The 2026 ED “Honors” Awards Show is bringing the energy, glamour and spectacle of Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous Carnival to Las Vegas with this year’s theme: The Copa Ball. Set to take place on August 25 at the Penn and Teller Theater inside the Rio Hotel & Casino, the show will draw inspiration from this prestigious social event held annually during Rio Carnival at the iconic Copacabana Palace.
But what exactly is the Copa Ball, and why has it become synonymous with luxury, celebration and unforgettable entertainment?
The origins of Rio Carnival
To understand the Copa Ball, you first have to understand Carnival itself. The roots of Carnival trace back centuries to European celebrations in countries such as Portugal and Spain, traditionally held before the Christian observance of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection. The word “Carnival” is believed to derive from the phrase carne vale, meaning “farewell to meat,” symbolizing the final celebration before Lent began.
When Portuguese settlers arrived in Brazil, they brought these traditions with them and, over time, transformed Carnival into something entirely its own. Influenced heavily by Afro-Brazilian culture, it has evolved into a vibrant celebration of music, samba and artistic expression. Today, Rio Carnival is widely regarded as the largest and most famous Carnival celebration in the world, attracting thousands of performers and visitors each year.
Carnival’s most exclusive event
While the streets of Rio come alive with public celebrations, another event unfolds behind the doors of one of the city’s most luxurious landmarks. Held annually at the historic Copacabana Palace, the Copa Ball has earned a reputation as one of the most glamorous and exclusive parties in the world.
Since opening in 1923, the legendary hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, politicians, business leaders and international socialites, and during Carnival, it transforms into the setting for a dazzling evening where elegance meets extravagance. The Copa Ball incorporates everything that makes Carnival special—music, dance, costumes and celebration—but elevates the experience with five-star luxury.
This event has become famous for its red-carpet atmosphere, attracting celebrities and media from around the globe. Simply put, the Copa Ball is where Carnival’s energy meets high society glamour.
Bringing the Copa Ball to EXPO
This year, the ED “Honors” Awards Show, hosted by comedian Matt Richards (seen on HBOMax, CBS, Showtime, TBS and MTV), will channel that same spirit as it transforms the Rio’s Penn and Teller Theater into a Carnival-inspired celebration that brings industry leaders, entertainers, innovators and professionals together for an unforgettable evening.
Held during the 2026 ED Expo, attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere inspired by Brazilian Carnival traditions, complete with flashy costumes, performances by the industry’s top feature entertainers, lively music, entertainment inspired by Carnival’s rich traditions and more that will transform this year’s Awards Show into more than just a ceremony, but a full-scale festival!
ED’s Copa Ball dress code
One of the most exciting aspects of the Copa Ball tradition is its fashion. At the original event in Rio, guests either arrive in formal black-tie attire, or they embrace the Carnival spirit with elaborate luxury costumes featuring colorful feathers, sequins, jewels, masks and tasteful Carnival-inspired accessories.
For the ED’s Copa Ball, attendees are encouraged to embrace the elegance and excitement of the theme! Whether you choose classic black-tie elegance or a more extravagant Carnival-inspired ensemble, the goal is simple: dress to impress!
