If your calendar for July 2025 is still looking dry like Harmattan lips, it’s time to wake up, my people. Africa is outside in full force this July, and the lineup of African events July 2025 is serving nothing but premium vibes. From music festivals that’ll have you dancing like nobody’s watching, to food fiestas that’ll leave you unbuckling your belt quietly — this is the month to soft life your way across the continent.
Whether you’re in Lagos dodging traffic, in Accra enjoying your waakye, in Nairobi sipping Dawa, or vibing in Jo’burg with some shisanyama, there’s a top African event happening near you. So if you’re looking for unforgettable African events in July 2025, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to the hottest festivals, concerts, arts fairs, and sports fixtures lighting up the motherland. Trust me — you don’t want to be caught slacking.
| Category | Event | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film & Arts | Rwanda International Film Festival | Kigali, Rwanda | Jul 23–30 |
| Performing Arts | National Arts Festival | Makhanda, SA | Jun 26–Jul 6 |
| Youth & Music | Giants of Africa Festival | Kigali, Rwanda | Jul 26–Aug 2 |
| Visual Arts | Congo Biennale | Kinshasa, Congo | Jul 7–Aug 30 |
| Music & Tourism | Kinshasa World Music & Tourism Festival | Kinshasa, Congo | Jul 16–18 |
| Rugby | Rugby Africa Cup | Kampala, Uganda | Jul 8–19 |
| Cricket | Pearl of Africa T20I Series | Entebbe, Uganda | Jul 16–28 |
1. Rwanda International Film Festival 📽️
July 23–July 30 | Kigali, Rwanda
For the film buffs and Instagram aesthetes, Kigali is the move. An entire week of African cinema, rooftop cocktail screenings, panel discussions, and chances to tell people you’re a “film enthusiast.” Bonus points if you randomly quote African classics at the afterparties.
2. National Arts Festival 🎭
🗓 June 26–July 6 | Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Formerly held in Grahamstown, this event is Africa’s largest performing arts festival—seriously, nearly 200,000 attendees! Think theatre, comedy, street dance, visual art exhibitions, film, foodie zones, and historical tours across the town. It’s literally world-class and chill at the same time!!
3. Giants of Africa Festival 🎶🏀
🗓 July 26–August 2 | Kigali, Rwanda
Giants of Africa for a reason! This cultural powerhouse is one of the hottest African events July 2025 and it blends youth basketball, community workshops, fashion showcases and even live concerts from Uncle Waffles, Kizz Daniel, Timaya and more. Hosted by Masai Ujiri’s youth initiative—it is truly an inspirational vibes for days.
4. Congo Biennale
🗓 July 7–August 30 | Kinshasa, DRC
This event transforms the entire Kinshasa into a living gallery—giant installations, immersive exhibitions, and bold contemporary art. If I dare say, it’s one creative explosion that’s putting Congolese artistry right at the core of Africa’s art scene.
5. World Music & Tourism Festival 🎤
🗓 July 16–18 | Kinshasa, DRC
Kinshasa is starting to sound like fun spot for African events July 2025, yeah? Well, even UNESCO agrees with you—they’ve decided to host the first-ever World Music & Tourism Festival in Congo’s heartthrob (all for the sweet Congolese Rumba, I promise you). It’s fresh and promising: global music acts, tourism panels, riverbank food fairs, and a spotlight on UNESCO-recognized Congolese Rumba. A sweet mix of cultural pride and serious fun!
Looking to register and purchase tickets to the event? We’ve got you covered, don’t stress it.
6. Durban July Horse Racing & Lifestyle Festival 🏇🏽
🗓 July 5 | Durban, South Africa
This is not your average “betting on horses” situation. Durban July is the Met Gala of Africa. Even if you don’t know a single thing about horse racing, you go for the fashion, the champagne, and the afterparty scenes. Everyone pulls up looking like money and stress-free living. Get your outfits ready — it’s giving premium drip.
7. Rugby Africa Cup 🏉
🗓 July 8–19 | Kampala, Uganda
This is the African rugby’s big battleground where eight national sides compete at Mandela National Stadium. It’s one feisty, loud, full‑throttle sports for those craving stadium energy.
8. Pearl of Africa T20I Series🏏
🗓 July 16–28 | Entebbe, Uganda
This year’s men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket tournament that will be played in Entebbe, Uganda, in July 2025. 16 matches, plenty of tense finishes—a real sports tourism potential for Uganda.
Bonus Events (Not in Africa, but Diaspora-adjacent)
- Afrikatage Landshut (Germany): July 4–6—Music, food, fashion from West & North Africa.
- Afrika‑Festival Stuttgart: July 10–13—20th anniversary, big on cultural celebration.
- Sommerfestival der Kulturen Stuttgart: July 15–20—Free entry, dance, world music, giant market.
- Afro Nation Portugal: July 9-11, Music and dance, it’s one of the biggest Afro concerts in Europe.
In a nutshell: outside choke!
Listen, African Events July 2025 are too hot to miss. This isn’t the month to be forming introvert. From parties to concerts to foodie vibes — outside is calling! Whether you want to dance, eat, vibe, stunt for the ‘gram, or casually link up with that crush from the last Detty December.
Pack your bags. Notify your squad. Book your tickets early. And please, drink water.
You’ve been warned.
