With the month halfway through, Kigali heads into another packed weekend.
Whether you are in town for one of the international conferences or a regular on the city circuit, here are our top picks for where to spend your downtime over the next three days.
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Indatirwabahizi Concert
The cultural troupe Indatirwabahizi will perform on Friday, May 15, at Imbuga City Walk, opening the weekend with an evening of traditional dance and music.
The show begins at 5 p.m. and entry is free. Other performers on the lineup include Sophie Nzayisenga, Abapansiyone, Orchestre Imanzi and Ingenzi Cyane.
Hennessy Night
Hennessy Night takes over Atelier du Vin on Friday, May 15, with music from DJ Fistom, DJ Niny and K’Ru. The event runs from 7 p.m. until late and comes with free entry.
Backed by Hennessy, the night is set for those looking for an upscale setting, hillytop views and a late-night crowd.
La Réparatrice
The literary event La Réparatrice, featuring Godelieve Mukarasi and Capucine Graby in the presence of the authors, will be held this Friday, May 15, at Institut Français du Rwanda.
The presentation offers a portrait of Mukarasi, a survivor of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and her more than 30 years of helping others heal and rebuild.
The event begins at 7 p.m., is free to attend and is open to those aged 16 and above.
Trivia Night, Kahoot Edition
Trivia Night returns this Friday, May 15, at Rooftop Ikawa Cafe. The quiz competition runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to attendees looking to test their knowledge across pop culture, music, general knowledge and a few surprises.
Entry is free, and winners will walk away with a prize. The evening also comes with cocktails, snacks and rooftop views.
The Reminisce Kigali
The Reminisce Kigali returns on Saturday, May 16, with a throwback party led by Kadir Ruff Cuts DJ, DJ Muturage, UK-based DJ QUE, and Uganda’s DJ Ssese and DJ Moze.
The event is built around retro music, social energy and an old-school party atmosphere.
Early bird tickets cost Rwf15,000, while gate entry is Rwf20,000. Group packages are set at Rwf90,000 for six people and Rwf120,000 for 10.
OONTZOLOGY 2.0
OONTZOLOGY 2.0 lands at Mundi Center on Saturday, May 16, from 6 p.m. until late. The event promises a deeper, more intentional sound experience anchored in groove, rhythm and community.
The lineup includes K’Ru, Pulsenoma, Ruko and Ruti. The event is billed as an Afro-electronic spectrum night for those looking for a music-forward Saturday.
The Sounds of Praises Concert II
Chorale Iustitia presents The Sounds of Praises Concert II on Saturday, May 16, at Centre Saint Paul, Sainte Famille Hotel. '
The gospel and choral concert starts at 6 p.m.
Ticket prices are Rwf2,000 for students, Rwf5,000 for regular admission and Rwf10,000 for VIP. The concert brings together vocal harmonies and worship music in a setting built for reflection and live performance.
FoodFest
FoodFest returns on Saturday, May 16, at Mundi Center from noon to 11 p.m.
The free-admission event brings together food vendors including Steffi Metz Gourmet Shop, The Black Garlic, Naflo Popcorn, Roots and Spice, Zena’s Recipe, Foul and Falafel Middle Eastern Kitchen and La Cachette.
The lineup offers everything from savory plates to sweets, making it one of the weekend’s best stops for food lovers.
Beyond the Broom
Beyond the Broom, an artist-led exhibition walk with Erick Murinzi, closes on Sunday, May 17, at Goethe-Institut Rwanda in Kiyovu.
The guided session runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be the final chance to experience the exhibition through the artist’s perspective.
The work honors the women who quietly shape the city every day, and organizers have said attendees should arrive on time because the artist will only be present during the guided walk.
Picnic Art Therapy
Picnic Art Therapy invites guests to slow down and create on Sunday, May 17, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Narine Care on KG462 St, Gisozi. The Rwf25,000 fee includes a canvas, paints, drinks, snacks and guidance.
The session is designed for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering a relaxed setting for anyone who wants to spend the afternoon painting and unwinding.
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