We thought summer had arrived, but the surprise showers in Kigali this week proved otherwise. Despite the chill, the city heads into another packed weekend with plenty to offer across sports, music, theater, fashion, and comedy. ALSO READ: South Africa’s Blue Aiva awaited in Kigali Here is your guide to 11 events happening around town. The Playoffs Heat Up at BK Arena The Rwanda Basketball League playoffs tip off Friday night as fierce rivals Patriots and APR meet in Game 1 of the semifinals at BK Arena. United Generation Basketball (UGB) will face Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the second semifinal. The series continues Sunday, with action starting at 4 p.m. Look out for flexible ticket options, including discounts for BK Arena cardholders. ‘The Circle of Life’ Theater Showcase Catch the final performance of “The Circle of Life” on Friday night at L’Espace. The original work was created during a week-long directing workshop led by Ugandan theater artist Aganza Kisaka, which brought together emerging Rwandan performers for an evening of bold, collaborative storytelling. The showcase starts at 7 p.m. with free entry. Remembering Through Art at the Francophone Cultural Center Also, on Friday, the Francophone Cultural Center hosts “Wipe Away Your Tears and Stand Up,” a commemorative production blending theater, music, and poetry. Directed by Jean-Marie Vianney Rurangwa, this internationally toured piece explores themes of memory and resilience. The performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for audiences 14 and older. Streetwear Republic Pops Up On Saturday, Kigali’s streetwear scene gets a major spotlight at the first-ever Streetwear Republic. Running from noon to 8 p.m. at Kamahwa in Kiyovu, the event blends fashion, music, and community culture. DJ Grvndlvng will be on the decks, and the entrance is free. Voices in Harmony Concert Chorale de Kigali marks World Music Day with the Voices in Harmony concert on Saturday at Kigali Universe. Expect a powerful evening of choral performances celebrating unity through song. Tickets range from 20,000 RWF for regular admission to 300,000 RWF for a VIP table for six. The show starts at 7 p.m. Afro-Contemporary Dance for a Cause For something more active, head to Kigali Wellness Hub in Kacyiru on Saturday for an Afro-contemporary dance workshop blending Rwandan traditional moves with modern techniques. The class runs from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a pay-what-you-can model supporting upcoming dance and healing programs for vulnerable youth in Gisenyi and Goma. Mchanganyiko Vibes Lights Up Zion Inn Mchanganyiko Vibes brings the party to Zion Inn, Kacyiru, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday. Expect DJs, rap battles, dance performances, live art, games, and a barbecue running late into the night. This one promises an electric atmosphere where creativity and community take center stage. Festival of Sports Rotary Edition Saturday also brings a full day of friendly competition at the International School of Kigali with the Festival of Sports Rotary Edition. From pickleball to football, basketball to cricket, there’s something for every sports enthusiast. All proceeds go toward the Rotary Cancer House Project. Entry is free with RSVP, but donations are welcome. The National Agriculture Show Continues Running daily through June 27, the 18th National Agriculture Show at Mulindi Showground offers exhibitions of Rwanda’s agribusiness sector under the theme “Leveraging Innovation and Investment for Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.” Musical performances start daily at 4 p.m., featuring artists like Riderman, Social Mula, and Papa Cyangwe. Pierre Fasan’s Magic Returns For family-friendly fun, French illusionist Pierre Fasan brings his humorous magic show to Mundi Center on Sunday. Expect doves, disappearing acts, and plenty of laughs starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are Rwf10,000 for adults and Rwf5,000 for kids. Sunday Night Live Closes the Weekend Wrap up your weekend with Sunday Night Live at Mundi Center. Hosted by Babu Joe, the night features live comedy performances by Hervé, Arnold, and Madhu. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets range from 10,000 to Rwf20,000. 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.
