Things to do in Nairobi this weekend: 23 – 26 January

Weekend vibes incoming…Scroll through for what’s hot this weekend iN Nairobi!

iNTHEDARK

Dutty Wine Thursdays | Masshouse | 23 January | From 2pm

A little Thursday switch up to keep the Arena hot. Introducing Dutty Wine Thursdays, the perfect sets to whine down the evening by @zjheno @wijjewillie @djfesta254 Come vibe from 2pm till late in the night. Happy Hour everyday from 3-7 PM. To reserve a table, call 0729 611 111

Thursday Wind Down ft. Freed Mushaga | Bamba | Thursday 23 January | 7:30pm

Thursday Wind Down with @djdonnaccia  Get ready for a night of funky house & disco beats as we keep the summertime vibes alive! Free entry, but reservations are highly recommended via our IG link or EatOut 🎶🔥

Tchno Takeover | The Mist KE | The Mall | Friday 24 January | 8pm

TCHNO – First event of the 2025 program – Live session by Sven Kacirek and RHEINA followed by DJs Cin.dyke, Mawe, Coco Kahi and Charli Baby.

Sunday Sauce | Replay Lounge & Bistro | Friday 24 January | From 7pm

See ya’ll at @replaynbo on Friday at the Sundae Sauce. DOORS OPEN AT 7PM. Looking forward to rocking this one.

Paq | Shelter | Friday 24 January | 10pm – late

There’s something special lined up this time with a live performance from the one and only @maufromnowhere With some of the sickest DJ’s in the city on the bill @djallyfresh @njeri_wa_babaa @shappaman @kj.karuga supplying the vibes through the night. Live at @shelterke with support from our good friends @jamesonwhiskey

AfroGroove | ArtCaffe Gastro Bar | Friday 24 January | From 8pm

End the week with Afro Beats, New School RnB and a spirit-forward evening 🍸 Sip on our crafted cocktails, savour sharing bites, and let DJ Alimo set the perfect groove.

Club Night | Masshouse | FridayJanuary 24 | 6pm till late

Friday – Club Night. Entrance – Free. Performers – @smalonza @junior_petes @dj_mmaka @dj_tadgue

House Arrest | The Gret Cafe | Friday 24 January | 6pm – 6am

Welcome to the HOUSE ARREST EXPERIENCE this Friday the 24th of January and we are excited to have @baltersensei_ke @dj_koolio @stevie.ke & @yb_officiall going down @the_gret_lounge this edition is going to be a special one.

Hip Hop Street | Nairobi Street Kitchen | Friday 24 January | From 9pm

From old-school anthems to new-school bangers – we’ve got the perfect vibe for your Friday night.

Grown & Classy | Alloy Bar & Lounge | Friday 24 January

Studio 18 Karibu Nairobi Rave | Shelter | Saturday 25 January | 10pm -5am

Family!! The Studio 18 Karibu Nairobi Rave is here. We’ve definitely missed You!! Happening as the After Party of the Open Studio! Hosted by @shelterke in partnership with our good friends @jamesonwhiskey A Studio 18 Street Culture curation with music to dance & Rave the night away presented by @kj.karuga @dauudi.o @o.jizzo @bbyyontheisland @nigel_muthuo And Hosted by @barakjacuzzi

Aduma | Masshouse | Saturday 25 January | From 6pm

1st #ADUMA dance of the year! Meet our oontz warriors for this Saturday! @hiriba.e @shi_djs @tina_ardor @knvl111 @murathedj & @onedownlive Entry is free but strictly 21+ on age.
Please note: To avoid locking anyone out and help manage crowds better at entry point, please RSVP on @tokeaafrica (link in bio) Don’t worry, it’s absolutely free!

Afropiano | Alloy Bar & Lounge | Saturday 25 January | 9pm til late

Afropiano featuring @njeri_wa_babaa, @mwetii & @callmedjiv

Mina & Tash | The Mist | Saturday 25 January | 10pm til late

Mina & Tash LC are back for the first time, with Nowisgood this time. Advance tickets live – link in their IG bio.

Wine & Oontz | Rooftop Kilimani | Saturday 25 January | 6pm til late

Mumbe @dyrants is bringing the heat—don’t miss this epic night of nonstop vibes!

Saturday Night Lights | Bar Next Door, Kiambu Rd.| Saturday 25 January

Turn up the heat this Saturday! 🔥 @djkronikx , @bmshaxxy and @djkaroski254official are about to drop the hottest beats at BND. Let’s vibe till dawn!

Houze Therapy w Tina Ardor | Maclean | Geco Cafe | Sunday 26 January | 3pm

Committed to keeping the vibe fresh!  Sherehe starts from 3pm hosted by chief therapist @maclean4real !! surprise therapists on the lineup as well!

iNTUNE

Dagoz Nomads Blues | Azteca | Saturday 25 January | 6:30pm

Dagoz Nomads Blues arw back tgis Saturday Night Jam!! On Saturday 25th get ready to Rumble at the rhythm of #blues #soul and #rockmusic . Remember if you play, bring your instrument and #jam with the #band.

