Melbourne Samba Encontro - Unidos da Cacatua Parade

Free Brazilian Samba Drum & Dance Parade in Melbourne

The biggest expression of samba, Australia and New Zealand has ever seen.

Unidos da Cacatua is a collective of musicians and dancers from across Australian and New zealand. A samba super group, they congregate members from blocos, samba schools , drum teams and dance squads across Oceania, and combine them into one synchronised entity.

As the final event of the Melbourne Samba Encontro 2026, Unidos da Cacatua will take to the Southbank of Melbourne for a parade celebrating their love of the sounds and movement of Rio de Janeiro. With close to 200 performers, this is an opportunity to experience the flavour of Rio Carnaval, on Melbourne's Southbank.

Free to the public, starting outside the Melbourne Skydeck, and finishing at the Red Steps.

Concentration at 2pm - Outside Melbourne Sky Deck

Parade begins 2:30pm

Parade ends 3:15pm - Red Steps

Proudly supported by Umbela Brasil