Where to hang out in Kigali this weekend: Nine hot spots before the rain hits

Looking to make the most of Kigali this weekend? The New Times is back with our weekly selection of top spots to hang out. As the rainy season approaches and the kids' holiday season winds down, Kigali offers a perfect mix of events to wrap up the summer in style. ALSO READ: Tuff Gang returns to stage at Icyumba cy’Amategeko concert Here are nine must-visit places—take your pick and enjoy! Cultural Gala with Inyamibwa The renowned cultural troupe Inyamibwa AERG is set to host a cultural gala this Friday, August 23, at Atelier du Vin. The event will feature performances by Josh Ishimwe, Himbaza Club, and Crisy Neat, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for Rwf15,000, with VIP access at Rwf25,000. If you're looking for traditional tunes to wind down after work, this is the place to be. Hot Weekend Vibes at Crystal Lounge Crystal Lounge atop KABC Building in Kimihurura is the spot for a wild weekend. Friday night heats up with DJ Pius and DJ Virus, while Saturday’s Urban Night Vibes features DJ Lamper and DJ Virus again, alongside Joxy Parker. Cap off your weekend with Gakondo Night on Sunday, starting at 6 pm, with a performance by the Abezabibwanacyambwe band. A Trip to the Old Days Groove Kigali is taking you on a nostalgic journey this Saturday, August 24, at Caiman Kibagabaga with their “Trip to the Old Days” party. DJ Joe the Drummer, DJ Inno, and DJ Cad will be spinning the best oldies. Entry is Rwf15,000, with tables for 8 available at Rwf200,000. The party starts at 2 pm and runs late into the night, so dust off your best 90s or 2000s attire and get ready to groove. Icyumba Cy’Amategeko Concert Rwandan Hip Hop legends Riderman and Bulldogg are set to take the stage this Saturday, August 24, at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village to celebrate their collaborative EP, Icyumba Cy’Amategeko. This concert marks the return of the pioneering hip hop crew, Tuff Gang, with performances by Bulldogg, Fireman, Green P, and P-Fla, alongside Bruce the First, B-Threy, Ish Kevin, Bushali, and Kenny K-Shot. Tickets are available at www.maafrica.rw or via MoMo Pay (113355), with prices set at Rwf 10,000 for regular seats, Rwf 20,000 for VIP, and Rwf 30,000 for VVIP. 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifiers Rwanda is set to face Senegal in the semifinals, while Great Britain will go up against Hungary. Both matchups are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, at BK Arena, with games starting at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively. The winners will clash in the final on Sunday at 5 p.m.local time. Tickets are available on Ticqet—get yours now. Kids Back to School Pool Party Give your kids a memorable end to their holiday at Park Inn by Radisson’s Back to School Pool Party this Saturday, August 24, from 10 am to 5 pm. The day promises supervised swimming, bouncing castles, trampolines, and face painting. A kids’ special menu and snacks are included with the Rwf20,000 entry fee. Book now to ensure your little ones have the perfect holiday wrap-up. Urban Kids End of Holidays Party This Sunday, August 23, from 12 to 5 pm, Urban Kids by La Cachette is throwing the ultimate End of Holidays Party at Mundi Center, Rwandex KN3 Rd. Kids aged 2-16 can look forward to a day packed with games, music, dance, and crafts. Remember, children must be accompanied, and entry is just Rwf5,000. Ashenda Tigray Festival in Rwanda Ashenda, an annual festival rooted in Tigrayan tradition, celebrates women and girls. The name Ashenda comes from the tall green grass found along riverbanks in Tigray's local language. This festival typically takes place in August, marking the end of a 15-day fast, known as Filseta, observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Although Ashenda began as a Christian observance commemorating the Assumption of Mary, it has grown into a broader cultural celebration. While its origins are in Tigray, Ashenda is also celebrated in the neighboring Amhara region and Eritrea. In Kigali, the festival will be held this Sunday at Coffee Break Restaurant, KG 7 Ave, Kacyiru, starting at 1 p.m. Kigali Women’s Circle Join a circle of women under the full moon this Sunday, August 25, from 7 to 8:30 pm at Kigali Wellness Hub. The evening will feature gentle movement, deep conversations, and a soothing sound bath to rejuvenate your spirit. This community class is open to all women, with a recommended donation of Rwf5,000. 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.

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Where to hang out in Kigali this weekend: Nine hot spots before the rain hits