Orchestra conducted by Wagner Polistchuk – mixing classic themes of the Mônica Gang characters with the artist's favorite songs. Admission is free, with tickets available for pickup on the theater's website or two hours before the show at the box office.

Celebration at the Mário de Andrade Library

Also sharing the birthday with the capital is the Mário de Andrade Library, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To commemorate, there will be dance performances “Toré do Povo Pankararu”, chess in the Contemplative Garden, musical shows, and a guided visit focusing on Mário de Andrade's role as a cultural and intellectual manager.