Festivals are a fun and easy way of bringing people together, sharing stories and showcasing their culture.
This article is a compilation of festivals taking place in Kenya in 2020.
Top Festivals In Kenya 2021
This list will be your guide telling you about all the information you may need concerning top festivals taking place in Kenya in 2021, where the festival is celebrated and when it is scheduled to take place this year.
Here is the list of must see must attend festivals in Kenya in 2021:
- Lamu Yoga Festival
- Shela Hat Contest
- Kenya Rugby Sevens Series
- The Pawa Festival
- Maralal International Camel Derby
- The Rusinga Cultural Festival
- Lake Turkana Festival
- The Koroga Festival
- Blankets and Wine
- The Rhino Charge
- The Nairobi Film Festival
- Nairobi Food Festival
- Kenya Kite Festival
- Safaricom International Jazz Festival
What's Covered in This Article
Lamu Yoga Festival
Theme:
The “Lamu Yoga Festival” is is among the most-awaited festivals in Kenya.
This 4-day Yoga festival in Kenya is designed to allow attendees to interact with 26+ international Yoga pros who come to the island specifically for this event. During the festival, attendees have over 150 Yoga classes to choose from. Other activities during the festival include exposure to Swahili cuisine, dhow sailing, etc.
When:
4th-8th of March, 2021
Where:
On the pristine Muslim Island
Getting There:
Daily flights from Nairobi, Malindi and Mombasa serve Lamu. You can book flights on Skyward, Fly540, Fly-Sax, Silverstone, AirKenya and SafariLink. Transfer by boat from Manda Airport can be arranged by your accommodation. Alternatively, catch a bus from Mombasa or Malindi to Lamu. This is the cheaper option.
Shela Hat Contest
Theme:
The Shela hat contest aims to give locals a fun opportunity to showcase their inventiveness and creativity – and be recognized for it. Every year since 2010, scores of Lamu’s inhabitants assemble at Peponi Beach parading their spectacular extempore headgear.
When:
Saturday 15th & 16th February, 2021
Where:
Peponi Beach, Shela, Lamu Island
Getting There:
Daily flights from Nairobi, Malindi and Mombasa serve Lamu. You can book flights on Skyward, Fly540, Fly-Sax, Silverstone, AirKenya and SafariLink. Transfer by boat from Manda Airport can be arranged by your accommodation. Alternatively, catch a bus from Mombasa or Malindi to Lamu. This is the cheaper option.
Kenya Sevens Series
The Kenya Rugby Seven Series is a significant festival for rugby fans.
The leagues and competitions are held in different venues throughout the country. Food and drinks are available with great music to keep the fans entertained.
When:
Throughout the year.
Click here for the Kenya Rugby Seven Series calendar.
Where:
Different venues throughout Kenya
The Pawa254 Festival
Theme:
The Pawa Festival is an annual street festival celebrated every December whereby a mix of artists such as dancers, musicians, actors and stylists seal off one section of Nairobi’s CBD and show off their talents to an audience filled with amazement.
When:
December 2021. Exact dates to be announced
Where:
Nairobi CBD
Theme:
Maralal International Camel Derby
Theme:
The Maralal International Camel Derby is one of the most celebrated festivals in Kenya and involves camel racing, cycling, and cultural performances by the Samburu people.
When:
August 2021. Exact dates to be announced
Where:
The Yare Camel Club In Maralal Town, Samburu County
The Rusinga Cultural Festival
Theme:
The Rusinga Cultural Festival has so many highlights and gives you a strong reason to visit Western Kenya if for no other reason.
This 2-day festival showcases the culture of the Suba peoples of Kenya when the island turns more buzzing with the arrival of its annual cultural festival.
When:
Every last Thursday and Friday before each Christmas
20th – 21st December, 2020
Where:
Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria
Lake Turkana Festival
Theme:
Lake Turkana Festival is a cultural festival of 14 communities from Northern Kenya, designed to allow the communities to mingle, share narratives, showcase their art work, traditional costumes, and perform dances; all with a bigger goal of promoting peace in the region.
When:
June 2021 (actual festival dates to be advised)
Where:
Loiyangalani, a small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana.
The Koroga Festival – Love Edition
Theme:
The Koroga Festival, organized by Capital Group Limited, is a celebration of African music, food, art and fashion brought to you in the form of a concert and open boutique market.
Aptly named after the Swahili word meaning “mix,” The Koroga Festival is a great reflection of Kenya’s brilliant and diverse local talent, whilst also attracting leading artists from all over the world through music,
fashion, food and arts.
When:
Where:
Leisure Gardens, Nairobi Mamba Village
Blankets and Wine
Theme:
Blankets and Wine is a significant festival among the creative community in Kenya that blends world-class performances with great music, art and food.
When:
JAN 05, 2021
Where:
Nairobi
The Nairobi Film Festival
Theme:
The Nairobi Film Festival is designed to showcase local films and enhance the cinema – going culture in Nairobi.
When:
2020 dates to be announced but usually last week of March/first week of April
Where:
Prestige Plaza Cinemas on Ngong Road
Nairobi Food Festival
Theme:
The Nairobi Food Festival is Kenya’s premier event for foodies and the must attend festival for an authentic experience of Local and International cuisines and an out-of this-world kind of entertainment.
When:
March, 2021
Where:
Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi
Kenya Kite Festival
Theme:
A must attend festival in Kenya for kite flyers and kite enthusiasts.
When:
TBC
Where:
Nairobi Polo Club (near Jamhuri show ground)
Safaricom International Jazz Festival
Theme:
The Safaricom International Jazz Festival is a must attend festival in Kenya for jazz fans and enthusiasts sponsored by Safaricom.
When:
February 2021
Where:
Kasarani Training Center, Nairobi
Kilifi New Year
Kilifi New Year is a contemporary African alternative and electronic music festival held under the stars and in the shade of thousand-year-old Baobabs in Kilifi town on the coast of Kenya from 30th December 2020 to 2nd January 2021.
Set on 20 acres of pristine lush plateau, home to secret wild orange and lemon orchards, bamboo forests, in the upper reaches of Takaungu Creek on the Indian Ocean, Kilifi New Year is a melting pot of global cultures, a brilliant source of inspiration and a haven for freedom of expression, with a strong commitment to conscious living and sustainability.
The Rhino Charge
Theme:
When:
Where:
If you’re looking for fun must-see must attend festivals in 2021 in Kenya, you now have a basis to begin your planning. So, which of these festivals are you looking forward to eagerly?
Have you attended any of these cultural festivals in Kenya? Our readers can’t wait to hear all about your experience! Share with us in the comment section below.
