Kigali’s nightlife turns up for final June weekend with music, hoops, & heat

The social temperature is rising, and Kigali’s weekend party calendar is as packed as ever. For those looking to dance, eat, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the city offers something for every kind of night owl. We’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to. Here’s where the energy is building. Road to Toxic Xperience heads to Atelier du Vin Virunga Beer continues to build momentum for the upcoming Toxic Xperience beach festival with another stop on its Road to Toxic Xperience campaign. This Friday, June 27, the party hits Atelier du Vin in Kigali. Customers who buy Virunga Beer buckets will get scratch cards with the chance to win everything from VIP staycations and transport packages to branded merchandise and extra drinks. DJ Toxxyk and Marnaud are on deck for the night. Culture Beach Jam heads to Zanzibar this July Zanzibar’s Culture Beach Jam is calling — and if you’re planning to be part of the 'ultimate island escape,' now’s the time to secure your spot. From July 3 to 6, the Afrofuture-backed festival will take over Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel with a lineup that includes BNXN, Musa Keys, and Jaivah, plus boat parties, beach football, and Strictly Soul: Zanzibar by night. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The New Times (@thenewtimesrwanda) With flights and accommodation likely to fill up fast, early booking is your best move. Tickets and packages are available now at www.culturebeachjam.com. Vex Prince launches Levitation at Mundi Center Also on Friday, emerging artist Vex Prince will officially launch his debut album Levitation at Mundi Center. The event will include performances by Yeweeh, Neil Lee, Lamah, and others. Entry is Rwf 5,000. Improper Access brings all-women lineup to Zaria Court South African DJ and Big Brother alum Blue Aiva is the headliner for Improper Access, happening Saturday, June 28, at Zaria Court. Organized by Blackout Inc., the show features an all-women lineup that includes DJ Niny, DJ Higa, Zuba, Muyango, and Ugandan DJ Etania. Zaria Court, a venue backed by former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, is hosting its first-ever concert. Tickets are Rwf 15,000 for regular access and Rwf 30,000 for VIP. Organizers say the night is not only about music but also a celebration of the growing inclusivity in East Africa’s nightlife. Afro House rules at Atmosfera Saturday also sees the return of Atmosfera at Mundi Center, Kigali’s home of afro house. Special guest DJ Adillxh from South Africa headlines, supported by a stacked lineup including DJ Fiston, DJ Niny, YmanDJ, Deejay Arthur, DJ Lamper, KidFromKigali, and Thedicekid. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. with tickets priced at Rwf 12,500 in advance, Rwf 15,000 at the door, and Rwf 25,000 for VIP access. Logan Joe, Kina Beat showcase new EP at Lemon Kigali Logan Joe is teaming up with producer Kina Beat for the launch of their new EP Evolution, set to take place this Saturday at Lemon Kigali. The showcase, dubbed ‘From the Block to the Spotlight,’ will also feature performances by Bushali, Ish Kevin, BibiBoi, and Bruce the 1st. Tickets are Rwf 15,000 at the door. “We know you missed us,” Logan Joe said ahead of the show. “Pull up with your full energy and experience how far our art has grown and how deep it’s become.” BetPawa Playoffs head into semifinals at BK Arena The BetPawa Basketball Playoffs reach a fever pitch on Friday, June 27, as semifinal matchups take over BK Arena for Day 4 of the 2025 showdown. With elite teams battling for a spot in the final, fans can expect high-stakes action, fierce rivalries, and an electric atmosphere inside Rwanda’s premier sports venue. Tickets range from Rwf 3,000 for general admission to Rwf 40,000 for first-row courtside access. Game Day 5 continues on Sunday, but the semifinals are where legends are made. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Rwanda’s biggest basketball moment of the year. Food Fest cooks up culture at Mundi Center Mundi Center plays host to Food Fest, a street food celebration running from 2 to 11 p.m. this Saturday. Open to chefs, home cooks, and curious foodies, the event offers a space to share flavors, dishes, and culinary stories with a hungry crowd. Grihaup’s spoken word storm arrives at L’Espace Slam poet and performer Grihaup takes the stage at L’Espace on Saturday night with his latest piece, Grihaup: Il'etaie tune-voix. Known for his dense, witty, and emotionally charged performances, Grihaup will be joined by actor and humorist Hervé Kimenyi. The show begins at 7 p.m. at 11 KG 28 Ave. Tickets are Rwf 10,000 and can be paid via Momo on 051313. Evertide Experience invites Kigali youth to unplug, reconnect The Evertide Experience is a tech-free gathering designed to encourage genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. Happening this Saturday, June 28, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Nature Kigali in Nyarutarama, the event invites young people to put down their screens and engage in hands-on activities, thoughtful conversation, and themed discussions that explore the kind of society they want to build and belong to. It's a space for reflection, fun, and face-to-face connection. 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

Entertainment

Kigali’s nightlife turns up for final June weekend with music, hoops, & heat