Introduction
Kenya has a vibrant calendar of annual events and festivals celebrating culture, music, art, sports, food, and more. From the colorful Lamu Cultural Festival to major music concerts, agricultural shows to film festivals, there’s always something happening. Attending these events is a great way to experience Kenyan culture, have fun, network, and create memories.
This guide covers major annual events in Kenya, when they happen, what to expect, costs, and how to attend.
Cultural Festivals
Lamu Cultural Festival
When: November (usually last week) Where: Lamu Island, Coast Duration: 3-4 days
What It Is:
- Celebration of Swahili culture and heritage
- One of Kenya’s most famous cultural festivals
- Traditional dhow races, donkey races, henna painting, taarab music, poetry, Swahili food
Who Should Go:
- Culture enthusiasts
- Tourists and locals
- Photographers
- History lovers
Cost:
- Festival events: Mostly free
- Travel to Lamu: KES 3,000-8,000 (bus/matatu) or KES 10,000-20,000 (flight from Nairobi)
- Accommodation: KES 2,000-10,000 per night depending on type
- Food and activities: KES 1,000-3,000 daily
Tips:
- Book accommodation early (fills up)
- Respect local culture (conservative dress)
- Try traditional Swahili dishes
- Explore Old Town
Mombasa Carnival
When: November Where: Mombasa Duration: 1-2 days
What It Is:
- Vibrant street carnival
- Music, dance, colorful costumes
- Food stalls, entertainment
- Celebrates coastal culture and diversity
Cost:
- Free to watch street parade
- Food and activities: KES 500-2,000
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival
When: May/June Where: Loiyangalani, Lake Turkana Duration: 2-3 days
What It Is:
- Celebration of indigenous communities around Lake Turkana
- Traditional music, dance, crafts
- Remote and authentic experience
Who Should Go:
- Adventurous travelers
- Cultural enthusiasts
- Photographers
Cost:
- Getting there: Expensive and challenging (fly or 4x4)
- Worth it for unique experience
Maralal Camel Derby
When: August Where: Maralal, Samburu County Duration: Weekend event
What It Is:
- Annual camel race (amateur and professional)
- Cultural performances
- Camping, parties
- Unique northern Kenya experience
Activities:
- Camel racing (can participate with experience)
- Cultural dances
- Camping under the stars
- Music and entertainment
Cost:
- Entry and camping packages: KES 5,000-15,000
- Travel: KES 3,000-6,000 from Nairobi (matatu/bus)
Rusinga Festival
When: December Where: Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Celebration of Luo culture
- Music (benga, ohangla)
- Traditional food, fishing competitions
Music Festivals and Concerts
Koroga Festival
When: Multiple dates throughout year (usually quarterly) Where: Various venues (Nairobi - Arboretum, Hell’s Gate, etc.) Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Outdoor music picnic festival
- Live performances (local and international artists)
- Food trucks, drinks
- Family-friendly during day, party vibe later
Genre: Afrobeat, reggae, soul, jazz, dancehall
Cost:
- Regular tickets: KES 1,500-3,000
- VIP: KES 5,000-10,000
- Food and drinks extra
Tips:
- Bring picnic blanket or mat
- Sunscreen and hat (usually hot)
- Book early (sells out)
Blankets and Wine
When: Monthly on first Sunday Where: Various locations around Nairobi (changes monthly) Duration: Afternoon event
What It Is:
- Upscale music picnic
- Live music (acoustic, soul, alternative)
- Gourmet food and wine
- Relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere
Cost:
- Entry: KES 1,000-2,000
- Food and drinks extra (premium prices)
Vibe: Trendy, young professionals, creatives
Kilifi New Year
When: December 31 - January 1 Where: Kilifi, Coast Duration: 2-3 days
What It Is:
- Beach music festival welcoming New Year
- Electronic music, live bands
- Beach parties, camping
- One of East Africa’s biggest beach festivals
Genre: Electronic, house, techno, live bands
Cost:
- Tickets: KES 3,000-8,000 (early bird cheaper)
- Camping: KES 1,500-3,000 or hotels nearby
- Food and drinks on-site
Tips:
- Book early (accommodation and tickets)
- Beach camping popular
- Expect big crowds
Nai Fest (Nairobi Festival)
When: December Where: Nairobi (Uhuru Gardens) Duration: 2-3 days
What It Is:
- Music and arts festival
- Local and international artists
- Various genres
- Food, art installations
