10 plus ways to spend the first weekend of August
Friday, August 07, 2026
Children at a past Umuganura celebration. The national harvest day inspires several themed events across Kigali this weekend. PHOTOS BY WILLY MUCYO for The New Times.

The first weekend of August offers harvest celebrations, live music, theatre, food festivals and community events across Kigali.

From Friday through Sunday, options range from family outings to nostalgic concerts and relaxed gatherings.

ALSO READ: Six horror films to binge watch this weekend

Here's what's happening.

Friday

INTORE theatrical experience

Friday, August 7, begins with INTORE, a community theatre experience by Akarwa Ka Mivano. The evening starts with a theatrical musical reading at the Kigali Public Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., then moves to Katina's Kafé for community-building activities until 11:30 p.m.

One ticket covers both experiences. Student tickets cost Rwf3,000. Individual and family passes range from Rwf5,000 to Rwf20,000.

Umuganura Dinner at Mövenpick Kigali

Friday evening brings an Umuganura Dinner at Mövenpick Kigali's Raava restaurant from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The celebration features harvest-inspired cuisine with live performances of traditional and contemporary Rwandan music. Tickets cost Rwf49,000.

The Time of Refreshment

Camp Kigali hosts The Time of Refreshment from Friday through Sunday. Apostle Dr. Paul Gitwaza leads the three-day revival, which opens daily at 3 p.m. for prayer, worship and messages focused on renewal and restoration.

ALSO READ: Urban Boyz to headline Zaria Court’s first anniversary celebration

Saturday

Umuganura Festival at Eagle View Farm

Saturday's Umuganura Festival at Eagle View Farm & Lake Retreat runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Inspired by Rwanda's harvest tradition, the festival includes local cuisine, live music, cultural performances and outdoor activities in a countryside setting. Entry starts at Rwf7,000 for children and Rwf10,000 for adults.

Full packages with unlimited food and drinks range from Rwf20,000 to Rwf25,000.

The Desperados Circus

Also on Saturday, The Desperados Circus brings acrobatics and high-risk stunts to Mundi Center. Organizers promise another round of gravity-defying performances after a strong debut.

The show entry is 18 and over.

Cinema & Chill: Summer Unwind

Mashariki Groove hosts Cinema & Chill: Summer Unwind starting at 3 p.m.

The afternoon includes lawn games, trivia, body painting, pool competitions and an outdoor movie screening. Presale tickets start at Rwf10,000. Couples' tickets cost Rwf15,000.

Swahili Food Fest

Burrows Bar & Restaurant in Kacyiru hosts the inaugural Swahili Food Fest from 7 p.m.

The event features authentic Swahili cuisine alongside old-school Swahili music, games and prizes. Entry costs Rwf15,000.

Replay: Volume One at Zaria Court

Urban Boyz headline Replay: Volume One at Zaria Court on Saturday night, celebrating the venue's first anniversary.

The group, one of Rwanda's most influential acts, will perform some of their biggest hits in their second show since reuniting. Urban Boyz will be joined by Amalon, DJ Lamper, DJ Selekta Faba and MC Lucky for the nostalgic set.

Tickets range from Rwf7,000 to Rwf15,000.

Sunday

Youth Prayer Space

Sunday morning begins at 8:30 a.m. with Youth Prayer Space at Urugo rw’Umutima Mutagatifu wa Yezu, Centre de l’Emmanuel in Kicukiro near UNILAK. The monthly youth gathering runs until 1:30 p.m.

The program includes the rosary, adoration, praise, teaching and Mass. August is dedicated to mercy, and participants are encouraged to bring clothing donations for those in need.

A Night Of Psalms Concert

Sunday evening brings A Night Of Psalms Concert to Kicukiro Parish Main Hall at 6 p.m. The event features praise, worship and sacred music. Tickets range from Rwf5,000 to Rwf25,000.

Games Night Kigali

The weekend closes with Games Night Kigali at Casa Keza from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The free event invites guests to play or learn chess, the traditional Rwandan board game Igisoro, card games, dominoes and other tabletop games. Visitors can bring friends, join a table or introduce their own games.

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