Cathy Matete Live | Geco Cafe | Saturday 25 January | 7pm

A pan Africanist and a staunch supporter of the African Dream, Cathy is an ardent lyricist whose music is soulful and cuts across many genres including Roots, Reggae and Dancehall.

Sunday Sessions Ft. Freed Mushaga| Bamba | 5:30pm

Ease into your Sunday with the soulful acoustic sounds of @freed_mushaga live and an evening of music, and laid-back charm. Freed Mushaga, a talented singer-songwriter from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is celebrated for his unique fusion of Soul and African Pop. His music carries powerful messages of peace, love, and hope, blending traditional Congolese sounds with contemporary influences. Don’t miss this chance to experience his soulful artistry live! Free entry, but reservations are highly recommended via Bamba’s IG link or EatOut

Nairobi Singalong: Back to Basics Edition | Nairobi Street Kitchen | Sunday 26 January | 4pm – 12am

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane! With the best of 90s and 00s RnB. Early Bird: 500 KES (48 hours only!) |Advanced: 1000 KES | Gate: 1500 KES. Let’s make it a night of nostalgia and vibes!

Our first show of the year is here and who better to kick it off than the super talented Njerae. Free entry, good vibes and a perfect way to end the Month.

GROOViN

Kizomba Sundowner | The Hub, Karen Friday 24 January | 5 – 10pm

Ready to move and groove at The Kizomba Sundowner? Enjoy Kizomba class from 6-7 PM followed by the social dancing begin! Free Entry

iNSTAGES

Relive the ’60s as if you were there. African Twist, a musical play that follows the musical, societal, and political events of newly independent Kenya during the 1960s, centered around a nightclub. Focused on four young musicians who compose and record new songs while becoming entangled with two socialites. Set against the backdrop of a hopeful, newly prosperous nation, the story weaves love, conspiracy, and real-life inspired events, culminating in a vibrant music concert. 🎶 Don’t miss out!

Please note that the show will start on time, no admission after the start. First come, first served basis. Please come very early.

iN254

Snappylilbits Sound Masterclass | Goethe Institut | Friday 24 January | 4pm | RSVP required

Snappery all the way with the master @akiliblaq .The Sound Lab Masterclass will be hosted by renowned sonic alchemist Akili Blaq, offering a transformative exploration of the fusion between poetry, soundscapes, and innovative music production techniques. Entry is Free so don’t miss an opportunity to learn the techniques for creating immersive auditory experiences that elevate poetic performances.

Marabeta & Mental Health: Marrying the Arts & Healing | Miir Restaurant | Saturday 25 January | 2 – 5pm

Begun by Waithĩra Mbuthia-Protano in April 2022, this second edition features an array of creatives. The event will begin with entertainment by some of Kenya’s favorite musicians, comedians, and poets, followed by a panelist discussion focused on highlighting various mental health matters, overcoming addiction, suicide prevention, and the importance of destigmatizing mental illness. Thereafter? Let’s talk. Let’s connect. Let’s hang!
While the event is free and family-friendly, we encourage you to buy a drink and/or food item from the lovely venue, Miir Restaurant.

iNSCRIBED

Poetry Slam Africa: Grand Slam 2025 | Goethe Institut & Kenya National Theatre | Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 January

The Grand Slam Schedule begins. First two events will be at the @goetheinstitut_nairobi
1. Growth4change: The Livestock Vaccinations Debate: Is it More than just a Jab! @growth4change_v4c
2. The Sound Lab Masterclass: SNAPPYLILBITS by @akiliblaq
3. The Grand Slam Gala at @olesereni –
4. a Poetry Workshop: Death Riding ShotGun by @slimshaka
5. All African Women Poetry Festival (AAWPF) hosted by @emmaofosua
6. Poetry Slam Music 🎶 Concert – featuring some of the flavoured artist in Nairobi
7. Grand Slam – In Search of the 66th Slam Champion

Tickets vailable on @mookh.africa Proceeds from the event will ensure Slam Africa continues to empower voices, amplify stories, and provide a platform for creative expression.

iNTHEARTS

They Don’t Look Like Me | Niccolò Rastrelli | Italian Cultural Institute x Noir Gallery | Opening Thursday 23 January | 6:30pm

“THEY DON’T LOOK LIKE ME” is a photographic project composed of a series of portraits of cosplayers together with their parents, whose intent is to reflect on the theme of individuality through the world of cosplay. The photos have been shot in Kenya.

Troubled Neighbours | Simon Muriithi | One Off Gallery | Opening Saturday 25 January 2 – 5pm

The year opens with a quiet though masterful print show produced by veteran printmaker, Simon Muriithi.  Very few printmakers in the region continue to produce etchings and almost no one embosses them.  This is Muriithi’s preferred medium and the result is a series of truly sublime works.  Often the animals and birds are the stars of the show but Muriithi includes some humans in his investigation of the ‘Troubled Neighbours’ who struggle to co-exist and survive with dignity.

