Driftspace
Rock in Rio 2026, running September 4 to 13 in Rio de Janeiro, has drawn interna
Rock in Rio 2026, running September 4 to 13 in Rio de Janeiro, has drawn international attention partly because of a historic booking: Stray Kids, a South Korean group, became the first K-pop act ever to headline the festival since its founding in 1985. The milestone reflects how thoroughly a musical style that emerged from one country has spread to audiences across the world. More than 700,000 people are expected across seven nights. The lineup also includes Elton John in what organisers describe as his final performance in Brazil, as part of his ongoing farewell tour. All tickets sold out before the first act took the stage. Founded as an effort to bring large-scale international concert culture to South America, Rock in Rio now draws performers and audiences from across the world. What does it mean to you when a musician or cultural act from your own country or region connects with audiences on the global stage?