Festivals & events
40 celebrations through the year — pick a day to see what's on.
- New Year's Day (1 January · All regions · National) — Kenya's national public holiday marking the start of the new year with celebrations across all regions.
- Lake Nakuru Bird Festival (All January · Nakuru · Rift Valley & Lakes) — A celebration of the millions of flamingos and diverse birdlife at Lake Nakuru National Park, featuring guided walks and birdwatching compe…
- Mombasa Carnival (All February · Mombasa · Coastal Region) — A colorful street festival featuring floats, music, dance, and cultural performances celebrating Swahili and Kenyan heritage along the coas…
- Lamu Cultural Festival (All November · Lamu · Coastal Region) — A UNESCO-recognized festival celebrating Swahili culture through dhow races, music, traditional dances, and poetry on the historic island o…
- Good Friday (All March · All regions · National) — Kenya's national public holiday observing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marked by church services and religious processions nationwide.
- Easter Monday (All March · All regions · National) — National public holiday following Easter Sunday, celebrated with family gatherings and religious services across all communities.
- Nairobi International Book Fair (All March · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — East Africa's largest literary event showcasing authors, publishers, and literary talent with book launches, author talks, and cultural per…
- Labour Day (1 May · All regions · National) — Kenya's national public holiday honoring the contributions of workers with parades and commemorative events throughout the country.
- Kenya Day / Madaraka Day (1 June · All regions · National) — National holiday celebrating Kenya's independence and self-governance with parades, speeches, and flag-raising ceremonies across the nation.
- Nairobi Pride Festival (All June · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — East Africa's largest LGBTQ+ celebration featuring parades, cultural events, and advocacy activities promoting inclusivity and diversity.
- Maasai Olympics (All December · Amboseli National Park · Southeastern Savanna) — A unique sporting event replacing hunting traditions where Maasai warriors compete in athletics, with proceeds supporting wildlife conserva…
- Eid ul-Fitr (All April · All regions · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings especially in coastal and Muslim communi…
- Eid ul-Adha (All June · All regions · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — Major Islamic festival commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice, celebrated with animal slaughter, feasts, and family celebrations…
- Kenya Music Festival (All July · Multiple regions · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — A nationwide cultural competition featuring music, dance, drama, and visual arts at school and national levels, showcasing Kenya's diverse…
- Kisumu Wine and Food Festival (All July · Kisumu · Western Region) — A celebration of fine dining, wines, and culinary arts held in Kenya's lakeside city with cooking demonstrations and gourmet experiences.
- Uhuru Day (12 December · All regions · National) — Kenya's independence day national holiday commemorating independence from British rule with national celebrations, parades, and patriotic e…
- Lamu Stone Town Festival (All February · Lamu · Coastal Region) — A heritage festival celebrating the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lamu's architecture, history, and Swahili culture through tours and cultu…
- Mount Kenya Marathon (All October · Mount Kenya region · Central Eastern Highlands) — An annual marathon race circumnavigating Mount Kenya, attracting runners from worldwide while supporting local conservation and community d…
- Mara Marathon (All September · Maasai Mara · Southwestern Highlands) — A challenging marathon through the Maasai Mara National Reserve, combining sports with wildlife viewing and supporting conservation initiat…
- Nairobi Marathon (All October · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — Kenya's major urban marathon attracting elite runners and participants from across the globe to compete through Nairobi's diverse neighborh…
- Diani Festival (All November · Diani · Coastal Region) — A beach festival celebrating music, arts, food, and culture in the popular coastal resort town with live performances and water activities.
- Dar es Salaam to Mombasa Dhow Race (All February · Mombasa · Coastal Region) — A traditional sailing race between Tanzanian and Kenyan coasts celebrating centuries-old dhow sailing heritage and maritime culture.
- Bamboo Festival (All August · Kisii · Western Region) — A celebration of bamboo craftsmanship and sustainable practices in western Kenya, featuring artisan demonstrations and eco-friendly product…
- Kericho Tea Festival (All July · Kericho · Southwestern Highlands) — A celebration of Kenya's tea industry featuring tastings, factory tours, cultural performances, and crafts in the heart of tea country.
- Mombasa International Film Festival (All April · Mombasa · Coastal Region) — An East African film festival showcasing African cinema and international films with screenings, competitions, and industry events in Momba…
- Nairobi Design Week (All September · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — Africa's leading design event showcasing fashion, furniture, graphics, and innovative design from across the continent and internationally.
- Nairobi International Fashion Week (All October · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — East Africa's premier fashion event featuring designers showcasing contemporary African fashion, traditional wear, and emerging designers'…
- Swahili Festival (All May · Mombasa · Coastal Region) — A celebration of Swahili language, literature, music, and culture along the Kenyan coast honoring East Africa's maritime heritage.
- Turkana Week (All August · Lodwar · Northern Region) — A festival celebrating Turkana culture, traditions, and pastoral heritage with traditional dances, sports, and cultural displays in Lodwar.
- Samburu Warriors Cultural Festival (All July · Samburu region · Northern Region) — A celebration of Samburu pastoralist traditions featuring warrior dances, cultural competitions, and demonstrations of traditional crafts a…
- Nairobi Comic Con (All October · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — East Africa's largest comic and pop culture convention featuring comics, gaming, cosplay, film, and entertainment with international and lo…
- Kalimba International Music Festival (All May · Nairobi · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — A festival celebrating diverse music genres and local Kenyan artists with live performances, workshops, and cultural exchange in Nairobi.
- All Saints' Day (1 November · All regions · Nairobi & Central Highlands) — Religious observance celebrated by Christian communities nationwide honoring all saints with special church services and commemoration.
- Christmas Day (25 December · All regions · National) — Kenya's major national public holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with church services, family gatherings, and festivities nation…
- Boxing Day (26 December · All regions · National) — Kenya's national public holiday following Christmas, traditionally a day for family visits, shopping, and leisurely celebrations.
- Lake Naivasha Hot Air Balloon Safari (All February · Naivasha · Rift Valley & Lakes) — A year-round but popular early-year event offering hot air balloon rides over Lake Naivasha and surrounding landscapes at sunrise.
- Mwali Festival (All September · Pemba Island · Coastal Region) — A festival on Pemba Island celebrating Swahili women's heritage, traditions, and crafts with music, dance, and cultural exhibitions.
- Tana River Primate Festival (All June · Tana River · Eastern Rangelands) — A conservation-focused festival celebrating primate and wildlife protection along the Tana River with educational activities and community…
- Meru Music and Arts Festival (All August · Meru · Central Eastern Highlands) — A celebration of local music, traditional arts, and contemporary performances in Meru town featuring traditional and modern artists.
- Embu Cultural Festival (All September · Embu · Central Eastern Highlands) — A festival celebrating Embu community heritage, traditions, and crafts with cultural performances, traditional dances, and artisan demonstr…