One Off Gallery, 28 Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate Road | www.oneoffcontemporaryartgallery.com

Visions | رؤى” | Group Exhibition | Kemet Arts Gallery | Opening Saturday 25 January, 2 – 7pm| Until 31 January

Visions | رؤى”, an art exhibition showcasing the works of three prominent Sudanese contemporary artists, in partnership with @ourheritageoursudanYassir Ali @art.yassir Baharaddin Adam @baharaddin.arts Dr. Abdelrahman Shangal @shangal_hassan_

See Also

Things to do in Nairobi This Weekend: 28 November – 1 December

These visionary artists have played a pivotal role in shaping the Sudanese fine art scene, each bringing a unique perspective that bridges tradition and modernity. Their work reflects Sudan’s rich cultural heritage while addressing themes of identity, resilience, and transformation. *Free Entry – Registration required. Kemet Arts Gallery, 732A Tabere Crescent

Group Exhibtiion | The Artists Palette, Karen Village | Opening 25 January | 9am – 5pm

Including artists: Meek Gichugu , Michael Musyoka , Musah Mwakelemu & Nedia Were 

The Studio 18 Open Studio | Kuona Artist Collective | 25 January | 2-8pm

A space for our community to come together, meet and have conversations!
You are welcome to our Home and Concept Store [Studio 18] where we will be hosting a panel discussion “The Future of Fashion – “The Past, Present, and Future of the Nairobi Fashion Space “ from 4:00 – 5:00pm with
@wambuithimba
@utu.archive
@t_shannia
@baggy_unit
@jayorina_
@capturedbyodede
@debbiebosiboriiiiiii
and live dj recordings through the afternoon to evening with @o.jizzo @dauudi.o @kj.karuga And an After Party @shelterke later for The Karibu Nairobi Rave! RSVP Only. Link in our Bio

SCREENiNG

Screening of Children’s Animation Workshop | Unseen Nairobi | Saturday 25 January | 11am

Announcement for teachers, kids and animation fans! There is a screening the final work of a kids animation workshop this Saturday at @unseen.nairobi. 14 Kids at French School Of Runda took part of this amazing training this week and learned the art of animation and created their own story! Meet Rasmi Damo who facilitates these trainings with Kids in Gaza & France with Fekra association for a follow up Discussion. All the proceeds with go to Fekra association supporting communities in Gaza!

A Real Pain | Century Cinemax – various locations | From Friday 24 January

Prepare for an emotional journey with A Real Pain, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Catch it on the big screen at Century Cinemax starting January 24.

CRAFTiNG

Sip & Paint | Chimek Restaurant| Saturday 25 January | 2pm

Get your creative juices flowing as you start off the new year. Join us for an immersive and hands-on pottery workshop that promises to awaken the artist within you. Mould your clay as you sip on a glass of wine. Perfect way to relax while enjoying the moment. Book your clay now! Call / whatsapp 0740369537. Pottery painting also available

Dot Mandala Class | Sarit Centre | Saturday 25 January | Kids 2-3pm | Adults 3-4pm | Booking required

Unleash your creativity with our Dot Mandala Art Class! Learn the mesmerizing art of dot painting, relax your mind, and create stunning masterpieces. Limited spots available – Register now for just ksh 500!
Contact 0794 957952/0719216640 for booking.

iNDULGE

Australia Day Celebration | Under the Swahili Tree | Sunday 26 January | All day

Come celebrate Australia Day with beers and burgers on the barbie.

iNACTION

Kenya Guineas | Ngong Racecourse | Sunday 26 January | From 12pm

Watch the first of the 2025 classic horse races and enjoy an afternoon featuring delectable food and drink, a curated pop-up market, family-friendly entertainment, and Nairobi’s best fashion. Don’t miss the afterparty from 5 PM for sundowners, food, and DJ music at East Africa’s only horse racing track.

Gear up for an exhilarating weekend of polo and entertainment at the Nairobi Polo Club ! Expect a thrilling fusion of polo, culinary delights, fashion, and entertainment like never before!
Tickets are available online  🚨 Note: All tickets are non-refundable, and matches are subject to weather conditions.

iNTROSPECTION

Rope Yoga Workshop | Kanga Studio | Saturday 25 January | 12 – 2:30pm

Experience balance, precision, and support with Iyengar inspired Rope Yoga—a unique practice that uses wall ropes to:

• Deepen postures and improve alignment
• Build strength while relieving tension
• Enhance flexibility through gentle support

Perfect for those looking to explore a therapeutic approach to yoga, this workshop offers tools to safely expand your practice and develop greater body awareness. Advance booking suggested.

A soulful morning that blends Synergy Flow Yoga with Salim, accompanied by the angelic voice and acoustic guitar of our dear friend @bero.the.hero

Salim is a passionate advocate for community upliftment and wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience in yoga, cultural arts, and youth empowerment, he brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to his teaching.

Music Centric Breathwork + Ice Bath Ceremony | Rusty Fundi | Sunday 26 January | 2 – 5pm

A ceremony of community connection, self-reconnection, release, transformation and celebration. During this ceremony, you will be safely guided into relaxation response of the nervous system while in the ice, with bespoke music support. You choose your own song! You can experience euphoria and also gain access to beyond-physical dimensions of healing.

For impressions of the ceremony experience, karibuni to check-out Reviews & Teams in the Highlights of @longexhales IG page.