With the extended holiday giving us a long Labor Day weekend, it’s the perfect time to fill your calendar with music, leisure, praise, and play. Whether you're into cultural rhythms, adrenaline-fueled sports, or serene acoustic evenings, here are eight standout events to explore across the city. ALSO READ: Meddy and wife welcome second child Cultural Evening at Mille Collines On Friday, May 2, Hôtel des Milles Collines hosts a cultural evening celebrating Rwandan heritage through music, dance, and cuisine. The Inganzo Ngari Troupe will lead the performances starting at 7 p.m., offering a night rooted in tradition. Meet and Greet With Rwanda’s Female Bikers In celebration of International Female Riders Day, La Rustica will host a special meet-and-greet event on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7 KK 33 Avenue. The gathering offers a chance to connect with members of Rwanda’s growing female biking community, explore the excitement of motorcycle culture, and pick up practical riding and safety tips. The event is open to women curious about biking, seasoned riders, motorcycle enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to adventure and road safety. Attendees will hear inspiring stories from the road, meet trailblazing women bikers, and engage with a network of riders who are shifting perceptions and paving the way for others in the sport. Chess Grand Prix at UR CST Chess enthusiasts can put their strategy to the test at a six-round Swiss tournament at Unipod, inside the UR CST campus. The tournament begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, with a registration fee of Rwf10,000, which includes breakfast and lunch. First prize is Rwf100,000, and second place takes Rwf50,000. The event wraps with an awards ceremony at 5 p.m. Sofar Sounds Kigali at Nirvana Privé Sofar Kigali returns on Saturday evening at Nirvana Privé with a lineup of three surprise acoustic acts. The venue, a boutique residence in Kigali, is known for its stylish ambiance and social scene. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Impact Rwanda. Early bird tickets are Rwf15,000, with Rwf20,000 at the door. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6. Sato Passport at Kana Lounge DJ Kan of Ruffcuts DJz brings Sato Passport to Kana Cocktails & Lounge this Saturday, May 3. The event starts at 5 p.m. with a mix of continental beats and evening-long specials on pizza and drinks. Kana Lounge is located on the second floor of KABC. Praise and Worship Live Concert at Gisozi Dove Hotel On Sunday, May 4, gospel artist M. Joselyne and worship groups Simuruna Choir and The Light Worship Team will lead a praise and worship concert at Gisozi Dove Hotel. The free event begins at 2 p.m. and offers an afternoon of spiritual music, thanksgiving, and community celebration. Early arrival is encouraged as the venue is expected to fill quickly. Happiness Day at The Circle This Sunday, The Circle in Kacyiru hosts Happiness Day, a community event focused on joy, mental well-being, and connection. Starting at 3 p.m., activities include live music, spoken word, dancing, games, clothes exchange, and plenty of treats. The event offers a fresh take on mental health by celebrating the good moments. Universe Boxing Championship Kigali Universe stages its biggest boxing event of the season on Saturday, May 3, with matches beginning at 6:30 p.m. Headlining fights include Rwandan boxer Patrick Ndayishimiye against Asharaf Ssemambo and Vincent Nsengiyumva against Abubakar Mutyaba. Tickets are Rwf5,000 for regular entry, Rwf20,000 for VIP, and Rwf100,000 for a table of six. The New Times brings you the latest on Kigali’s entertainment scene and breaking news. Stay ahead of the weekend with our curated event picks, and get real-time updates by following us on social media.
