Events in Lusaka

Events & Festivals in Lusaka

Your complete guide to what's happening throughout the year

Lusaka runs on events. Its calendar pulses with urban culture and genuine community spirit. Year round, you will catch music concerts, food gatherings, and cultural performances. Major festivals hit during the dry season from May to October when the weather cooperates. The scene delivers direct access to local life. Large public celebrations fill the showgrounds. Intimate theater productions happen downtown.

Peak event periods
  • Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show in July
  • Independence Day celebrations in late October
  • Festive season markets and events in December
  • Easter weekend family events in April
  • Lusaka International Jazz Festival in January
Public holidays in Lusaka: 29 September 2026 to 28 September 2027
  • 19 October 2026 National Day of Prayer
  • 26 October 2026 Independence Day
  • 25 December 2026 Christmas Day
  • 1 January 2027 New Year's Day
  • 8 March 2027 International Women's Day
  • 12 March 2027 Youth Day
  • 26 March 2027 Good Friday
  • 27 March 2027 Easter Saturday
  • 28 March 2027 Easter Sunday
  • 29 March 2027 Easter Monday
  • 28 April 2027 Kenneth Kaunda's Birthday
  • 3 May 2027 Labour Day
  • 25 May 2027 Africa Freedom Day
  • 5 July 2027 Heroes' Day
  • 6 July 2027 Unity Day
  • 2 August 2027 Farmers' Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close, and transport and prices can change around these dates.

January

🎵Lusaka International Jazz Festival

Dates vary yearly Mulungushi International Conference Centre
Book Ahead music

Zambian and international jazz musicians take the stage here. The festival lands in a large indoor venue. The crowd knows its music. Atmosphere stays relaxed. Artistry matters. Adults and serious enthusiasts will find their night out here.

Tip: Tickets vanish fast. Buy online immediately when sales open. Arrive early. Good seats matter. Some views get blocked.

February

🎭Traditional Dance Performances

Dates vary yearly Lusaka National Museum
cultural

Cultural troupes perform dances from Zambia's ethnic groups. The national theater or cultural center hosts them. These events teach heritage. They are lively. Tourists and locals attend.

Tip: Performances align with cultural holidays. Call ahead. Confirm timing. Avoid wasted trips.

🛒Lusaka Agricultural Market Day

Dates vary yearly Chilenje Community Hall
Free market

Farmers sell fresh produce, seeds, and homemade preserves at this seasonal market. A community center hosts it. Local agriculture gets the spotlight. The vibe is grounded and communal. Home cooks and health-focused shoppers come.

Tip: Quality produce goes fast. Come before noon. Bring reusable bags. Carry easily.

March

🎭Lusaka Book Fair

Dates vary yearly Mulungushi International Conference Centre
Free cultural

Publishers, authors, and booksellers promote reading here. Book signings happen. Children get reading sessions. Discussions run. A conference center holds the crowd. Students, families, and literary enthusiasts in Lusaka attend.

Tip: Bring a bag. You will buy books. Final day discounts hit hardest. Vendors want to clear stock.

🙏Holi Festival of Colors

Dates vary yearly Hindu Society Hall grounds
Free religious

Lusaka's Hindu community throws colored powders, dances, and plays music during this festival. Everyone is welcome. It is joyful, open-air, and photogenic. Good for energetic cultural seekers.

Tip: Wear old clothes. Stains are permanent. The colored powder is stubborn. Protective glasses help.

April

🎉Easter Family Funfair

Dates vary yearly Nembo Scenic Park
festival

Easter weekend brings games, rides, face painting, and food stalls. Children and families own this event. A recreational park in Lusaka sets the scene. Playful and communal. The day unwinds easily.

Tip: Bulk ride tickets save money at entry. Morning beats the heat. Morning beats the crowds.

🍽️Lusaka Street Food Festival

Dates vary yearly Kamwala Market area
Free food

Grilled meats, snacks, and nshima dominate this street food festival. Vendors keep prices low. The event is casual and open-air. It shows Lusaka's everyday food culture. Adventurous eaters and budget travelers fit here.

Tip: Hygiene varies. Pick busy stalls. Go with friends. Share dishes. Try more.

