From Swahili pageantry to high-octane urban music shows and desert camel races, Kenya’s festival scene is as diverse as the country itself. Here are some of our favorites.

With more than 40 ethnic groups and a population that embraces tradition and innovation in equal measure, Kenya’s cultural events are much more than spectacles – they’re reflections of identity, resistance, and celebration. Here are a few that are well worth planning around…

Lamu Cultural Festival

Section Type: standardWidthImageS

Waterfront at the old town of Lamu.

Set in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lamu, on an island off Kenya’s northeastern coast, the Lamu Cultural Festival celebrates the Swahili culture with traditional dances, dhow sailing races, donkey races, henna art, and poetry readings. For four days in November, Lamu's narrow coral-stone alleyways, mosques, and seafront fill with music and color as residents and visitors honor centuries-old traditions.

The festival is a celebration of Swahili heritage, shaped by centuries of trade between East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. You’ll hear taarab music echoing through the streets, watch artisans carving intricate wooden doors, and sample local dishes like biryani and mahamri.

During the festival, Lamu becomes a space of cultural dialogue. Events like the Swahili poetry competition bring together elders and youth in a shared celebration of language, identity, and art. As an added bonus, the setting – Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town – is arguably one of the most atmospheric in East Africa.

Koroga Festival

Section Type: imageOnLeftParagraphToRight

Taking its name from the Swahili word koroga, meaning “to stir,” Koroga Festival is a melting pot of pan-African music, fashion, art, and food. Born in Nairobi it has grown to become one of the region’s most beloved lifestyle events, attracting thousands of fans to each edition.

Traditional Giriama musicians from Mijikenda community performing at Koroga Festival. (Photo: Mbaluka1, Giriama culture at Koroga Festival, CC BY-SA 4.0)

What makes Koroga unique is its fusion of traditional African roots and contemporary culture. One weekend you might see Salif Keita from Mali; the next, Kenyan Gengetone and Afro-pop stars like Sauti Sol or Nadia Mukami. The lineup regularly features continental legends as well as emerging artists, and the atmosphere feels more like a lively block party than a conventional concert.

But it’s not just about the music. Koroga has become a hub for Nairobi’s creative class – from fashionistas and foodies to photographers and podcasters. Art installations, food trucks, craft stalls, and pop-up restaurants create an immersive sensory experience.

Each edition has a different theme or venue, ranging from Nairobi Arboretum to waterfront stages at Garden City Mall. Occasionally the festival ventures beyond the Kenyan capital. Keep an eye on their social media for the latest lineup announcements and ticket drops.

Maralal Camel Derby

Section Type: standardWidthImageS

Camels storm in the race at Samburu, Kenya. (Photo: Sipee Kaphle, Maralal Camel Derby, CC BY-SA 4.0)

If you’re looking for something wildly different, the Maralal Camel Derby in Kenya’s rugged north is a one-of-a-kind experience. Held every August, the event brings together local communities (especially the Samburu, Pokot, and Turkana) as well as adventurers from around the world to race camels across dusty plains.

But the camel race is just the start. The derby includes traditional dances, wrestling competitions, spear-throwing contests, and vibrant cultural exhibitions. Local beadwork, fashion, and storytelling sessions help showcase the deep cultural heritage of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.

What makes the Camel Derby so compelling is the intersection of sport, culture, and tourism. Visitors are encouraged to explore surrounding wilderness areas, including the nearby Yamicha Forest or Samburu National Reserve, while also engaging directly with host communities.

Proceeds from the event often go toward supporting peacebuilding and conservation efforts in the region, making it a rare festival where culture and cause converge.

Section Type: standardWidthImageS

Lake Turkana is located in Northern Kenya.

Other festivals worth checking out:

• Lake Turkana Cultural Festival: Held in Loiyangalani, a remote outpost on the shores of Lake Turkana, every June, this event brings together over 14 ethnic groups from northern Kenya in a powerful display of cultural unity and diversity.

• Nairobi Film Festival: Every March, this celebration of African and global cinema showcases emerging Kenyan filmmakers and thought-provoking documentaries.

• Storymoja Festival: A literary and arts event promoting reading, writing, performance, and public dialogue. Find out more here.

• Blankets & Wine: This premium picnic-style music festival featuring top African acts and gourmet food experiences is held quarterly.