Beat the heat: Top seven Kigali weekend events
Friday, July 19, 2024
Inyamibwa traditional dance troupe performs at Ubumuntu Arts Festival opening night in Kigali on July 18. The ten-day festival runs until July 28. Photo by Craish Bahizi.

With daily temperatures soaring to 26 degrees Celsius, Kigali is scorching. If you're looking to cool off and unwind, look no further.

We've curated a list of seven must-visit spots in Kigali for your weekend entertainment.

Ubumuntu Arts Festival: 10 Years in 10 Days

The Ubumuntu Arts Festival marks its 10th anniversary in 2024 with an expansive 10-day event from July 19 to 28. This year’s festival includes a special collaboration with the Aegis Trust International Conference, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Themed "Listening and Leading: The Art and Science of Peace, Resilience, and Transformational Justice,” the event goes beyond performances to foster discussions on peace and resilience.

It represents a movement celebrating humanity through art, expanding from its traditional format to offer a rich tapestry of events. Art enthusiasts are invited to join in this week-long celebration of the festival’s decade-long journey.

Sofar Tiny Festival at Evryting Irie

Sofar presents its inaugural tiny festival, the Sofar 2-in-1, happening this Friday, July 19, at Evryting Irie Jamaican Restaurant and Beach Bar.

The event starts with beach volleyball at 4:30 PM, followed by an evening filled with authentic Jamaican cuisine and a lively blend of reggae, dancehall, and Latin music.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in beach attire and can expect six performances by artists and DJ K’Ru. Admission is priced at Rwf25,000 for an unforgettable night of music and Caribbean vibes.

Tipsy Game Night at Norrsken House Kigali

Nexus Gaming and Norrsken House Kigali invite game enthusiasts to a special event, Tipsy Game Night, featuring an array of group games and, yes, drinking games.

Attendees can enjoy favourites such as Suck and Blow, Water Glass Filling, Flirt Dare Drinking Games, Never Have I Ever, Jenga, UNO, and more. Entry is Rwf3,500, and the event kicks off this Friday, July 19, from 7 to 11 PM at Norrsken House Kigali.

Bridging the Gap Live Talk and Mixer at Kivu Noir

Rwanda&039;s creative scene is thriving, and here's your opportunity to connect with its leading figures. Bridging the Gap and Curious Afrika present their inaugural Creative Summit and Party at Kivu Noir on Saturday, July 20, from 2 PM to 11 PM.

Notable speakers include Phillipe Nyirimihigo, founder of Illume Creative Studio and seasoned photographer, alongside Cheyenne Muvunyi, a prominent content creator.

Themed "Create the Future," this event promises a day of inspiring conversations, creative collaborations, and a celebration of Rwanda's dynamic creative landscape.

Admission is Rwf15,000, offering networking opportunities and music curated by top DJs Rugz, K’Ru, and Niny.

Hungarian Grand Prix Live Screening at BK Arena’s Sports Cafe

Feel the adrenaline this Sunday, July 21, with the Hungarian Grand Prix live screening at BK Arena’s Sports Cafe.

Experience the thrill of Formula 1 racing on multiple screens, offering an unmatched viewing experience starting from 12 PM. Admission is free.

The Lifestyle Show Pop Up at L’Espace

Calling all bookworms! Join in to celebrate the literary works of Fred Mfuranzima, a Rwandan writer, artist, poet, and peace activist. Hear him discuss his latest books including "THE LONELY SOUL" and "BEYOND BORDERS OF CHUKI" at L’Espace (11 KG 28 Ave) this Saturday, July 20, from 6 PM. Admission is Rwf10,000.

Mfuranzima's repertoire includes works in English and Kinyarwanda such as "Child; Rwanda is Poetry," "The Broken," "Kuva ku Gasozi Bututsi," "Dreams to Find Another World," and "A Sister’s Left Shoe."

The event will also feature visual arts, music, and poetry by artists including La Reina, Sandra Nadege, and Joel Imbabarire.

Majnun Concert at KCEV (Camp Kigali)

Senegalese multi-instrumentalist and singer Majnun is set to perform his first concert in Kigali on Saturday, July 20, at KCEV (Camp Kigali) starting at 7 PM.

Known for his performances in theatre plays in Rwanda, Majnun's concert is part of the "Hewa Rwanda" music tour led by Dorcy Rugamba. Tickets for the concert are available for Rwf 10,000.

The event will feature local acts including Michael Makembe, Samuel Kamanzi, Kaya Byinshi, Impakanizi, and more.

Make the most of your weekend with these diverse and entertaining events tailored to every taste. To catch up on the latest events happening in Kigali, visit The New Times and follow our social media platforms for updates throughout the weekend.