Cost:
- Entry: KES 500-2,000 depending on day
- VIP available
Lamu Yoga Festival
When: March Where: Lamu Island Duration: 3-4 days
What It Is:
- Wellness and music festival
- Yoga sessions, meditation, healthy food
- Live music (acoustic, world music)
- Beach location
Who Attends: Wellness enthusiasts, yogis, peaceful music lovers
Cost:
- Festival package: KES 10,000-25,000 (includes some activities)
- Accommodation extra
Arts and Film
Nairobi International Film Festival (Riverwood Academy Awards)
When: October Where: Nairobi (various cinemas and venues) Duration: 1 week
What It Is:
- Showcase of Kenyan and African films
- Awards ceremony
- Networking for film industry
Who Should Attend:
- Film lovers
- Aspiring filmmakers
- Industry professionals
Cost:
- Film screenings: KES 500-1,500
- Awards gala: KES 5,000-20,000
Storymoja Hay Festival
When: September Where: Nairobi Duration: 4-5 days
What It Is:
- Literature and arts festival
- Book readings, author talks, panel discussions
- Children’s program
- Music and performances
Who Attends:
- Book lovers
- Writers
- Families (children’s programs)
- Students
Cost:
- Some events free
- Ticketed events: KES 500-2,000
Nairobi Design Week
When: October Where: Various venues in Nairobi Duration: 1 week
What It Is:
- Showcasing Kenyan design and creativity
- Exhibitions, talks, workshops
- Fashion, interior design, architecture, graphic design
Who Attends:
- Designers
- Creative professionals
- Students
- Design enthusiasts
Cost:
- Many events free
- Some workshops: KES 1,000-5,000
Food and Agricultural Shows
Nairobi International Trade Fair
When: September/October Where: Jamhuri Park, Nairobi Duration: 1 week
What It Is:
- Massive expo showcasing products and services
- Businesses, manufacturers, service providers
- Food stalls, entertainment
- Demonstrations and samples
Who Goes:
- Everyone! Families, businesspeople, shoppers
- Great for discovering products and deals
Cost:
- Entry: KES 100-300 (very affordable)
- Food and shopping extra
Tips:
- Go early (less crowded)
- Wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
- Bring shopping bags
Naivasha Horticultural Fair
When: June/July Where: Naivasha Duration: 3 days
What It Is:
- Flower and horticulture exhibition
- Farmers, flower growers, exporters
- Beautiful displays
Who Attends:
- Farmers
- Horticulture professionals
- Flower enthusiasts
- Families
Cost:
- Entry: KES 200-500
ASK Shows (Agricultural Society of Kenya)
Various County Shows Throughout Year:
- Nairobi Show (formerly Nairobi International Show): September
- Mombasa Show: August
- Eldoret Show: July
- Nakuru Show: July
- Kisumu Show: December
- Etc.
What They Are:
- Agricultural exhibitions
- Livestock, machinery, products
- Entertainment, food stalls
- Trade exhibitions
Cost:
- Entry: KES 200-500
- Children discounted
Why Go:
- Educational (especially for children)
- Entertainment
- Food
- Family outing
Sports Events
Safari Rally (WRC Kenya)
When: June Where: Various locations (Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru areas) Duration: 3-4 days
What It Is:
- World Rally Championship event
- High-speed rally racing on Kenyan terrain
- International and local drivers
- Spectator sport
How to Watch:
- Certain viewing points (free)
- Official spectator zones (ticketed)
Cost:
- Spectator tickets: KES 1,000-5,000
- VIP packages higher
Tips:
- Book accommodation early
- Follow safety guidelines
- Bring sun protection
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
When: October/November Where: Nairobi Duration: 1 day (marathon day)
What It Is:
- Major international marathon
- 42km, 21km, 10km, and fun run options
- Fundraising for charities
Who Participates:
- Serious runners
- Charity fundraisers
- Fitness enthusiasts
- Families (fun run)
Cost:
- Registration: KES 1,000-5,000 depending on category
- Early bird discounts
Tips:
- Register early
- Train adequately
- Fundraise for charity
Lewa Marathon
When: June Where: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Marathon through wildlife conservancy
- Run alongside wildlife (safe routes)
- Stunning scenery
- Supports conservation
Categories:
- Full marathon (42km)
- Half marathon (21km)
- 5km fun run
Cost:
- Registration: KES 5,000-10,000
- Accommodation packages available
Unique Selling Point: Running with view of elephants, zebras, etc.!