May

🎭Lusaka Arts Festival

Dates vary yearly Various venues in the Roma and Kabulonga areas
Free cultural

Visual arts, theater, and spoken word run for multiple days. Local artists perform in galleries and outdoor spaces. Creative energy dominates. Interactive crowds form. Art lovers and culture seeking families should mark their calendars.

Tip: Grab a printed program. Alliance Francaise and Henry Tayali Gallery stock them. Scattered venues demand navigation help.

🛒Lusaka Craft and Design Market

Dates vary yearly Kalimba Farms
Free market

Local artisans sell jewelry, textiles, pottery, and wood carvings monthly. Authentic souvenirs abound. The setting is relaxed. Gardens or courtyards host it. Shoppers find unique pieces here.

Tip: Vendors change monthly. Arrive early for best selection. Bargaining works. Stay polite.

June

⚽Lusaka Motor Show

Dates vary yearly Olympia Park
sports

Classic cars, modern vehicles, and motorcycles line up here. Stunt shows and test drives add action. A large outdoor venue contains the enthusiasm. Enthusiasts and families browse together. Automotive focus rules.

Tip: Stunt shows run on schedule. Check times. Claim your spot near the demonstration area early.

🎭Lusaka International Theatre Festival

Dates vary yearly Lusaka Playhouse
Book Ahead cultural

Plays, monologues, and experimental theater run for a week. Zambian and visiting companies perform. English and local languages feature. Dedicated theaters host it. The audience is thoughtful. Contemporary drama draws them.

Tip: Some plays have short runs. Buy early. Check the program. Secure your seats.

July

🎉Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show

Dates vary yearly Showgrounds
festival

This national exhibition dominates the showgrounds. Farmers, businesses, and industries display their work. Expect livestock competitions, product launches, and live entertainment. The crowd mixes families, professionals, and commerce curious tourists. Busy and educational. That is the mood.

Tip: The grounds sprawl. Wear comfortable shoes. Weekdays beat weekends for crowd levels. Visit then for breathing room.

🎭Umutomboko Ceremony

Dates vary yearly Cultural villages and community centers
Free cultural

The Lunda people honor their heritage here. Traditional dance, drumming, and symbolic rituals fill the program. Historical events get remembered. Visitors after authentic traditions will find depth here.

Tip: Contact the National Museums Board for Lusaka dates and venues. The main celebration happens elsewhere. Show respect during ceremonies.

🎵Lusaka Gospel Music Concert

Dates vary yearly National Heroes Stadium
Book Ahead music

Popular gospel artists from Zambia and beyond fill the stadium or church. Singing and worship uplift the crowd. Families and devoted fans travel across Lusaka for this.

Tip: Stadium traffic is brutal on concert nights. Take minibuses. Arrive one hour early.

August

🍽️Lusaka Food Festival

Dates vary yearly Lusaka Playhouse grounds
Free food

Restaurants, chefs, and food vendors converge here. Traditional Zambian dishes sit beside international flavors. Cooking demonstrations run alongside live music. Friends and families treat this as a social ritual. They come to eat.

Tip: Cash rules. Not every vendor takes cards. Late afternoon brings cooler temperatures and peak energy.

⚽Lusaka Triathlon

Dates vary yearly Lusaka Sports Club
Book Ahead sports

Swim, cycle, run. This triathlon happens at a recreational club in Lusaka. Competitive categories exist. Beginner distances too. The mood is tough but encouraging. Athletes and spectators gather.

Tip: The swim is pool-based. No open water. Spectators see the transition area clearly. Strategy develops there.

September

⚽Lusaka Marathon

Dates vary yearly Start and finish at Lusaka City Center
Book Ahead sports

Runners choose their distance here. Full marathon, half marathon, or fun runs. The route threads through major city streets. Local and international athletes line up. Spectators crowd sections of the course. Energy runs high. Participants and fans both fit.

Tip: Register months ahead. Slots disappear. On race day, use the park and ride services. Road closures will trap private cars.

🍽️Lusaka Beer Festival

Dates vary yearly Lusaka Polo Club
Book Ahead food

Craft beer tastings, food pairings, and live music fill this outdoor celebration. The crowd is young and social. It is a fixture of Lusaka's drinking scene. Good for curious palates.

