Rock 80 Festival teams up with Beer RJ Festival for 120 craft labels, live music and a contest at Shopping Nova América.
Nostalgia, culture and beer in Nova América
From December 5 to 7, Shopping Nova América transforms into a nostalgic, cultural and flavorful hub with the Rock 80 Festival – Closing 2025, now joined by the Beer Festival Rio de Janeiro. The event gathers over 120 craft beer labels from 20 breweries, live bands and a contest ranking the state’s three best craft beers.
The schedule runs from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., with entry by donating 2 kg of food. In this way, fans enjoy music, gastronomy and outdoor experiences. The party takes place at the mall’s symbolic brick-lined original area, an architectural icon in northern Rio de Janeiro.
Historic venue and local pride
Shopping Nova América opened in 1925 as one of the state’s largest textile factories. In 1995, it was transformed into a cultural, shopping and leisure hub, preserving its distinctive history. According to marketing manager Alisson Mori, the festival celebrates the mall’s 30th anniversary and spotlights its innovative spirit.
“With so much potential for outdoor events and a mix of history and innovation, Nova América marks its 30th year and the festival is one more way to celebrate. We expect it will be an amazing cultural and entertainment gathering for everyone,” says Mori.
The event also strengthens employment and opportunity for small producers and entrepreneurs. Thus, fashion, crafts and food join forces with the state’s leading craft beer community.
Festival boosts creative economy
For founder Fernando Fernandes, 2025 has been especially positive for Rock 80 Festival. He believes the event goes beyond music, providing a space for talent, quality entertainment, and supporting the local economy. Closing the season at Nova América, alongside the Beer Festival RJ, confirms the consistency and relevance of the project for Rio de Janeiro.
“Rock 80 Festival is more than a music event. It builds bridges between artists and fans, opens doors for new talent and supports the local economy through creative producers and independent brands,” says Fernandes.
Over the years, the festival has built an emotional connection with its audience. The event gathers multiple generations and turns the mall into a giant celebration of rock. Thus, it strengthens cultural bonds and showcases musical heritage in a lively experience.
Music schedule: classic rock tributes
The stage spotlights the best of Brazilian and international rock from the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. Bands include Helena de Troia Rock, Capitão Sibéria, The Red Pilot, Brigitte Merlot, Cognição, Tributo 85, Metal Priest, Crows, Blue Marinho, Dante Rock, DRF and Conexão 80, among others.
Setlists include hits by Queen, The Police, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Legião Urbana, Barão Vermelho, Paralamas do Sucesso, Lulu Santos, Rita Lee, Pink Floyd and Titãs. In this way, audiences experience a musical journey across generations and legendary sounds.
Exhibitors and outdoor experiences
Besides music and beer, the event features fashion, crafts and food exhibitors. The goal is to support the creative economy and local entrepreneurs. With this, Rock 80 Festival expands its social, economic and cultural role in the city.
Service
Rock 80 Festival and Beer Festival Rio de Janeiro
Dates: December 5, 6 and 7
Time: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Entry: 2 kg of non-perishable food donations
Location: Shopping Nova América
Address: Av. Pastor Martin Luther King Jr., 126 – Del Castilho, Rio de Janeiro
