Nairobi is buzzing with activities this weekend! From artists’ talks to stimulating quiz nights and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the weekend’s hottest events:
iNTHEDARK
Nilotic Bliss | The Mist | The Mall Basement | Friday 4 October | From 9pm
Nairobi dancehall x glamour with @blackheartke the Nilotic Bliss – dress up in your sequins and glitter – make the basement shimmer – this Free Friday ✨
Koda Pres. Awen | Friday 4 october | 9pm – 6am
An all female army take on both rooms, led by Afro-house DJ/Producer/Vocalist AWEN. Supported by VIDZA, TINA ARDOR, SHAMMALEE, NJERI WA BABAA, DJ SHOCK, GATHONI & SHI. Get Tickets
Rooftop Grooves| Mǎm Mǎm | Saturday 5 October | 9pm to 1am
Mǎm Mǎm is hosting an instrumental + DJ set featuring @djabehn 9pm-1am. Eat some fantastic Vietnamese food, have a cocktail and hit the dancefloor!
Bloom | Botanica Kitchen & Gin Bar | Saturday 5 October | From 3pm
Bloom again at @botanica.nairobi. It’s all about cocktails, vibes, and views as @junior_petes, @ms_bune, @sendz._, and @dj_wayla link up for another extraordinary edition of our gin inspired day mixer. 🥃 Enjoy 3 cocktails for the price of 1. 🍾 10% off all bottles. Limited seating available, so reserve your tables early. Call or WhatsApp us on 0725 337 533 to book your tables.
Sunday Soundwaves | Geco Cafe | 5-9pm
Kicking off October in style! Sunday Soundwaves with @djdda254 at @geco.cafe, Mbaazi Road! 🦎
Enjoy a sundowner session going into the night 💃 Mocktails and cocktails 🍹, Geco’s famous grills 🥘 and general aesthetic 🛵 calls for good times with your besties!
iN&OUT
Closet in the Shelter | Saturday 5 October | 9pm – 6am
A dope party, dope music, a safe space, an inclusive space. 🏳️🌈 Tickets on hustlesasa
iNTUNE
The Jam | Goethe Institut | Friday 4 October | 6pm
Right after a captivating conversation that looks at the past, present and future of Kenyan music (see iNCONVERSATION), Goethe Institut will put a bow on it with a much-needed concert – featuring some great talents, of course: @itsjustnjeri_ @dauudi.o and @_muthaka . The Jam this year is curated by @tangazamagazine . The concert series aims to promote both established and rising stars. Free entry.
Sounds of Kaya feat. Brian Sigu | KO Kraft Room & Kocktail Bar | Saturday 5 October | 4 – 7pm
Blem Entertainment presents live music by master of Afro-fused music, Brian Sigu, plus enjoy happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Rock the Vote | 254 Beer District | Saturday 5 October | From 6pm
Your Voice. Your Future._ 🇺🇸 Join for an electrifying night filled with live music, activism, and community vibes as we celebrate the power of voting! 🎶✨ 🎤 Sukuma Whiskey and Meh Culpa bringing the tunes 🎧 DJ KBlizza on the decks
🎙️ Inspiring speakers 🗳️ Voter registration booths 🎁 Free swag! Come for the fun, stay for the impact. Let’s make our voices heard and shape the future we want! 👉 RSVP here
Mackinlay & Friends | ArtCaffe GastroBar | Friday 4 October | From 8pm
Get ready for an unforgettable night: Friday JAM LIVE featuring the sensational trumpeter @macklinlay_music & Friends. It’s going to be a high-energy evening, that’ll have you singing along to your favourite tunes and grooving to global beats.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after work or dress up and hit the dance floor, this is the night for you. Don’t miss out – book your table !
Bamba Sunday Sessions: Dagoz Nomads | Sunday 6 October | From 5:30pm
Sunday Sessions welcomes back the Dagoz Nomads @dagozartistvenue for a bluesy live set. Free entry but booking a table is highly recommended
Afro-Tribe Sessions at Geco Cafe | Sunday 29 September | 4pm til late
The incredible @santa_currie will be around.
iNFEST
Blankets & Wine | Laureate Garden, Kasarani | Sunday 6 October | 12pm – 2am
No need to introduce the reknowned Blankets & Wine! Over the years the festival has become the IT destination and experience through intentional curation of the experience, giving you the opportunity to discover new artists, food, and craft vendors! Join in for great vibes, music, and fun under the sun!
iNSTAGES
La Premiere Danse Politique & Nyawawa – Spirits of the Lake | Alliance Française Auditorium | Saturday 5 October | 4pm
Spotlight on talent from Burundi and Kenya through choreographies that offer an interplay between the past and the present. “La Premiere Danse Politique” exposes the illusion of independence, the body as archive and the dream of redefining the utopia of an uncertain future while “Nyawawa” explores the concept of spirits of the dead, believed to originate from the Lake and cultural practices to ward off these spirits.
Echoes From The Lake: A Dance of Shuttered Fortune | Kenya National Theatre | Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 October | Various times
This is a cultural and creative experience featuring narration music and percussion dancing and acrobatics.
Dance Centre Kenya presents The Tales of Mother Goose | Braeburn Theatre | Sunday 6 October | 1pm & 4:30pm
For our younger audience members, the classical nursery rhymes of Little Miss Muffet, Jack and Jill, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and Three Blind Mice, will be brought to life by DCK’s Junior Company. With all new choreography by our Senior Company members and an on-stage storyteller reading the poems, this show promises to be an excellent and engaging introduction to ballet for children.
