First weekend of 2026! While the city is still buzzing from New Year's, we've got some fresh shows and last-chance cultural hits lined up. Don't miss the brand new fairy tale musical, Era Uma Vez – Uma Viagem Musical pelos Contos de Fada, or catch the final days of the massive 36ª Bienal de São Paulo before it closes Sunday!
Quick Picks
36ª Bienal de São Paulo
Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo (Parque Ibirapuera)
The massive, globally recognized art biennale is free on Saturday and Sunday.
Era Uma Vez – Uma Viagem Musical pelos Contos de Fada
Teatro Multiplan MorumbiShopping
Escape the heat (or rain!) with a magical indoor musical featuring all your favorite fairy tale characters.
Teatro para Bebês “Descobertas”
Teatro Mooca (Mooca Plaza Shopping)
A gentle, sensory-rich theatrical experience perfect for the littlest ones, right inside a mall.
Era Uma Vez – Uma Viagem Musical pelos Contos de Fada
A new musical where Peter Pan and Tinkerbell need the audience's help to stop Maleficent and Captain Hook from erasing fairy tales! It's a 60-minute, immersive show with lots of music and character interaction.
Why we picked it: It's a brand new, big-budget musical opening right this weekend for the first time!
Os Três Porquinhos - O Musical
The classic Three Little Pigs story gets a musical treatment, perfect for your younger ones who love familiar tales. This is running on Saturday, so grab tickets now if you see a deal on the usual spots.
Why we picked it: A solid, kid-tested musical playing on Saturday afternoon.
Ônibus Iluminado (Christmas Lights Bus Tour)
The festive holiday lights buses are wrapping up their run, so this is a great chance for a free evening spectacle on public transport. It’s a quirky SP tradition that wraps up early in January.
Why we picked it: This is one of the very last weekends to see the special holiday-decorated public buses before they retire for the year.
O Pequeno Príncipe – 80 Anos
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of *The Little Prince* with an immersive exhibition featuring 360° projections and original illustrations. A beautiful, reflective experience for older kids and teens.
Why we picked it: A classic literary celebration that’s running through the weekend with immersive tech.
Museu da Imaginação
This place is dedicated to learning through creative, free play—think science, art, and technology mixed together. Always a hit, especially when you need a structured indoor activity.
Why we picked it: It's one of the most consistently fun, interactive spaces dedicated to childhood curiosity in SP.
Exposição São Paulo: Povo, Terra e Trabalho
A new exhibit pairing classic state collection works (like Tarsila's 'Operários') with contemporary art to explore the city's history. A great way to make history feel relevant for older kids.
Why we picked it: A serious cultural event showcasing historical art that's still relevant today, often with free entry at government palaces.
Sesc Verão 2026
The huge annual SESC Summer program kicks off this weekend with a focus on sports and fun! This is your chance to try out tons of activities like beach volleyball or climbing walls under one roof or at a local unit.
Why we picked it: It's the official start of a major, usually affordable, city-wide summer sports and activity program.
Tour do Paca
Go behind the scenes at the historic Pacaembu stadium with this guided tour. Great for any kid who loves soccer and wants to see the locker rooms and pitch up close. Runs all weekend!
Why we picked it: A cool, active, semi-behind-the-scenes look at a famous local landmark.
36ª Bienal de São Paulo
The final day of the massive global art exhibition! While some parts might be high-concept, there's always something visually stunning or thought-provoking for teens and adults to discuss. Go early, it closes at 6 PM.
Why we picked it: It's the absolute last chance to see this major cultural event, and entry is free all day Sunday!
Teatro para Bebês “Descobertas”
A super gentle, interactive show focused on sounds, colors, and textures for babies and toddlers. It happens inside the Mooca Plaza Shopping, making it super convenient for a quick outing.
Why we picked it: It's specifically designed for babies/toddlers and runs on Sunday morning.
Festival Pintando o 7
This festival celebrates childhood with workshops, theater, circus, and dance performances, all totally free! It's in the Centro area, so plan your transport accordingly.
Why we picked it: It's a free, multi-disciplinary festival running for the whole family this weekend.
Museu do Ipiranga - Férias de Janeiro (Workshops)
The Museu do Ipiranga offers free entry on Sundays and runs special holiday workshops and guided tours aimed at kids. You must collect session passes early in the morning (10h or 14h) at the Saguão.
Why we picked it: Free entry on Sunday combined with specific, limited-capacity holiday programming for different age groups.
Pisa da Uva 2026 na Quinta do Olivardo
Experience the traditional grape stomping (Pisa da Uva) at a local winery, a fun, messy, and cultural activity that usually happens on Sundays in January. Get your feet purple!
Why we picked it: It's a very local, hands-on, seasonal tradition happening this Sunday.
Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo
Yes, it's always open, but a Zoo day in early January is a classic for a reason—it's massive and outdoors. A solid backup if your other plans fall through or you need a guaranteed animal fix.
Why we picked it: A reliable outdoor favorite in the summer heat, which is always a good family default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Sao Paulo this weekend?
We found two great genuinely free options this weekend (Jan 03-04): the 36ª Bienal de São Paulo (Event ID: sp-event-04) on Sunday and the Festival Pintando o 7 at CAIXA Cultural (Event ID: sp-event-06). Also, the Ônibus Iluminado (Event ID: sp-event-07) is a free spectacle to see, and the Museu do Ipiranga (Event ID: sp-event-08) has free entry on Sunday, but you must secure passes early for specific activities.
Where can I take toddlers/babies this weekend?
For the little ones (under 6), the best bet is the sensory show Teatro para Bebês “Descobertas” on Sunday at 11:30 AM at Teatro Mooca (Event ID: sp-event-05). It's designed for them, and it's in a convenient mall setting.
Is there any big art/cultural event happening this weekend?
Absolutely! This is the LAST CHANCE for the 36ª Bienal de São Paulo (Event ID: sp-event-04), which closes Sunday, January 4th. Also, check out the immersive O Pequeno Príncipe – 80 Anos exhibition (Event ID: sp-event-09) for a literary/art experience.