What is a week without a weekend to look forward to? Luckily, it is here. Whether you are planning time with loved ones, looking for a little adventure or simply hoping to step away from your usual routine, Kigali has plenty to offer.
From November 13 to 15, here are 10 events worth checking out around the city.
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Cinema N’ The Hood: Brothers in Cinema
Friday opens with a film showcase at Ciné Mayaka, where IMITANA’s Cinema N’ The Hood presents Brothers in Cinema, featuring filmmakers Ganza Moise and Ngabo wa Ganza. The two brothers have pursued filmmaking independently, with their work representing Rwanda on international platforms.
The screening will feature films including Muzunga, Ako Kantu and Fishbowl, alongside newer productions by the filmmakers. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost Rwf3,000 for one person, Rwf5,500 for two, Rwf7,800 for three and Rwf10,000 for a group of four.
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World Music Acoustic Night
Music lovers can head to Kigali Soul Creative Hub on Friday for the fifth season of World Music Acoustic Night. This edition features performances by Bill Ruzima and Favor, with the evening starting at 7 p.m. Entry is free.
Lee Dia Live in Kigali
After an artistic journey across Africa with the MobiArts Tour, Rwandan singer-songwriter Lee Dia returns home for a homecoming concert at Goethe-Institut Rwanda this Friday, November 13.
The evening will feature soulful music and storytelling, alongside reflections on the artiste’s experiences touring the continent and connecting with creative communities. Before the performance, Lee Dia will also share insights from the journey and discuss the experiences that have shaped the work.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the programme starting at 7 p.m. Entry is free.
Ish Kevin’s Birthday Bash
Rapper Ish Kevin is celebrating his birthday with a concert at Atelier du Vin on Saturday. The night will feature performances by Logan Joe, Hollix and the birthday boy himself, with DJ Marnaud hosting.
The event takes place on November 14 at Atelier du Vin, along KN 3 Avenue. Free entry before midnight.
Food Fest
Food enthusiasts can head to Mundi Center on Saturday for the return of Food Fest, an event bringing together food vendors and a range of flavours.
Visitors can expect grilled food, nyama choma, freshly baked pastries, desserts, ice cream and other treats. The festival also offers an opportunity to discover local food vendors or spend time with friends and family over a meal.
Food Fest runs from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on November 14 at Mundi Center. Entry is free.
Gisa Cy’Inganzo Album Listening Party
Paddock Lounge will host an album listening party celebrating Gisa Cy’Inganzo on Saturday, alongside its usual evening entertainment programme.
The lineup includes MC Galaxy, Assa Alain, Urban Deejay, DJ Inno and Deejay Kelly 250, with percussion performances by Miinky Worldwide and Kevin The Drummer.
The event starts at 6 p.m. on November 14. Entry is free.
Kigali Arts Festival
Art enthusiasts can explore Rwandan creativity at Kigali Arts Festival, taking place at ONOMO Hotel Kigali on November 14 and 15.
The two-day festival will showcase local art and traditional crafts through activities such as banana-paper making, weaving, earring production, imigongo painting, postcard making, screen printing and face painting.
The festival also aims to support local artists and create opportunities for women, young people and people with disabilities working in the creative sector. Visitors can purchase locally made crafts, ahead of the Christmas season.
Entry costs Rwf2,000 for adults, while children under 12 enter free.
Inganzo Experience
The Francophone Cultural Centre of Rwanda will host the third edition of the Inganzo Experience on Saturday, under the theme ‘Arts and Roots.’
Featuring Bolingo Paccy, the concert will bring together traditional Rwandan music and contemporary sounds through poetry, dance and a blend of traditional and modern instruments.
The event starts at 6 p.m. Regular tickets cost Rwf10,000, while VIP tickets cost Rwf25,000 and include album support.
Urban Kids
Families looking for activities for their children can visit Mundi Center on Sunday for Urban Kids, a programme designed for children aged four to 12.
Activities include juggling, circus tricks, face painting, bouncing castles, a cooking class and games. The programme gives children an opportunity to play, interact with others and try out new skills.
The event starts at 1 p.m. Children’s tickets cost Rwf7,000, while parents enter free.
Sunday Brunch
Those looking for a relaxed Sunday outing can choose from brunch experiences at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, Zaria Court Hotel and Lavana.
At Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with live music, a saxophonist and family activities including face painting, Jenga and cornhole. Packages range from Rwf25,000 for children to Rwf80,000 per adult, depending on the food and drink option selected.
Zaria Court Hotel will host brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The non-alcoholic package costs Rwf45,000, while the Rwf65,000 option includes beers, wines, sparkling wines and a signature cocktail.
At Lavana, visitors can also enjoy brunch accompanied by live music from Bolingo Paccy. Entry costs Rwf40,000, with an additional Rwf25,000 for the alcoholic option. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Kigali’s most sought-after experiences to the niche picks worth knowing about, we curate what’s happening across the city. Follow The New Times’ social platforms for live lifestyle reports throughout the weekend.