whats on nairobi


Tuesday 5th May	Tuesday 5th May	Tuesday 5th May	Tuesday 5th May	Tuesday 5th May

Wednesday 6th May	Wednesday 6th May	Wednesday 6th May	Wednesday 6th May	Wednesday 6th May

Thursday 7th May	Thursday 7th May	Thursday 7th May	Thursday 7th May	Thursday 7th May

Friday 8th May	Friday 8th May	Friday 8th May	Friday 8th May	Friday 8th May

Friday 8th May	Friday 8th May

Tuesday 5th May 2026
Goethe-Institut Library
Book Launch And Diskussion - The New Carthaginians by Nick Makoha

For an evening of poetry, reflection and conversation as we celebrate the launch of The New Carthaginians - a poetry collection exploring identity, exile and the 1976 Entebbe airport hijacking through a fragmented, surreal lens by Nick Makoha.🎉 It features the poet, a Black Icarus and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat as they navigate a world where time is out of joint, blending personal history with myth.

Wednesday 6th May 2026
The Wine & Bottle Kileleshwa Olenguruone Rd
Wine and Wit Quiz Night

Saturday 9th May 2026
Clubhouse Trademark Hotel
Carnaval Latino - Day Party

Step into a vibrant celebration of culture, rhythm, and joy at Carnaval Latino - an immersive daytime experience bringing the authentic spirit of Latin America to the heart of the city. Feel the energy of live Salsa, Cumbia, and Reggaeton, be captivated by dazzling street dancers in full carnival flair, and indulge in a rich culinary journey featuring authentic Latin street food. From electrifying music to interactive cultural showcases, this is more than just a party - it's a celebration of Latin excellence.

9th & 10th May 2026
Trademark Hotel Villawge Market
Divalicious - Pop Up Fashion Exhibition

29th to 31st May 2026
Village Market
Celebrating Africa

This May, join us as we honour the spirit of Africa Day, a celebration of unity, culture, creativity, and the incredible diversity of our continent.
From 29th - 31st May 2026, Village Market transforms into a vibrant African experience filled with:
* Live music, DJs and cultural performances
* Delicious African food experiences
* Maasai Market treasures and authentic crafts
* Made in Africa Pop-Up Market featuring fashion, textiles, home decor & lifestyle brands
Share this with someone you would love to experience this with and come celebrate Africa at Village Market.

STAGE / MOVIE / ENTERTAINMENT - click on poster to enlarge

2nd & 3rd May 2026
Kenya National Theatre
Last Seen

9th & 10th May 2026
Kenya National Theatre
Haki Ya Nani?

Haki ya Nani? is a two character drama set in the aftermath of violent street protest in Nairobi. In a cold interrogation room, Inspector Wanjiru, a weary police officer questions Lucy, a defiant activist arrested during the chaos. What begins as a formal interrogation unravels into a tense intimate confrontation between two women separated by class, age, and uniform - butbound by shared pain and survival. As truths surface, Lucy learns that Wanjiru was on duty during the protest where her brother was killed and Wanjiru is forced to confront her complicity in a broken system. Through anger, confession and reluctant empathy, both women discover that they are not enemies, but reflections of each other - victims of the same corrupt structure that pits citizen against servant. By the end, one must decide whether to obey the system or defy it. and both must face what freedom truly costs.Haki ya Nani will be staged at Kenya National Theatre, Cheche Gallery on the 9th and 10th of May.

Friday 8th May 2026
Muze Club Westlands
Konpa Night with Credor Dancer

Konpa Night is a celebration of Konpa, the smooth and soulful partner dance and music culture that comes from Haiti and carries a distinctly Caribbean warmth, rhythm, and sensuality. Konpa is about connection, musicality, and flow, creating a dance experience that feels both deeply social and personal. Konpa, also spelled Compas, emerged in Haiti in the 1950s, most famously shaped by Nemours Jean-Baptiste, who helped formalize it as a modern Haitian dance music style. It grew out of earlier Haitian musical traditions and was influenced by Caribbean rhythms, jazz, and merengue, but developed its own unmistakable identity through steady rhythm, flowing melodies, and a strong, elegant pulse made for partner dancing. Over time, Konpa became one of Haiti’s most iconic cultural exports, spreading across the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and North America.

1st to 3rd May 2026
Braeburn Theatre Gitanga Rd
Mapenzi Wewe

What happens when two of Kenya’s most compelling creative voices step into one fully scripted production? Mapenzi Wewe. Rooted in the rhythm of Nairobi - its softness and its edge - this concept show blends poetry, live music, and raw storytelling into a 90-minute emotional journey that will make you laugh, reflect, ache… and maybe even call someone after. “Mapenzi wewe” - a phrase we know too well.Affection. Frustration. Longing. Devotion. The kind of words that live in our streets, our texts, our silences. Through a carefully crafted theatrical narrative, Gufy Dox and Billy Black explore love in all its forms - romantic, filial, ancestral, selfless, complicated. Tender where it needs to be. Honest where it must be. Three nights only. Limited seating. Early Bird tickets are now on sale. Don’t hear about this one after it’s over.

