October in Nairobi is a vibe. It is the beginning of the end-of-year festivities. The city is full of life and pomp with events like Oktoberfest and Halloween Carnivals. Whether you are looking for inspiration, a mental break or laughter, you have every reason to be outside. Here are five must-do experiences in Nairobi this October.
1. Catch A Play.
The theatre is calling, and it’s time to answer. If you love live stories told with heart, Kenya National Theatre and The Alliance Franciase are the places to be this month. From solo instrumental performances to spoken word, comedy, and drama, the Nairobi stages are alive with emotions and energy.
You don’t want to miss plays like Bildad Kaggia, which tells the story of a man who fought for Kenya’s Independence, or a transformative dance performance titled Shujaa Stories by Dance Centre Kenya, which celebrates Kenyan heroes through dance and oral narrations.
Bonus Tip: Arrive early and mingle with fellow art lovers; you never know who you’ll meet.
2. Visit Art Exhibitions and Galleries.
October is a feast for the eyes. Art lovers, Nairobi’s creative spaces are bustling with exhibitions that will feed your soul. Here are art shows you won’t want to miss:
- A Million Footpaths. It is a cinematic visual collaboration with Saraba, hosted at the National Museum’s Creativity Gallery, running every day from 8th to 31st October.
- The Affordable Art Show is at the Nairobi National Museum until the end of October. The show displays works from top and emerging Kenyan artists, and of course, you can actually buy the art and add it to your home collection.
- You can also visit Circle Art Gallery, Kuona Trust, or Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) for rotating exhibitions, late-night viewings, and artist talks.
Stroll between galleries, linger over works that whisper to you and become part of Nairobi’s vibrant art conversation.
Bonus Tip: Visiting art galleries is the foundation of an epic day/night out. Go with the flow.
3. Yoga In the Park.
Find your inner calm by attending a yoga in the park session. Imagine this: the morning light filtering through trees, and you can feel the scent of the earth in the air while lying on your mat rolled out on the grass.
“Yoga in the Park Nairobi” events happen throughout October in serene spots like Karura Forest, Uhuru Park and The Nairobi Arboretum. There are sunrise and sunset sessions with curated themes like Mindful October Flow or Sunset Stretch Sundays.
We recommend keeping tabs on KenyaBuzz Events for updated yoga schedules.
Bonus Tip: Bring bug spray, a water bottle and an open heart.
4. The NBO Film Festival.
If you are a movie lover, the Nairobi Film Festival (NBO Film Fest) is your cinematic highlight of the month. The festival runs from October 16 to 26th. Over 25 films from across Africa and beyond will be showcased at various venues.
This is the festival’s sixth edition, and you can look forward to the Opening Night Gala and the Wrap Party. If you miss any of those, you can also attend the Closing Night Ceremony. If you are interested in the film industry, this will be a good opportunity to network and pitch your film idea.
Another fan favourite is the “Short Shorts & Shots” night on October 1, where you can sip cocktails while watching an award-winning short film. You can check the full schedule and tickets at NBO.
Bonus Tip: Many movie screenings sell out fast, so grab your tickets early.
4. A Halloween Carnival Experience.
End the month with a bang and a little scare! The Halloween Carnival at Village Market will take place on Saturday, October 25, and it is one of the city’s most anticipated themed events.
The Halloween carnival is an excellent place to show off your Halloween costume. It is a time to bring fiction into life. The event will be well-decorated with spooky décor, trick-or-treat lanes, and a haunted maze. There will be live artist performances and different DJ sets, delicious food stalls, and pop-up bars.
5. Attend A Concert.
Nairobi’s nightlife never disappoints. A concert is all you need to mark Oktoberfest. Don’t let the Kulture Throwback Experience at Carnival grounds pass you by. It is an opportunity to see many of your favourite Kenyan Old School musicians on stage.
Follow Kenya Buzz, Inn Nairobi, and eGotickets to find out where the buzz is at. You bet there is something new and fresh every weekend. Towards the end of the month, ensure you catch the Big Voices Fest, which highlights a mixture of Kenyan sounds from Arbantone, Mugithi, and Afrobeat.
Here’s how to make the most of October in Nairobi:
- Mix your itinerary. A little bit of everything is good.
- Plan early; tickets go by very fast.
- Dress smart for evenings and chilly nights.
- Follow social handles. Events get rescheduled sometimes, so keep yourself updated.
- Visit small venues. Intimate spaces like community theatres and studios often host unannounced gems.❤️
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
