Guide

African Music, Film and Arts Festivals

Africa's festivals celebrate music, film, fashion and art. Here are some of the best known. Dates move from year to year, so always check the official festival website before planning a trip.

The headquarters building of the FESPACO film festival in Ouagadougou

FESPACO headquarters, Ouagadougou: Sputniktilt, CC BY-SA 3.0

FestivalWhereWhatUsual timing
FESPACOOuagadougou, Burkina FasoFilmEvery two years, usually February or March
Sauti za BusaraStone Town, Zanzibar, TanzaniaMusicUsually February
Cape Town International Jazz FestivalCape Town, South AfricaMusicUsually March or April
Lake of StarsLake Malawi shore, MalawiMusic and artsVaries
FelabrationLagos, NigeriaMusic, celebrating Fela KutiUsually October
Chale Wote Street Art FestivalAccra, GhanaStreet art and performanceUsually August
MawazineRabat, MoroccoMusicUsually June
Lagos Fashion WeekLagos, NigeriaFashionUsually October

Read more

Film

FESPACO

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Music, celebrating Fela Kuti

Felabration

Lagos, Nigeria.

Timings are typical and can change. Check official sources and travel advice before you go.

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Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 13, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.

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