The heat has lifted, if only slightly, with clouds and occasional rain drifting back into Kigali. Friday arrives with that familiar sense of possibility, and the city hums with opportunities to try something new. We searched for you and found eight ways to make the weekend memorable, from Kigali’s buzzing nightlife to a lakeside escape in Rubavu. ALSO READ: Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi launches All Stars edition The Dark Knight: All Black Party Groove Kigali marks its first anniversary with a return to Depot 37 at Mundi Center for the long-anticipated All Black Party. The night promises a mix of genres and the city’s top DJs. On the decks are DJ Joe the Drummer, DJ Inno, DJ Cad, and DJ Higa. The party runs Friday, August 15, from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets range from Rwf12,500 to Rwf20,000. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The New Times (@thenewtimesrwanda) Cave Frequency Friday Color Your Calm & Connect Cave Frequency returns this Friday at Cave Coffee, filling the evening with old school soul, R&B, dancehall, and urban hits. The decks will be spinning from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., with DJ Kan, DJ Infinity, DJ Ever of Ruffcuts DJz shaping the soundtrack. Guests can enjoy 10 percent off beef and pork dishes along with a six-for-five deal on local beers. The address is KG 12 Avenue. The next day, the same space slows into something softer with Color Your Calm & Connect. On Saturday, August 16, the café hosts an afternoon (2:30pm) designed for laughter, reflection, and meaningful conversation. The gathering invites guests to color, breathe, and share stories in a welcoming setting, with a curated menu included in the Rwf20,000 ticket. No sales at the door, so reservations are a must. Come solo or with a friend and leave with new connections. Joshua Baraka: Live in Kigali Ugandan singer-songwriter Joshua Baraka returns to Kigali for a star-studded night alongside DJ Pius, who celebrates 15 years on the decks. The lineup also features DJ Marnaud, Mike Kayihura, Alyn Sano, and Ruti Joel, with special collaborations set to debut on stage. Tickets are priced at Rwf15,000 for early birds and Rwf20,000 at the gate. VIP access goes for Rwf25,000 in advance and Rwf30,000 at the gate, while a VIP table for six is Rwf150,000. The concert takes place at Kigali Universe Complex on August 16, starting at 6 p.m. Rwanda Summer Fest 2025 Sunshine, music, and lakeside energy converge at Rwanda Summer Fest 2025, a two-day celebration of live performances and easy summer joy. August 16–17, Bugesera Lake Resort The festival unfolds against the backdrop of Bugesera Lake, with everything from water games and cocktails to barbecue, smoothies, and family-friendly activities. Guests can stretch the experience into a full weekend with on-site camping zones, rental tents, or chalets starting at Rwf100,000. Camping areas come with showers and security so festivalgoers can linger overnight and greet the sunrise. Whether dancing at the shore, sipping sangria, or simply enjoying the view with friends, this is more than a music event. It is the summer escape everyone has been waiting for. Shuttle departures are set from Mocha Café and Mundi Center at 8 a.m. Ndishimye Chill Night Saturday brings a slower rhythm at Indochine restaurant with Ndishimye Chill Night on August 16. This is less about spectacle and more about community, a space for bonding, unwinding, and easy conversation. The night will weave together elements of relaxation, wellness, and creative expression. Expect music, poetry, and storytelling in a laid-back setting that favors connection over noise. Casual entertainment such as games, karaoke, or an open mic may find their way into the mix, making it both lighthearted and restorative. It is an evening designed for those who want a pause from the rush of the week and a place to recharge among friends. Entry is Rwf5,000 at the door. Choreography Workshop Showcase On Saturday evening, L’Espace opens its doors for the Choreography Workshop Showcase, the culmination of a two-week intensive led by Italian choreographer Stefano Fardelli in collaboration with the EurAsia Dance Project International Network. Young dancers from Kigali, working in both contemporary and urban styles, have trained in the Dynamic Flow Technique, refining their craft while auditioning for international opportunities. The showcase highlights not just movement but the transformation of raw talent into artistry, with dancers aged 17 to 29 presenting what they have developed through the program. Scholarships valued at 200,000 euros are attached to the EurAsia Auditions on Tour, offering a rare gateway to professional training at leading academies across Europe. Admission is free, and the performance runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at KN 297 Street. Iwacu Music Festival The MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival 2025 reaches its grand finale this weekend in Rubavu. On Saturday, August 16, Nengo Stadium becomes the stage for a celebration of Rwandan music and culture from noon until late. The lineup is stacked with household names: Bull Dogg, King James, Rider Man, Ariel Wayz, Juno Kizigenza, Kenny Sol, Nel Ngabo, and Kivumbi King. Regular entry is free, while VIP access goes for Rwf3,000. Beyond the music, the festival is about community and culture, with Lake Kivu as the backdrop for a day of shared energy and memories. White Party: Rubavu Edition When the festival winds down, the city keeps glowing. The White Party returns this Saturday night at Lakeside View Lounge, bringing style and glamour to the lakeshore. Guests are invited to dress in their best white looks for a night of music, dancing, and high energy. The evening features performances by DJ Brianne, Bertrand, DJ Diallo, and DJ Ice. With smooth sets and explosive beats, the White Party promises a mix of elegance and electric fun right on the water. 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.
