The Lagoa de Araruama is one of Araruama’s most iconic postcard views and also a focal point for water activities. Its water is considered suitable for swimming and water sports. Kitesurfers, windsurfers and jet skiers use the lagoon; it is also considered one of the country’s best spots for wind sports. When planning a trip, visitors can choose between swimming and wind-based water sports as different priorities.
The Lagoon and Orla Oscar Niemeyer
The Orla Oscar Niemeyer adds an urban dimension to the view of the water: it was designed to connect Araruama with the Lagoa de Araruama. It is considered a postcard view and a meeting place. At sunset, people cycle along the lagoon. For planning the day, activities on the water and an evening ride along the waterfront are two distinct options.
Culture Between Festivals and Literature
Arraiá Araru is part of the city government’s events calendar. At the 2026 edition, music, dance, traditional food and popular culture came together at Praça Antônio Raposo in the town center. The festival thus brings together different cultural elements at a specific venue in the city.
The fifth Feira Literária de Araruama (FLA Araru) also took place at Praça Antônio Raposo in August 2026. Its program included literature, music, theater, storytelling, workshops and other activities aimed especially at children and families. FLA therefore has a different focus from Arraiá: literature and storytelling feature alongside music, theater and workshops.
The Wine & Jazz Festival has been held in Araruama more than once. The 2026 edition’s program included music, wine and fine dining; the venue was also Praça Antônio Raposo. If a particular festival is to determine your travel dates, check the date of the edition you want to attend before booking.
The 2026 editions of Arraiá, FLA Araru and Wine & Jazz all took place at Praça Antônio Raposo. By contrast, performances as part of Araruama Literária were held at Teatro Municipal de Araruama on Praça Menino João Hélio in the town center. The program there included theater performances, dance performances and other performances. Comparing the venues can also help distinguish the cultural offerings described here by where they take place.
History and Local Traditions
The Casa da Cultura de Araruama building was inaugurated in 1871 and was the site of the former Paço Municipal de Araruama. Here, the focus is on architectural history, while festivals and performances are connected to specific cultural programs.
For the Feast of Corpus Christi, Araruama’s streets are covered with large salt carpets made by residents. This religious and cultural tradition offers another way to experience local culture, alongside literature, music and theater. Unlike a stage program, the salt carpets themselves transform the streets during the festival.
When planning your trip, you can choose between water activities at the Lagoa, cycling along the Orla at sunset, and cultural experiences with different focuses. If you are planning around a festival, take its specific date into account; the historical connections and activities described above offer further ideas to consider when choosing your trip.
Discover more destinations: Macaé, Engenheiro Paulo De Frontin, Belford Roxo, Tamoios, Lumiar, Volta Redonda, Natividade, Vila Do Abraão.
For the broader travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.
