Lady Gaga to Perform Free Concert at Copacabana Beach
RIO DE JANEIRO — This Saturday, Lady Gaga will hold a free concert at the iconic Copacabana Beach, marking the second such event in two years organized by the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro. This concert is anticipated to be the largest in her career.
These large performances aim to stimulate economic activity after the bustling Carnival and New Year celebrations, continuing into the festivities of Saint John’s Day in June. Osmar Lima, the city’s secretary of economic development, emphasized that such events help fill hotels and boost spending in local businesses, generating jobs and income for residents.
Looking ahead, similar concerts are planned to take place annually in May until at least 2028.
Gaga arrived in Rio early Tuesday, igniting excitement among fans. Many took to the streets, dancing to her music and hoping for a glimpse of the pop star outside her hotel. A free exhibition dedicated to her career sold out quickly, showcasing her influence.
City officials estimate around 1.6 million attendees will show up for the concert, predicting it could inject 600 million reais (about $106 million) into the local economy—approximately 30% more than the revenue from last year’s Madonna concert.
While many attendees will be locals, fans are expected to travel from across Brazil and even internationally. Notably, Ingrid Serrano, an engineer from Colombia, flew across the continent to see Gaga perform, expressing her lifelong admiration for the artist and the freedom of expression she represents.
The concert is set to begin at 9:45 p.m. local time, with measures in place for safety. Authorities plan to deploy 3,300 military personnel and 1,500 police officers to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Rio de Janeiro has a rich history of hosting massive concerts on Copacabana Beach, including Madonna’s event last year that attracted 1.6 million fans and Rod Stewart’s 1994 New Year’s Eve concert, which drew 4 million attendees, setting a Guinness World Record.
This free concert not only showcases musical talent but also strengthens community spirit and supports the local economy, aligning perfectly with the city’s effort to foster growth and celebration.
