Best festivals in Africa
Best festivals in Africa
Traditional cultural gatherings and major music celebrations in Africa
Africa's festival calendar ranges from centuries-old religious celebrations to music festivals built within the last two decades. The diversity reflects the continent's range of religious traditions, musical genres and recent cultural movements as much as its geography.
The festivals on this list range from major city events with international audiences to smaller regional celebrations tied to harvest, religion or a specific musical tradition. Some draw visitors from across the world, while many others remain largely attended by locals.
Checking lunar and religious calendars matters more here than in most regions, since many of the continent's most significant festivals shift dates from year to year. Local tour operators in the bigger cities can also help arrange transport around the busiest dates.
Lists by region
City in South Africa
Johannesburg
Vibrant city life meets rich history
Arts Alive runs for almost the whole month of September. Christopher Till began planning it in 1992. The first edition followed in 1993. Newtown has been the central hub in recent years. Events reach all seven city regions. The programme covers theatre, dance, music and visual art.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
Founded in 2001, the film festival is chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid. The 22nd edition ran from 28 November to 6 December 2025. The top prize is the Étoile d'Or. Promised Sky by Erige Sehiri won it in 2025. Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti won in 2024.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Founded in 2000, the jazz festival moved to the CTICC in 2004. Most editions run in March, though some took place in April and the 2024 edition was held in May. Attendance grew from about 14,000 in 2000 to 34,000 in 2013. A free open-air concert at Greenmarket Square is held before the festival.
City in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
Meskel Square hosts the main Meskel celebration on 27 September and one day later in leap years. The Demera bonfire recalls Empress Helena's discovery of the True Cross. UNESCO listed Meskel in 2013. Timkat marks Epiphany on 19 January with a tabot procession and a baptism reenactment. UNESCO listed it in 2019.
City in Senegal
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
Dak'Art, the biennale of contemporary African art, held its first visual arts edition in 1992. It has run every two years since 2000. The first edition in 1990 focused on literature. From 2000 artists in the international exhibition had to hold African citizenship. Simon Njami curated the 2018 edition.
City in Egypt
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
Ancient Opet Festival processions carried a statue of Amun down the Nile from Karnak to Luxor. A sphinx lined avenue about 1.7 miles long links the two sites. The Luxor African Film Festival shows African cinema each year. Its first edition took place in February 2012. Abu Haggag Mosque is active inside Luxor Temple.
City in Nigeria
Lagos
Buzzing Metropolis with Coastal Charm
White-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead and parade on Lagos Island. On Eyo Day the highway from Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square closes to traffic. The masquerades may beat people who carry prohibited items. Felabration honours Fela Kuti each October at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja.
City in Morocco
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
Neila Tazi and her A3 Groupe founded the Gnaoua World Music Festival in 1998. It runs for four days and has drawn up to 500,000 visitors. Many performances are free. Moroccan Gnawa masters play alongside invited artists from abroad. Gnawa musicians improvise with jazz, rock, funk and blues. Randy Weston performed in 2003.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
Mwaka Kogwa marks the Shirazi and Swahili new year in Makunduchi each July or August. A ritual battle ends with a burning hut. The direction of the smoke shapes predictions for the year ahead. Sauti za Busara centres on the Old Fort in February. ZIFF is also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries.
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