What's on in Addis
Hikes, gigs, markets and meetups — curated and checked, updated regularly.
Japan & Jazz: Chonmage Japan with Yedesta Jazz Band
Wed, Aug 26 · 7:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, near Meskel Square (NOT the Kazanchis Fendika Cultural Center)
A one-night cultural exchange hosted by Fendika in partnership with the Embassy of Japan and Hyatt Regency, pairing visiting Japanese group Chonmage Japan with the local Yedesta Jazz Band, plus demonstrations of Japanese culture. Doors open 7:00 PM, DJ set 8:00 PM, live performance from 9:00 PM. Yedesta holds a weekly Wednesday jazz residency at Fendika's stage at the Hyatt Regency, so expect a polished ethio-jazz backdrop to the Japanese guest set.
400 birr
Jazz Tuesday at Bazra Coffee
Tue, Sep 1 · 6:00 PM · Bazra Coffee, Giant Eagle Building, Roosevelt Street (Mexico Square area), Addis Ababa
Bazra Coffee's weekly Jazz Tuesday turns the industrial-chic Mexico-area coffee shop into a live stage from 6 to 9 pm, usually featuring Finot Band and guest vocalists (recent editions billed TG Gofere) over classic jazz and acoustic sets, with the cafe's food and single-origin brews served through the show. 200 birr entrance. Recurring weekly night rather than an individually announced date — Bazra posts each week's edition on @bazracoffee (Instagram), so glance there on the day.
200 birr entrance
Friday Night at Fendika: Ethiocolor / Negarit Ethio-Jazz
Fri, Sep 4 · 9:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, near Meskel Square (Friday cultural nights relocated here after the Kazanchis club was lost to redevelopment in 2024)
Fendika's flagship Friday cultural night, now at its Hyatt Regency stage near Meskel Square: DJ sets of golden-era Ethiopian vinyl from around 9 pm, then Melaku Belay's Ethiocolor band — three generations of traditional musicians, singers and eskista dancers — taking over about 10 pm. Historically Fridays alternated between Ethiocolor and Teferi Assefa's Ethio-jazz band Negarit, though every dated 2026 show found so far features Ethiocolor. Recurring night — which band plays Sep 4 isn't individually announced, so check @fendikaculturalcenter on Instagram that day.
~100 birr cover (last published rate; may be higher now)