Kigali’s weekend calendar is packed with live music, family outings, art, culture and motorsport. From Friday night performances to Sunday activities, here are 10 events worth keeping on your radar. ALSO READ: Over 30 East African acts set for I Am Hip Hop Festival 2026 The Home of Rwandan Hip Hop: Edition 1 The weekend opens with a celebration of Rwandan hip-hop on Friday, August 21, at AlCobra Dubai near RSSB. Presented by Kigali Cypher 250, the event features Taz, Hollix, Kabarankuru, Dylack, RoMeo Rapstar, Extra, 4Rex, Mafia Family, Juda and Nice, among others. Doors open with tickets priced at Rwf3,000 for general entry, Rwf5,000 for VIP and Rwf10,000 for VVIP. ALSO READ: Uganda’s DJ Krysta to lead Kigali lineup for Soul & R&B Sessions Back to School Bash Families can spend Friday through Sunday at Zaria Court courtyard, where the Back to School Bash runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, August 21-23. The three-day programme includes bouncing castles, a foam party, a petting zoo, mini sports, games, face painting and activities for parents. Entry is Rwf20,000 for children taking part in all activities, while children under 5 pay Rwf15,000. African Cultural Night Also on Friday, L’Espace hosts African Cultural Night, bringing together performers from Rwanda and Burundi for an evening of live drums, music and dance. The programme features Himbaza Club, Club Culturel Inyambo, Ijwi Culture, Umurage Groupe, Elisha Kwihangana and Trad Groove Band. The event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets at the gate are Rwf15,000. Ejo N’ejo African Animation Night For a quieter Friday evening, Ejo N’ejo African Animation Night offers a garden screening at the Cauldron/Casa Keza in Kacyiru. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and marks the first public event under the African Animation Edition. Guests can watch animated stories outdoors with beanbags and popcorn. Admission is free. The World We Made Art takes over Ishyuka Arts in Kacyiru with ‘The World We Made,’ an exhibition exploring memory, friendship and personal stories through the work of Jen Tuyishimire and Family Love Nduwimana. The exhibition runs from August 21-28, with the opening scheduled for Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. My Stage Saturday, August 22, brings ‘My Stage’ to the Atelier du Vin parking area, with a lineup spanning singers, rappers, a live band and DJs. Performers include B-Threy, Logan Joe, Shemi, Dr. Claude and Ibihangange, alongside DJs Marnaud, Julzz, Rusam, Inno, Kevin Klein, Vegadrift, T-Lex, Tresor and Tyga, among others. Bel Live in Aura Weekends Singer Bel takes the stage Saturday at Agura Creative Hub in Kimironko for a live music session beginning at 5 p.m. The singer said the performance is a chance to meet listeners who have followed her music and support from afar. She will be joined by friends and fellow artistes for an evening of music and live performances. Entry is Rwf5,000. Umuko Enduro Challenge, Round 3 Motorsport fans can head to Umuko Lodge on Lake Muhazi on Saturday for Round 3 of the Rwanda Motorcycle Championship. Enduro riders will compete from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with spectators admitted for free. The day will conclude with an after-party featuring performances by Okkama. Bye Bye Vacance Families can close out the weekend at Kigali Universe on Sunday, August 23, with Bye Bye Vacance, an event built around food, games and activities for children. The programme runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the kids brunch and arcade activities scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission costs Rwf15,000. For Rwf30,000, attendees also receive a consumable allowance for food and drinks. Rucksack Challenge Sunday offers an opportunity to trade the city for an outdoor challenge with the Rucksack Challenge, organized by Rwanda Cancer Relief and adventure tourism company HOA360. Participants will meet at Flame Tree Village Hotel at 7 a.m. and take part in an endurance challenge carrying a mandatory 10-kilogram rucksack. Participation costs Rwf10,000, with proceeds supporting fundraising efforts for cancer patients in Rwanda. Stay in the loop with The New Times for the latest from Kigali’s entertainment scene and breaking news. Follow us on social media for curated weekend picks and real-time updates.
