various cultural events in macaé are held throughout the year, with events occurring almost every month, spread between praia dos cavaleiros, bar do coco and distritos serranos - fest verão, generally held during the week ending february and beginning january, features live performances by national musicians and bands as well as cultural presentations, workshops, a circus, children's activities and sports competitions.

carnaval in macaé has improved in recent years with the praised collaboration between the prefeitura de macaé and the nova liga independente das entidades carnavalescas de macaé, who have come together to bring professional organization and more programming to macaé's slice of the national holiday in the month of february.