Kenya Open Golf Championship
When: March Where: Karen Country Club, Nairobi Duration: 4 days
What It Is:
- Professional golf tournament
- Part of European Tour
- International and local golfers
Who Attends:
- Golf enthusiasts
- Corporate guests
- General spectators
Cost:
- Spectator tickets: KES 500-2,000 per day
- Hospitality packages: KES 10,000+
Religious and National Holidays
Jamhuri Day Celebrations
When: December 12 Where: Nationwide (major events in Nairobi - Uhuru Park/Nyayo Stadium) Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Kenya’s Independence Day
- National holiday
- Official celebrations with President, military parade
- Entertainment, speeches
Cost: Free
Significance: Celebrates Kenya’s independence
Madaraka Day
When: June 1 Where: Rotates among counties (different host each year) Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Celebrates attainment of internal self-rule
- National holiday
- Official celebrations in host county
- Cultural performances, speeches
Cost: Free
Mashujaa Day (Heroes’ Day)
When: October 20 Where: Various locations (main event rotates) Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Honors Kenyan heroes and heroines
- National holiday
- Celebrations, awards, entertainment
Cost: Free
Easter Monday / Good Friday Events
When: March/April (varies annually) Where: Nationwide
What: Many churches hold special services, events, passion plays
Idd-ul-Fitr and Idd-ul-Adha
When: Varies (Islamic calendar) Where: Nationwide, especially Muslim-majority areas
What: Islamic holidays with prayers, feasts, celebrations
Fashion and Lifestyle
Nairobi Fashion Week
When: October Where: Nairobi (various venues) Duration: 1 week
What It Is:
- Showcase of Kenyan and African fashion
- Runway shows, designer exhibitions
- Networking for fashion industry
Who Attends:
- Fashion enthusiasts
- Designers
- Models
- Industry professionals
- Stylish crowd
Cost:
- Show tickets: KES 1,000-5,000
- VIP and front row: KES 10,000+
Afro Beauty Expo
When: Various times Where: Nairobi Duration: 2-3 days
What It Is:
- Beauty and hair expo
- Natural hair focus
- Product vendors, demonstrations, workshops
Who Attends:
- Beauty enthusiasts
- Hair stylists
- Product seekers
Cost:
- Entry: KES 500-1,000
- Workshops extra
Technology and Innovation
DEMO Africa
When: Varies (check annually) Where: Nairobi or other African cities (rotates) Duration: 2-3 days
What It Is:
- Startup pitch competition and conference
- Tech innovators showcase products
- Investors, entrepreneurs, techies
Who Attends:
- Entrepreneurs
- Investors
- Tech professionals
- Students
Cost:
- Conference passes: KES 5,000-30,000 depending on type
Nairobi Innovation Week
When: June/July Where: Nairobi Duration: 1 week
What It Is:
- Celebration of innovation and technology
- Hackathons, exhibitions, talks
- Startups, corporates, government
Cost:
- Many events free or low-cost
- Some premium events ticketed
Children and Family Events
Nairobi Children’s Festival
When: December (during school holidays) Where: Nairobi (Uhuru Park or other venues) Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Fun-filled day for children
- Games, bouncing castles, performances
- Edu-tainment
- Food stalls
Cost:
- Entry: KES 200-500 for children
- Activities extra
Fun in the Park
When: Occasional weekends Where: Uhuru Park, Nairobi Duration: 1 day
What It Is:
- Family fun day
- Music, activities for kids
- Picnic atmosphere
Cost: Entry fee, activities priced individually
How to Stay Updated on Events
Websites and Apps
Explara Kenya:
- Event ticketing and listings
- www.explara.com
Afro Gist Media:
- Event listings and tickets
- Entertainment news
Tuko.co.ke, Nation, Standard:
- Event listings in entertainment sections
Social Media:
- Follow event organizers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
- #NairobiEvents, #KenyaEvents
Event Promotion Platforms
- Facebook Events
- Instagram (Stories and posts)
- Event organizers’ websites
Word of Mouth
- Friends and colleagues
- WhatsApp groups
- Community notices
Tips for Attending Events
Planning Ahead
-
Buy Tickets Early:
- Early bird discounts
- Avoid sold-out situations
- Better seat selection
-
Check Details:
- Date, time, location
- What’s included
- Dress code (if any)
-
Transportation:
- How to get there
- Parking availability
- Public transport options
Day of Event
-
Arrive Early:
- Avoid queues
- Get good spot
- Don’t miss opening acts
-
What to Bring:
- Ticket (printed or digital)
- ID (often required)
- Cash and M-Pesa (not all vendors take cards)
- Phone charger/power bank
- Sunscreen, hat (outdoor events)
- Water bottle
- Picnic mat or blanket (if applicable)
-
Safety:
- Be aware of surroundings
- Keep valuables secure
- Go with friends when possible
- Have emergency contacts
-
Enjoy Responsibly:
- Drink responsibly (if alcohol present)
- Respect other attendees
- Follow event rules
- Dispose of trash properly
Supporting Local Events
Why Attend:
- Boost local economy
- Support Kenyan artists and organizers
- Experience unique culture
- Build community
Spread the Word:
- Share on social media
- Invite friends
- Post reviews and photos
Give Feedback:
- Help organizers improve
- Positive reviews encourage growth
Conclusion
Kenya’s calendar is packed with diverse events and festivals celebrating culture, music, sports, arts, food, and more. From the culturally rich Lamu Festival to high-energy music festivals like Koroga and Blankets & Wine, from the thrilling Safari Rally to literary Storymoja Hay Festival, there’s something for everyone.
Attending these events is more than entertainment - it’s a way to connect with Kenyan culture, support local talent, meet like-minded people, and create lasting memories. Many events are affordable or even free, making them accessible to all.
Mark your calendar with events that interest you, buy tickets early, plan your visit, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Kenyan events scene. Whether you’re dancing at a music festival, watching world-class athletes, or exploring cultural traditions, Kenya’s events will enrich your experience of this dynamic nation.