1,000-year-old harvest thanksgiving, now a public holiday on first Friday of August. Government through Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture organizes week-long arts festivals — traditional Intore dance, exhibitions of crafts, painting, film & music, conferences. Symbolizes gratitude and sharing harvest.
Kigali's famous bi-monthly health day. City closes KN4 Avenue / KG 9 Ave between City Hall, Makuza Plaza, Bank of Kigali to cars from 7am-11am. Free Zumba, aerobics, yoga, cycling, medical checkups. President Kagame often joins. Held twice a month — 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.
Africa's biggest cycling race, UCI 2.1, 8 stages across Land of Thousand Hills. 18th edition in 2026 covered Rukomo → Rwamagana → Nyamata → Huye → Rusizi → Karongi → Rubavu → Musanze → Kigali (22 Feb - 1 March 2026). Climbs, elevation 2,190m, international pro teams.
Africa's respected road race, now 21st edition. For first time in 2026 expanded to 2-day format June 13-14. 10km Run for Peace, Half Marathon, Full Marathon. Thousands of international runners, course records broken in 2026. Celebrates peace, unity, healthy living.
Rwanda's monthly national community work day — a home-grown solution. Every last Saturday of the month 08:00-11:00, everyone cleans streets, plants trees, builds. Businesses closed until 11am, traffic restricted. Embodies unity and cleanliness.
Created 2015 by Hope Azeda (Mashirika Performing Arts), held at the Amphitheatre of Kigali Genocide Memorial. Theme: "I am because you are". Theatre, dance, music, truth & resilience from 13+ countries. Free workshops, Ikaze Night welcome. Most emotional festival in Rwanda.
Since 2011, Rwanda's biggest international music festival. Afro-fusion, reggae, hip-hop, blues. 30+ musicians from East Africa, France, Canada, plus lessons. Held at Amahoro Stadium parking lot / IPRC Kicukiro Cricket Grounds / Kigali Heights. Special editions with Nyundo Music School students.
Since 2013, much-loved cultural fixture focused on Rwandan culture. Two-day fest in September at Serena Hotel / Petit Stade / Kigali Cultural Village. Local traditional folk musicians (Mariya Yohana, Muyango, Inganzo Ngali), dance, local art, artisan market, food tasting. Real slice of Rwandan creativity.
Rwanda's flagship conservation event. Since 2005, names nearly 400 baby gorillas. 40 babies named in 2025 (20th edition). Global leaders, football legends, artists become namers. Celebrates community-centered conservation and gorilla population growth from 880 (2012) to 1060+ now.
Kwibuka (Remember) is Rwanda's most significant national period — 100 days of commemoration April 7-July 4 for Genocide Against Tutsi. National ceremony at Kigali Genocide Memorial hosts world leaders. Also hosts Rwanda Film Festival (Hillywood) — Africa's premier film fest in Kigali.