School holidays, the FIFA World Cup final and a packed entertainment calendar are setting up one of Kigali's busiest weekends of the month.
From live music and family activities to basketball, technology and fashion, events are spread across the city from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19.
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Here's what to add to your itinerary.
Rwanda Basketball League
BK Arena hosts two Rwanda Basketball League second-round fixtures on Friday evening. RSSB Tigers face REG at 6:30 p.m. before Patriots take on APR at 9 p.m. Tickets range from Rwf3,000 to Rwf20,000.
Spinny and Friends Summer Festival
Gahanga Cricket Stadium hosts the two-day festival on July 18 and 19. Day one features Spinny, Kabza De Small, Sheilah Gashumba, DJ Inno, Selector Jay, Joxy Parker, DJ Dash, DJ Marnaud, Fem DJ, DJ Pyfo, Zuba Mutesi and Josh MC.
Sunday's programme includes Elijah Kitaka, The Ben, Mike Kayihura, Edwizzy, DJ Alisha, Muyango, Vega Drift and Utah Nice alongside Spinny.
Festivalgoers will also be able to watch the FIFA World Cup final on-site.
Rayon Day
Rayon Sports will mark Rayon Day 2026 on Saturday, July 18, at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyamirambo, with a 6 p.m. kickoff for a friendly match against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC.
The club will also unveil its new coaching staff, summer signings and its 2026-27 kits, while artistes Bulldogg and Kitoko are set to perform.
FIFA World Cup Final Screenings
Several venues across Kigali are turning into fan zones for Sunday's World Cup final. Skol Football Village at Camp Kigali will host one of the city's largest public screenings, complete with a giant screen and football-themed entertainment.
Other viewing spots include Mundi Center opposite Rwandex, Kigali Convention Centre's rooftop, Kigali Universe at the CHIC Building, Zaria Court in Remera and Azzurri Club & Lounge.
Google I/O Extended Kigali
Developers, students and technology enthusiasts can join Google's community event on July 17 and 18.
The programme opens with an online session on Friday before moving to ALX Rwanda, KG 9 Avenue, on Saturday for talks, demonstrations and networking around artificial intelligence, Android, web development and cloud computing.
Future Face Global
Aspiring models have an opportunity to meet scouts during Future Face Global at Zaria Court Hotel on Saturday, July 18, from noon to 3 p.m. Organised by Beth Model Africa, the casting is open to aspiring male and female models who are 16 or older and not represented by an agency.
Published casting details list height requirements of 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet for women and 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 4 inches for men, with a dress code that calls for simple black or dark fitted clothing and a natural look
Kids Day Out
Families can spend Sunday at Dontez in Kimihurura, where Kids Day Out runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Activities include games, karaoke, virtual reality experiences, movies, magic shows and free play designed for children throughout the day.
Ubumuntu Arts Festival
The Ubumuntu Arts Festival opens on Friday at Kigali Genocide Memorial Amphitheatre and runs through Sunday, following a week of theatre, dance, music and storytelling under the theme "Embracing Time. Holding On. Holding Together.”
The annual festival brings together local and international performers for productions that explore social issues through the performing arts. Shows run daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with free entry.
The Capital City Rave
South African performer 031 Choppa headlines the inaugural Capital City Rave at Azzurri Club & Lounge on Sunday, July 19. Hosted by DJ Crymez, the event runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and blends amapiano with DJ sets and nightlife.
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