The World Cup, which will take place between June and July in North America, has caused the change of date of the João Rock, a traditional event of the kind that takes place in Ribeirão Preto, in the interior of São Paulo.
The festival was scheduled from October to June 13, a date that coincided with Brazil’s debut at the World Cup, against Morocco, scheduled by FIFA on the same day, at 7 p.m. Brasilia time, when the event would take place inside São Paulo.
The organization therefore announced this Tuesday (16) the postponement of its 23rd edition to August 1. The FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 and end on July 19.
In this year’s edition, João Rock brought together around 60 thousand people, below the maximum capacity of 70 thousand, at the Permanent Exhibition Park of Ribeirão Preto.
The assessment was that the show reflected a more cautious economic scenario among the public, following the saturation of music mega-events which led, for example, to the cancellation of Ivete Sangalo and Ludmilla’s tours last year.
Also on Tuesday, the organization announced that it plans to bring together more than 55 thousand people, mostly from cities in the interior of São Paulo, and that the Brazilian scene will have the theme “From North to South”, with artists representing the plurality of the country.
The thematic stage is one of four at the festival, which has been taking place in Ribeirão Preto since 2002. In 2025, the space was reserved for black music, with names like Seu Jorge, Farofa Carioca (with Paula Lima and Hyldon), Sandra de Sá and Tony Tornado.
The other stages of the festival are João Rock —main, with two structures, which allow shows without interruption—, Aquarela and Fortalecendo a Cena (which brings together emerging or independent groups).
Luit Marques, one of the festival’s organizers, said the change initiative brought together producers, sponsors and bands and that he is sure “it was the best decision.”
The lineup is expected to be announced early next year.
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