We’re closing August this weekend and Kigali’s calendar looks as full as you’d expect for the season’s send-off. The city offers no shortage of parties and food fests, but we’ve narrowed it down to the ones worth penciling in.
Pick your spot and let the memories write themselves.
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AfroTable Summer Food Fest
Flavors of the continent meet city nightlife at the AfroTable Summer Food Fest on Friday, Aug. 29. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Karibeau in Kicukiro, across from Lamane.
DJ Niny sets the pace with Afro beats while Chef Linda dishes Naija jollof and West African staples. Chef Tony balances the table with his signature East African barbecue. Tickets go for Rwf35,000 with two meals, or Rwf50,000 for a VIP package that adds a sit-down course and cocktail.
Cave Freaky Friday
Kigali’s beat jumps higher this Friday, Aug. 29, when DJ Kadir, DJ Kan and DJ Ever of Ruffcuts DJZ-RW take over Cave Coffee. Expect heavy sets, a buzzing crowd, and food and drink deals all night. Beef and pork dishes are 10 percent off, while a bucket of six beers comes at the price of five. The party starts at 7pm, on KG 12 Avenue.
Here 2Disrupt
M.M.T. is bringing something different to Atelier du Vin Parking this Friday night. Here 2Disrupt promises live energy, disruptive fashion and a crowd ready to break rules together. DJ duo 2Disruptive, made up of Sethu Maq and Andy Rala, headline alongside DJ June.
The message is clear: come dressed to stand out and stay out late.
Women’s BetPawa Playoffs
The BetPawa women’s playoffs reach a boiling point Friday, Aug. 29, when Rwanda Energy Group faces Kepler in Game 5. The series is tied 2-2, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. at Petit Stade. Seats go for Rwf10,000 front row, Rwf5,000 courtside and Rwf2,000 regular.
Sol Night
Maison Noire in Kicukiro closes out August with its monthly artiste night. Since June, the series has hosted Tough Gang and Active Again crew. This time Kenny Sol takes the stage for his first performance since leaving 1:55AM.
Behind the series is Jean Marie Mukasa, an industry veteran and former New Level label boss who worked with the late Yvan Buravan and Active. Admission is free.
Atmosfera: The Ultimate Drums Edition
Atmosfera returns Saturday, Aug. 30, for its fifth edition, this time built around drums. The show takes over the Piazza at Mundi Center with a lineup that includes DJ June, Lyynduh, DJ Tyga, Ruko, DJ Lamper and Kem Lion. Ingoma Nshya will bring a special drum performance, joined by rising singer Chacha Imfurikeye.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from Rwf10,000 for early birds to Rwf25,000 for stage access and VIP.
Inkuru ya Rusine: Comedy Special
Comedian Rusine’s one-man show Inkuru ya Rusine returns for a second edition on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Francophonie Kigali. This time the theme is "From Dude to Dad,” reflecting both his long-running "drunkard” character — a staple of Rwanda’s comedy scene for five years — and his new life as a father and radio host.
Expect sharp humor and storytelling that bridges old and new, starting right at 6 p.m.
Music Experience
Also Saturday, Atelier du Vin hosts the Music Experience, a cross-continental DJ showcase. The night brings together artists from Rwanda, Africa and the U.S. for a mix of Afrobeats, house, hip-hop and Rwandan rhythms.
The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs late, with tickets at Rwf15,000.
Summer Wrap-Up at Zaria Court
For a family-friendly send-off, Zaria Court in Kigali hosts its Summer Wrap-Up on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31. Activities include bouncy castles, trampolines, water games, face painting, pool tables and PlayStation.
Entry is Rwf10,000 for kids, Rwf5,000 for children under 4, and free for adults, who can enjoy food and drink stalls on site. The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Fashion Forward: Africa Beyond
ZukMe spotlights Nigerian label 31 Woman Eleganté at Fashion Forward: Africa Beyond on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas. Founded in 2018, the brand is known for marrying African luxury with ethical fashion, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability and cultural heritage.
Tickets are Rwf100,000. The show starts at 8 p.m.
Kigingi Comedy Night
Burundian comedy star Kigingi brings his sharp wit to Molato on Sunday, Aug. 31. The show, presented by Imfura Events Ltd, kicks off at 5 p.m. Tickets are Rwf10,000 early bird, Rwf15,000 at the gate, or Rwf250,000 for a table of eight with a bottle.
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