Austin’s Carnaval Brasiliero is busily readying the big, big drums in preparation for the celebration of its 45th anniversary. Carnaval offers an evening powered by the infectiously danceable pulse of samba drums, a Texas- sized serving of eye candy with an endless parade of exotic costumes, and the uninhibited euphoria of thousands of attendees.

While not required, guests are encouraged to attend Carnaval in costume. Revelers are typically bedecked in anything from gorgeous, traditional Brazilian costumes, to the bizarre conceptions people might expect from Weird Austin.