Major Events & Festivals in Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos Carnival

1. Lagos Carnival

Known for its vibrant costumes and lively parades, the Lagos Carnival is reminiscent of carnivals in Brazil, offering a taste of Nigerian culture. It promotes cultural unity and entertains viewers with spectacles of color and sound.
  • Costumes: Participants dress in elaborate, colorful costumes.
  • Participation: People from various cultural groups come together to celebrate.
  • Timing: Held annually during the Easter period.
Lagos International Jazz Festival

2. Lagos International Jazz Festival

This festival gathers local and international jazz musicians for live performances, creating a rich blend of sound and culture. It promotes music as a tool for community development and cultural exchange.
  • Venue: Various venues, offering different atmospheres for performances.
  • Lineup: Features international and local artists.
  • Accessibility: Tickets can be purchased in advance for convenience.
Eko International Film Festival

3. Eko International Film Festival

A platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their works, this festival promotes Nigeria's growing film industry. It provides opportunities for networking among global industry professionals.
  • Workshops: Offers film workshops for aspiring filmmakers.
  • Film Screenings: Screens a variety of films, including feature films and short films.
  • Networking: A chance to meet industry leaders and fellow filmmakers.
Felabration

4. Felabration

Held in honor of Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat legend, this week-long event celebrates music and activism. It keeps Fela's legacy alive and attracts fans from around the world.
  • Music: Features live performances by musicians influenced by Fela.
  • History: Offers tours of the New Afrika Shrine.
  • Celebration: Includes various arts and cultural activities.
Lagos Photo Festival

5. Lagos Photo Festival

Nigeria’s first international arts festival of photography, it showcases photography talents from across Africa. This festival enhances art appreciation and sparks conversations through the visual medium.
  • Exhibitions: Hosts diverse photography exhibitions.
  • Workshops: Educational opportunities with renowned photographers.
  • Locations: Takes place in different art spaces in Lagos.
Eyo Festival

6. Eyo Festival

Known for its elegant masquerades, the Eyo Festival is a unique cultural event tied to the Lagos’ historical traditions. It honors Lagos' history and enhances cultural heritage tourism.
  • Masquerades: Features the white-clad Eyo masquerades.
  • Cultural Significance: Often associated with honoring the Oba of Lagos.
  • Occurrence: Held as part of significant Lagos events, sometimes unpredictably.
GTBank Fashion Weekend

7. GTBank Fashion Weekend

A unique fashion and shopping experience, this event showcases fashion trends and promotes the Nigerian fashion industry. It helps designers connect with global buyers.
  • Fashion Shows: Regular runway displays through the weekend.
  • Shopping: Retail stalls for designer collections.
  • Fashion Masterclasses: Learning sessions with industry experts.
Lagos Theatre Festival

8. Lagos Theatre Festival

Offers a platform for a diverse range of theatrical performances, promoting the arts and culture scene in Lagos. It solves the challenge of limited exposure for local theatrical talent.
  • Performances: Mix of traditional and modern plays.
  • Venues: Takes place in multiple unconventional spaces.
  • Workshops: Creative workshops for performers and directors.
Taste of Lagos Food Festival

9. Taste of Lagos Food Festival

A gastronomic event where you can sample local and international cuisines, solving the challenge of limited food variety experiences for visitors. It promotes culinary diversity and supports local chefs.
  • Cuisine: Features a wide array of food stalls.
  • Entertainment: Includes live music to accompany dining.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for visitors of all ages.
Art X Lagos

10. Art X Lagos

Africa's foremost art fair, it showcases contemporary African artists and provides a platform for art lovers and collectors. It boosts art sales and supports African artists.
  • Exhibitors: Includes galleries and artists from across Africa.
  • Programming: Offers talks and interactive sessions.
  • Venue: Hosted in a central, accessible location.
Arise Fashion Week

11. Arise Fashion Week

Renowned for bringing together top designers in Africa, it seeks to revolutionize the African fashion industry. It gives designers international exposure.
  • Designers: Features a lineup of acclaimed African designers.
  • Fashion Shows: Hosts elaborate runway events.
  • International Audience: Attracts attendees from around the world.
Wings of Art Festival

12. Wings of Art Festival

A celebration of both visual and performing arts aimed at fostering artistic talent in Lagos. It enhances accessibility to diverse forms of artistic expressions.
  • Art Exhibits: Displays works from upcoming and established artists.
  • Performances: Offers dance, music, and drama performances.
  • Workshops: Engages the community through art education.
Lagos Book and Art Festival

13. Lagos Book and Art Festival

Known for its literary focus, this event encourages book reading and literary discourse. It addresses the scarcity of literary hubs and networking opportunities for authors and readers.
  • Book Sales: Hosts a variety of book vendors.
  • Panel Discussions: Involves authors and literary critics.
  • Reading Activities: Includes read-aloud sessions for all ages.
One Lagos Fiesta

14. One Lagos Fiesta

Touted as the biggest crossover festival, it marks the end and beginning of each year with music, entertainment, and fireworks. Solves the lack of year-end festivities for families and tourists.
  • Duration: Runs for multiple days across Lagos.
  • Concerts: Nightly music concerts featuring popular artists.
  • Locations: Takes place in various neighborhoods for greater reach.
MUSON Festival

15. MUSON Festival

Hosted by the Musical Society of Nigeria, it promotes classical and contemporary music appreciation. Offers an educational platform for budding musicians.
  • Concerts: Features a range of musical genres.
  • Venue: Held at the prestigious MUSON Centre.
  • Music Competitions: Provides opportunities for local talent to shine.
AFRIFF (Africa International Film Festival)

16. AFRIFF (Africa International Film Festival)

Known for its focus on African filmmakers, this festival showcases films focusing on African stories. It challenges the global underrepresentation of African cinema.
  • Film Screenings: Includes features, shorts, and animated films.
  • Workshops: Offers skill development for industry professionals.
  • Awards: Recognizes outstanding achievements in film.
Quilox Pool Party

17. Quilox Pool Party

A luxury pool event known for its entertainment and high-energy atmosphere, providing a unique leisure experience in Lagos. It tackles the limited nightlife options for leisure seekers.
  • DJs: Features live performances from top DJs.
  • Drinks: Offers a wide selection of cocktails.
  • Crowd: Attracts an upscale, fashionable audience.
Lagos Jazz Series Festival

18. Lagos Jazz Series Festival

Aimed at jazz enthusiasts, this festival delivers high-quality jazz performances in a festive atmosphere. It contributes to the growth of Lagos’ vibrant music scene.
  • Intimate Venues: Offers shows in distinctive settings.
  • Variety: Mix of international and local jazz musicians.
  • Tickets: Advanced booking is encouraged due to venue sizes.
Lekki Sunsplash Festival

19. Lekki Sunsplash Festival

A beachside music festival celebrated for its relaxing environment and lively concerts. Solves the need for outdoor, nature-centered entertainment options.
  • Beach Vibes: Reggae and other laid-back music genres.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for all age groups.
  • Date-Dependent: Based on weather and organizer schedules.
Lagos City Marathon

20. Lagos City Marathon

Competitive and recreational runners participate in this race, attracting athletes worldwide and enhancing sports tourism. It addresses the lack of large-scale competitive running events.
  • Distance: Full marathon alongside other race options.
  • Participation: Open to both professional and amateur runners.
  • Spectators: Offers entertainment and cheering zones.