Events & Festivals in Rwanda

Traditional storytelling and performance nights held in communities across Rwanda. Elders share folklore, history, and wisdom through stories, songs, and dance in intimate settings.

International golf tournament at Rwanda's championship course attracting professional and amateur golfers. Set against stunning views of Kigali with conservation themes supporting gorilla protection.

International cycling race across Rwanda's challenging hills, now part of the UCI Africa Tour. Attracts professional teams with stages passing through scenic landscapes and enthusiastic local crowds.

Celebration of Rwandan cuisine with cooking demonstrations, traditional food tastings, and competitions for best dishes. Highlights include brochettes, isombe, and urwagwa (banana beer).

Celebration of Rwanda's specialty coffee industry with cupping sessions, barista competitions, farm tours, and coffee pairing dinners. Highlights the country's award-winning Bourbon coffee varieties.

Major Christian holiday celebrated with church services, passion plays, and community gatherings. Many churches hold sunrise services and processions, followed by family meals and celebrations.

100-day period of mourning and remembrance for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Includes memorial ceremonies, community discussions, and cultural events promoting unity and reconciliation.

Monthly event where central Kigali streets close to vehicles, transforming into pedestrian zones with fitness classes, street performances, food stalls, and community activities promoting healthy living.

Charity marathon starting at the Kigali Genocide Memorial with routes through the city. Raises funds for education and reconciliation projects while promoting fitness and community.

Annual marathon in Rwanda's reconciliation city featuring full marathon, half marathon, and 10K races. Attracts international runners and celebrates peace through sports with cultural performances along the route.

Monthly evening market featuring local artisans, food vendors, live music, and craft workshops under fairy lights. Showcases Rwanda's creative entrepreneurs in a festive atmosphere.

Rwanda's international film festival showcasing African cinema with outdoor screenings in rural communities. Includes workshops, panel discussions with filmmakers, and mobile cinema units reaching remote areas.

National holiday marking the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Solemn ceremonies, speeches, and cultural performances celebrating resilience and national unity. A day of reflection and hope.

Ancient Rwandan harvest festival revived as a national holiday celebrating agriculture, unity, and cultural heritage. Features traditional food sharing, agricultural exhibitions, dance performances, and ceremonies honoring farmers.

Largest trade exhibition in Rwanda featuring local and international businesses across agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and services. Includes product launches, B2B meetings, and public shopping days.

Multidisciplinary arts festival showcasing visual arts, theater, dance, and spoken word from Rwanda and East Africa. Includes exhibitions, performances, workshops, and artist talks.

Rwanda's iconic conservation celebration where newborn mountain gorillas receive names in a ceremony attended by international conservationists, celebrities, and local communities. Features traditional performances, conservation exhibitions, and community projects.

Community festival near Volcanoes National Park celebrating conservation success. Features traditional performances, conservation education, and community projects benefiting from gorilla tourism revenue.

Celebration of Rwanda's traditional music and dance, particularly focusing on the sacred Nyabingi drumming traditions. Features performances by master drummers, dance troupes, and cultural exhibitions.

Monthly jazz concert series featuring local and East African jazz musicians in intimate venues. Showcases Rwanda's growing jazz scene with fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary jazz.

Showcasing Rwanda's growing fashion industry with runway shows featuring local designers using traditional materials like kitenge in contemporary designs. Includes pop-up shops and designer workshops.

Week-long classical and contemporary music festival featuring international and Rwandan musicians. Includes orchestral performances, chamber music, and collaborations with traditional Rwandan instruments.

Rwanda's premier urban music festival featuring local and international artists across Afrobeat, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall genres. Includes fashion shows, art installations, and food vendors in a energetic outdoor setting.

Lakeside Christmas celebration with fireworks, boat parades, live music, and special holiday menus at restaurants along Lake Kivu. Family-friendly activities and evening entertainment.

Nationwide celebrations welcoming the new year with fireworks, street parties, and special events. Kigali's city center becomes pedestrian-only with multiple stages featuring different music genres.