Courtside or front row, on the track or in the pews, Kigali is packing its weekend with sport, laughs, style and song. From Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25, the city has so much on that staying in is hard to justify. Here are eight events worth stepping out for. ALSO READ: Six suspense classics for your weekend watchlist REG vs. RSSB: Rwanda Cup final Basketball fans can head to Lycée de Kigali (LDK) Gymnasium this Friday, October 23, for the Rwanda Cup final between Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB). The game tips off at 7 p.m., with regular tickets costing Rwf3,000 and courtside seats going for Rwf5,000. The two sides will battle for the cup title in one of the weekend's major sporting fixtures. Thank God It’s Funny Comedy Show Those looking to start the weekend with a laugh can head to Kigali Universe on Friday for the Thank God It’s Funny Comedy Show, featuring South African comedian Bexta and Kenya's Eddie Butita. The show starts at 7 p.m., with tickets priced from Rwf15,000. The international lineup offers comedy fans a chance to enjoy performers from across the region. ALSO READ: East Africa’s next wave: 10 artistes turning heads in 2026 The Pulse Room Edition 2 The Pulse Room returns to Kigali for its second edition on Friday, October 23, featuring live performances by Bill Ruzima, Kaya Byinshii and Imfurikeye. The event takes place at the Centre Culturel Francophone du Rwanda from 7 p.m., with a lineup celebrating African sounds and live performance. Tickets cost Rwf10,000, with a discounted rate of Rwf5,000 available to eligible students and CCFR subscribers. Akoth Jumadi: ‘Tribal Disco’ Kenyan musician Akoth Jumadi will perform an intimate trio set at L’Espace in Kigali on Friday, October 23, bringing her blend of traditional folk and electronic rhythms to the venue. Moving away from the fusion workshop format, the performance will centre on Jumadi’s own sound. She will lead on nyatiti, a traditional East African lyre, and vocals, accompanied by two musicians. Together, they will build her signature “Tribal Disco” sound through live instrumentation, improvisation and dance-oriented electronic pulses. The set will feature live reworkings of songs from her catalogue, including “Ere Yo,” “YO NI KA” andBarua za Unguja Vol. 1, with extended grooves suited to a live dance floor. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at L’Espace, KN 297 St., Kigali. Attendees can RSVP through the event’s designated booking link. House of Queens: African Regal Realness Fashion enthusiasts can head to Mundi Center on Saturday, October 24, for African Regal Realness, a celebration of African royalty, fashion and cultural expression. The event puts regal-inspired style and creativity in the spotlight, with tickets at the gate costing Rwf15,000. It starts at 7 p.m. CrepCon CrepCon is a sneaker and streetwear convention in Kigali bringing together sneaker enthusiasts, collectors, retailers, brands and creatives to celebrate sneaker culture and self-expression. The event will feature a marketplace where attendees can buy, sell and showcase sneakers and streetwear. Activations and interactive experiences will also offer opportunities for networking, connecting with fellow enthusiasts and exploring the culture surrounding sneakers and urban fashion. Entry: Rwf 7,000 Fazenda Sengha Track & Trail For those who prefer outdoor adventure, Fazenda Sengha on Mount Kigali offers activities throughout Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. Visitors can choose from horseback riding, ziplining, quad biking, archery, badminton and other activities, making it an option for families and groups looking to spend time outdoors. Rather than a single-entry fee, visitors pay per activity, with prices ranging from Rwf3,000 to Rwf15,000. Formula One US Grand Prix watch party Formula One fans, newcomers curious about the sport, can gather at Mundi Center on Sunday, October 25, to watch the United States Grand Prix. The free-entry watch party offers an opportunity to follow the race alongside fellow motorsport enthusiasts. The race is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. Kigali time. Praise Unlimited Live Concert Gospel music takes centre stage on Sunday, October 25, when Halal Afrika presents the Praise Unlimited Live Concert at BK Arena. Starting at 5 p.m., the concert will bring worshippers together for an evening of gospel music, praise and prayer, featuring some of the best performers from across Africa. The lineup includes Kenya's Evelyn Wanjiru, South Africa's Lebo Sekgobela, Ghana's Joe Mettle and Rwanda's Israel Mbonyi, Ben & Chance, among others. Tickets range from Rwf5,000 to Rwf40,000. 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.