Saturday 9th May 2026
Amee Arcade, Parklands Road Westlands
Setlist Vol 1

SETLIST Vol. 1 is a curated listening experience presented by PIED EVENTS, the experiential arm of PIED Magazine. This is not a club night. This is an intentional, genre-bending session built around sequencing, mood, and storytelling through sound. Across 2hrs 30min of experience, SETLIST moves through Electronic Music, Modern R&B, Experimental Hip-Hop, and Trap - carefully selected, mixed, and paced to feel immersive rather than chaotic.

Saturday 9th May
Suave Kitchen and Social Club
An Evening with the Masters Xabiso Wili | Slim Shaka

An Evening with the Masters brings together two defining voices of African spoken word for a one-night-only experience in Nairobi. Headlining the night is Xabiso Vili, South Africa’s three-time National Slam Champion and the 2022 World Poetry Slam Champion. Renowned for his fearless, genre-defying performances, Vili’s work exists in the tension between rage and tenderness - unfiltered, unapologetic, and deeply human. Sharing the stage is Slim Shaka, one of Kenya’s most respected spoken word artists. A Slam Africa Champion and finalist at the 2023 World Poetry Slam Championships, Slim Shaka is a foundational voice in Nairobi’s slam movement. His performances—layered in multiple languages and sharp political insight - have earned him legendary status across East Africa and beyond. This is more than a show. It’s a meeting of craft, culture, and conviction. A space where words become experience.

Saturday 16th May
The Academy of Dance and Arts Karen
Murder on the Titanic

You are invited to join the First Class Gala Dinner on the Titanic steam ship as it makes its maiden voyage across the Atlantic in 1912. BUT...tragedy strikes and you witness a MURDER! You and the other guests on your table will interview the murder suspects over dinner to help solve the mystery, as the Titanic sails you in complete safety to New York! Tickets include 3 course buffet dinner and welcome cocktail. Come dressed in a Titanic theme - remember you are in 1912! Prize for best costume! Explore you inner Kate Winslet or Leonardo DiCaprio!

Sunday 10th May 2026
Nairobi Street Kitchen
Nairobi Market Brunch

Discover Nairobi's most innovative brands, artists and makers, and explore new ways to embrace intentional living. More to be announced...

Every Sunday
K1 Klub House
K1 Flea Market

Every Friday
Village Market
Maasai Market

1st to 3rd May 2026
The Hub Karen
Labour Day Weekend Pop Up Market

Every Tuesday & Wednesday
Westgate Shopping Center
Maasai Market

We are coming back again bigger and better from 6th Jan, 2026. Add a touch of heritage to your style. Shop the Maasai Market at Westgate.

Every Saturday
KSPCA Langata Rd
KSPCA Market

1st to 3rd May 2026
C�line & Lolo 61Kabarsiran Ave
Labour Day Pop Up Market

C�line & Lolo, in partnership with Powered by People, is opening its gates for a three-day Labour Day Pop-Up Market and it�s the kind of plan you�ll want to bring the whole crew to. Browse a curated selection of vendors for all ages set across the garden lawn, then settle in for brunch, lunch, or dinner at Bistro Lolo. Cool off by the pool, or find your spot with a cocktail in hand and let the afternoon unfold at its own pace. On Friday, don�t miss Happy Hour from 5�7pm with 2 for 1 cocktails, the perfect way to ease into the weekend and turn it into a proper evening out.

9th & 10th May 2026
Shamba Events
Artisan Makers Market: May Souk

Every Sunday
Yaya Centre Argwings Kodhek Rd Rooftop Parking
Maasai Market

Your Sundays just got brighter at the Yaya Maasai Market! Wander through rows of stunning beadwork, chic handmade jewellery, bold fabric prints, art, crafts, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won't find anywhere else. Meet the artisans, shop local, and experience a marketplace full of life, colour, and creativity. Whether you're gifting, decorating, or treating yourself - the perfect find is waiting for you every Sunday at Yaya. #ygoanywhereelse? #yayacentre #masaimarket #sundays

15th Feb. to 13th June 2026
Karen Village Ngong Rd
Art Competition

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES VIA EMAIL TO: MANAGEMENT@KAREN-VILLAGE.COM
Present a single piece of artwork Offer an explanation and analysis of itShare a brief biography of no more than 15 words about yourself. PRIZES TO BE WON: Paid Supply of Art Material. Art Exhibition at Karen Village Residency at Karen Village 1865 Meal VoucherTop 12 entries to be in the Calender. WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED ON 30TH AUG 2026.

Every Saturday
Karen Village Ngong Rd
Sip And Graffiti

18th April to 6th May 2026
Rooftop Gallery Village Market
„Ancestral Grain“ Solo Exhibition by Gakunju Kaigwa

22nd to 24th May 2026
Nairobi National Museum
The 20th Affordable Art Show

The Affordable Art Show is the largest art show in East Africa, showcasing the work of new and established artists in the region. This is the 20th edition of the show! Over 400 artists will participate with about 800 works on display. The artists range from first time exhibitors to established artists who have exhibited internationally. This is a juried show, with prices set during a discussion between the artist and the jury which includes the Curator of Art at the National Museums of Kenya. A percentage of the sale price of each artwork goes to the Kenya Museum Society to fund projects at museums in Kenya.
Full Programme: https://www.kenyamuseumsociety.org/the-20th-affordable-art-show/. Entrance times on the opening night are staggered to avoid overcrowding. Once in, please stay as long as you wish until closing