Tickets on Kenyabuzz. There will be an additional performance 10 October.
iNJEST
A Crowdwork Experience with Mammito Eunice | Nairobi Laugh Bar | Saturday 5 October | 7:30pm
The African queen of comedy Mammito Eunice is back to bring you another edition of the Mammito Crowdwork experience! It’s gonna be a masterful blending of her signature brand of humor with an insane amount of audience interaction to generate superior laughs. Not only that, joining her on stage will be the hilarious Stan Saleh and all the way from New York, Tyler Hall.
iNTHEARTS
Yesterday’s Price Is Not Today’s Price | Opening Reception Friday 4 October | 6-8pm | The African Arts Trust
Mihayo Kalaye (b. 1996, Tanzania) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In his creative practice, Kalaye incorporates various artistic techniques, such as borrowing texts from music and books, utilizing drawings, creating prints through digital collage and engaging in the process of stitching.
Sonic Mass | An audio group exhibition | Munyu Space | The Mall | 04 October 2024
An audio group exhibition that is one of the tangible outcomes from our explorations in the listening and sounding workshop. The artists transform munyu. into a space where different sounds and narratives can come together, speak for themselves, be in conversation with each other, intermingle with and interrupt each other. Like in a rainforest where every presence sounds within their own rhythm, these artworks have their own agenda, their own theme, their own aesthetics, their own narrative and their own cycle but come together and sound together.
A Touch of Nature | Group Exhibition | Ardhi Gallery | Opening reception Friday 4 October | 3 – 6pm
This unique show brings together talented artists united by their passion for capturing the beauty and spirit of the natural world, featuring a diverse range of creative expressions including oil painting, sculpture, collage, and photography.
“Years of Service” Artists’ Talk | HoF Gallery | Saturday 5 October | 3 – 5pm
Get to hear from the creative minds themselves. HoF Gallery will be engaging the”𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞” Artists (Saviour Juma, Benard Musyoki, John Ruitha and Njogu Kuria) to get to know learn and hear from their creative experiences being facilitated by Santana Sino. Your are welcome and feel free to tag a friend.
Directions: 𝑷𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝑶𝑭 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑲𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒂. For more info contact: 07414423678
The Art Kiosk Art Sale | The Art Kiosk, Loresho | Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 October | 10am – 4pm
Original artworks for sale at affordable prices.
CRAFTiNG
Soap Crafting Workshop by S&D Naturals | Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 October | 2 – 4:30pm
Soap-making just got even more fun! Unleash your creativity with soap dough—mold playful shapes and craft vibrant designs. Join S&D for a hands-on experience that will spark your imagination!
Get your tickets now at sanddnaturals.hustlesasa.shop or pay via till number 8456634. Let’s get crafty!
Sip & Paint | Bambino X MeSo | Saturday 5 October | 2 – 7pm
Sip, paint & indulge… For reservations call 0712524517
iN254
Meet the Makers Pop-up at Tribal Gallery | Friday 4 October 12:00 – 9 PM | Saturday 5 October 10:00 am – 9:00 PM
Showing: Ra_by_Rushina, Bush Princess, Kooroo, Tribal Gallery, Kikoromeo, Mopepe, Suhani Mara & The Good Grain. Booking required: Call 0713825250
Aged Pop Up | Two Grapes Kilimani | Saturday 5 October | 10am – 6pm
Age Clothing bring the shop to you next Saturday. Venue is Two Grapes Wine and Friends, tickets available online or at the gate. Each ticket is redeemable. The days soundtrack will be woven by @beingnik_ @gathoni_wainaina_ @shelmutei and @djmissray_
Colours in Motion | Pop up Exhibition | Nextgen Mall | 10am – 6pm
Enjoy the art and paint together. Organized by @krb.nrb, this exhibition is about, possibilities. And color.
SCREENiNG
Searching for Amani | Unseen Nairobi | Screening from October 1 – 15
In the heart of Kenya, a tragedy shatters a young boy’s life. Simon finds himself in a world of mystery when his father, a respected conservancy guide, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Armed with a video camera, Simon and his best friend embark on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets behind his father’s demise.
iNCONVERSATION
A Spotlight on Kenyan Music | Goethe Institut | Friday 4 October | 4-6pm
Be part of the conversation later this week as delve into the evolution of Kenyan music, from its traditional roots to contemporary influences like Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and Amapiano. Kenya’s music industry is a dynamic blend of traditional and modern sounds, which makes it difficult to define a singular “Kenyan sound.” With genres ranging from the classic Benga, Zilizopendwa, and Kapuka, to newer styles like Gengetone, Urbantone, Afropop, Alté, Amapiano and Electronic Music, Kenya’s musical diversity is vast.
The discussion will highlight the current wave of artists shaping Kenya’s music landscape and examine the impact of digital platforms, the challenges within the local music economy, and the potential for Kenyan artists to break into international markets.
iNDULGE
Caribbean Brunch | Cuban Code, Muthangari Rd. | Sunday 6 October | Noon til late
This is the vibe! This is the life! Welcome to the Caribbean Brunch – your home of Brunch, Rhythms & Island Vibes.
Go back to the cherished moments of joy and rhythm, where your favorite memories meet brunch, melodies, and great people. Performances by top DJ Kronix, DJ Lisney, DJ Tadgue & More. What you can expect:* 50% off on cocktails from 3 – 7 PM * 10% Off Bottles * A Curated Cuban Brunch Menu*
Advance tickets now available.
iNACTION
Welcome back to the races, featuring a wide assortment of food and drink , a curated pop-up market, family friendly entertainment, and Nairobi’s most fashionable. Stay for the afterparty from 5 PM for sundowners, food, and DJ music at East Africa’s only horse racing track.
• Dress code – Smart Casual
• Student ticket holders must bring student ID
• Tikiti tickets valid until 5 PM on race day
• No pets allowed
• No outside food / drink permitted
Nairobi is bursting with creativity and energy this weekend, so get out there and make the most of it! From art exhibitions to music and quiz nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.