Tip: Buy a tasting package. Sample multiple beers. Designate a driver. Use ride-hailing apps. The event encourages responsibility.

October

🎭Zambia International Film Festival

Dates vary yearly Ster-Kinekor at East Park Mall
Book Ahead cultural

African films screen here with Zambian productions center stage. Workshops and filmmaker discussions follow. A city cinema complex hosts the crowd. Film literate audiences gather. Regional storytelling and industry access draw them in.

Tip: The screening schedule drops close to opening. Decide your must sees. Book fast.

🎭Lusaka Fashion Week

Dates vary yearly Radisson Blu Hotel
Book Ahead cultural

Zambian and regional designers walk the runway with fresh collections. Trade exhibitions run alongside. This is a key date in Lusaka's fashion calendar. The crowd is stylish and industry-savvy.

Tip: Daytime trade shows and evening runtimes split the schedule. Check it. Book tickets for your preferred shows.

🎭Lusaka Poetry Slam

Dates vary yearly Déjà Vu Cafe
cultural

Poets perform original work on stage. Social and personal themes dominate. Cafes or small theaters host it. Lusaka's creative youth gather. The audience is engaged.

Tip: The space is small. Arrive early. Get a seat. The performances hit hard. The atmosphere intensifies.

November

🎭Lusaka Comedy Night

Dates vary yearly Protea Hotel by Marriott
Book Ahead cultural

Stand up comedians from Zambia and across Africa perform here. English and local languages both work. Hotel lounges and theaters host the shows. Informal and lively. Adults after nightlife will find their spot.

Tip: Front tables catch the most action. Book one. Shows start late. Plan for it.

🎉Lusaka Charity Gala Dinner

Dates vary yearly InterContinental Lusaka
Book Ahead festival

A multi-course dinner, auctions, and speeches support local charities. This formal gala happens at a top hotel. Business leaders and expatriates attend. The night is elegant. The cause is worthy.

Tip: Corporates buy tables. Individual tickets are scarce. Check the charity's website. Ask early.

December

🛒Christmas Night Market

Dates vary yearly Arcades Shopping Centre
Free market

Handicrafts, decorations, clothing, and festive foods fill this evening market. A popular shopping complex hosts the seasonal rush. Holiday shoppers arrive cheerful. Locals prepare for celebrations. Visitors hunt souvenirs.

Tip: Weekends crush. Weekday evenings ease the crowd. Parking frustrates. Take a taxi instead.

🎵Zambia Music Awards

Dates vary yearly Government Complex
Book Ahead music

Zambian music achievements get celebrated here. Nominated artists perform live. Glamour and tickets required. Industry professionals and fans fill the room. Music from Lusaka and beyond gets its due.

Tip: Dress code applies strictly. This is formal. Official websites and select retail outlets in Lusaka sell tickets.

Tips for Attending Events

Practical advice to help you get the most out of local events and festivals.

1

May to October brings dry, sunny days and cool nights. Good for outdoor events. November to April is wet. Afternoon downpours may disrupt plans.

2

Book popular Lusaka events early. Use official websites or trusted agents. Capacity fills fast.

3

Traffic jams hit hard near Showgrounds and stadiums. Leave extra time. Motorcycle taxis work for short hops.

4

Carry cash and mobile money. Small vendors at markets and food festivals often skip cards.

5

Layer up for evening events. Temperatures plunge after dark. June and July nights get cold.

6

Respect local customs at cultural and religious events. Ask before photographing people or ceremonies. Most locals appreciate the courtesy. Some will say no. Honor that.

Event Categories

Browse events by type to find what interests you.

🎉
festival

Major public celebrations and large-scale community events draw crowds with varied activities.

🎭
cultural

Arts, heritage, theater, dance, literature, and traditional performances take center stage.

⚽
sports

Athletic competitions, races, and exhibitions welcome participants and spectators alike.

🛒
market

Seasonal or regular vendor gatherings sell goods, crafts, or produce, usually outdoors.

🙏
religious

Observances and celebrations tied to specific faiths and spiritual practices.

🎵
music

Concerts, festivals, and awards ceremonies centered on musical performance.

🍽️
food

Cuisine, drink, and culinary skill shine here, from street food to formal tastings.

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