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Irreecha Thanksgiving Festival — Hora Finfinne

Ended ·Sat, Oct 3 · 12:00 PM · Hora Finfinne, around Peacock Park / Bole area lakeshore, Addis Ababa

Irreecha is the Oromo people's great thanksgiving, marking the end of the rainy season: millions dressed in dazzling cultural attire dip fresh grass and daisies into the sacred waters of Hora Finfinne in gratitude to Waaqa (God). The Addis Ababa celebration is traditionally held on the Saturday, with the historic main gathering at Hora Harsadi in Bishoftu the following day. Rituals start early in the morning; roads around the site close and crowds are enormous, so go at first light with a local guide if possible. Note: the 2026 date is still an estimate based on the festival's late-September/early-October pattern (2025 was Oct 4-5) — confirm locally closer to the date.

Free

Meskel Demera Bonfire at Meskel Square

Ended ·Sat, Sep 26 · 3:00 PM · Meskel Square, central Addis Ababa

Demera is the UNESCO-listed eve-of-Meskel bonfire ceremony: on 26 September 2026 (Meskel itself falls Sunday the 27th), hundreds of thousands fill Meskel Square as robed priests, deacons and Sunday-school choirs process with candles and chants around a giant daisy-decked pyre, which the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church lights around sunset. It commemorates the bonfire that, in tradition, led Empress Helena to the True Cross. Arrive by mid-afternoon — the square fills hours before the roughly 6 pm lighting, security screening lines are long, and standing room near the pyre goes fast; the smoke direction the next morning is traditionally read as an omen for the year.

Free

World Tourism Day 2026 Celebration

Ended ·Thu, Sep 24 · 9:00 AM · Addis Ababa Science Museum (Ethiopia Museum of Art and Science), Arat Kilo area

A conference-style celebration ahead of the UN's official World Tourism Day (27 September), which the organizer 'ETHCAN Events' bills as a three-day program (24-26 September) at the Addis Ababa Science Museum under an AI-and-digital-tourism theme. The organizer claims Ministry of Tourism and African Union partnerships, but the event exists only on a self-hosted promotional page with placeholder statistics and a Gmail registration address, and no local press or government source mentions it. Treat as unverified until covered by Ethiopian media; registration is free-form via the organizer's page.

Enkutatash — Ethiopian New Year 2019 E.C.

Ended ·Fri, Sep 11 · 12:00 AM · Citywide — churches, homes and public squares across Addis Ababa

Enkutatash ('gift of jewels') is Ethiopian New Year — Meskerem 1 in the Ethiopian calendar — welcoming the year 2019 E.C. on 11 September 2026, just as the rains end and the hills turn gold with adey abeba daisies. Expect morning church services, families sharing doro wat and injera, and children singing 'Abebayehosh' door to door with bouquets of flowers; hotels and cultural restaurants across Addis put on special New Year programs. It's a public holiday, so many businesses close, and the festive buildup in markets like Shola and Merkato in the preceding days is a spectacle in itself.

Free

Ethiopian New Year's Eve Concert with Hebist Tiruneh at Black Pearl

Ended ·Thu, Sep 10 · 9:00 PM · Black Pearl Lounge, Djibouti Street (behind Bole High School)

Black Pearl Lounge rings in Enkutatash with a live New Year's Eve performance by Ethiopian vocalist Hebist Tiruneh.

Beyond the Screen with Giovanni Rico

Ended ·Tue, Sep 8 · 8:00 PM · Satchmo Center, U.S. Embassy

A session with Giovanni Rico, bassist and founding member of Roha Band, covering his nearly five-decade career in Ethiopian music.

Free (registration required)

Anicon 2018 — Anime Convention

Ended ·Sun, Sep 6 · 11:00 AM · WeVenture Hub, near Dembel City Center

Valeria Events' anime convention named for the Ethiopian year 2018: anime game show, cosplay, manga exhibition and merch stalls, timed for the last weekend before Ethiopian New Year.

399–599 ETB (early bird / waves)

The Last Saturday

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 11:30 PM · Velvet Rooftop Lounge

An Afrobeat and Amapiano music event featuring a lineup of seven DJs starting late night.

300 ETB

The Last Saturday — Afrobeat & Amapiano Night

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 5:30 PM · Velvet Rooftop Lounge

Afrobeat and Amapiano music event featuring seven DJs: Pointer, Kidus, FNT, Apollo, DJ Prince, DJ Yab, and DJ Papii.

300 birr (single), 1200 birr (5-person group), 2500 birr (10-person group)

Poetic Saturdays at Fendika

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 1:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, near Meskel Square

Poetic Saturdays is a grassroots first-Saturday-of-the-month open-mic for poetry and creative performance, hosted by Fendika since 2016 — typically an afternoon session (recent editions started around 1 pm), mostly in Amharic but explicitly open to any language; The Reporter documented performances in English, Oromiffa and even Chinese, and curious visitors are welcome to watch or read. Caveat: Fendika lost its original Kazanchis home in 2024 and its regular concerts moved to the Hyatt Regency, and no 2026 session of Poetic Saturdays has been independently confirmed — verify via facebook.com/poeticsaturdays or @fendikaculturalcenter before going.

Free (open-mic; Fendika has historically provided the space at no charge)

MOTION: PULSE — Last Saturday of the Ethiopian Year

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 12:00 PM · Elmos Hotel, Gabon St

Exora Events closes out the Ethiopian year with MOTION: PULSE, a party on the final Saturday before Enkutatash at Elmos Hotel.

599 ETB early bird

Jubilation Africa — Celebration of African Rhythm & Culture

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 12:00 PM · The Venue Warehouse

Chimp Event & Promotion's Afrocentric party bringing fashion, dance, music and art together for what the organizers call the grand finale of the year, with Miss Panda and DJ Joe on the decks.

Nocturnal at Anki Plaza

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 12:00 PM · Anki Plaza, Dembel (near Aberus Complex)

A 21+ club night at Anki Plaza near Dembel City Center on the last Saturday before Ethiopian New Year.

800 ETB, 21+

Enkutatash Market – Ethiopian New Year Bazaar

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 12:00 PM · Friendship Park Phase Two (in front of Abrehot Library)

Six-day New Year bazaar by Shop Local Ethiopia with 150+ Ethiopian artisans and makers: handmade crafts, jewellery, local art, traditional food and coffee in the run-up to Enkutatash (11 Sep).

Camping to Coast Vol. 8 — Wenchi Crater Lake weekend

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 8:00 AM · Wenchi Villas, Wenchi Crater Lake

SPATEVENTS' recurring 2-day, 1-night escape from the city: camping or villa stay at Wenchi crater lake with a DJ lineup, meals and lake activities. Departure window 8–10 AM on Saturday.

5,200 ETB self-drive; 7,000 ETB full package (tent); 8,700 ETB (shared villa)

Nocturnal

Ended ·Sat, Sep 5 · 12:00 AM · Anki Plaza in Dembel, adjacent to the Aberus Complex

Experience Nocturnal at Anki Plaza with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. Admission is 800 Birr at the door for ages 21 and over.

800 Birr

Friday Night at Fendika: Ethiocolor / Negarit Ethio-Jazz

Ended ·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)

Brazilian Tunes in Addis: Ivan Sacerdote & Pedro Franco Live

Ended ·Fri, Sep 4 · 6:00 PM · Ramada Addis Hotel, Africa Ave, Bole

The Embassy of Brazil in Addis Ababa, with Ramada by Wyndham, presents an evening of traditional and contemporary Brazilian music by clarinetist Ivan Sacerdote and Pedro Franco.

Handology — handmade craft fair

Ended ·Fri, Sep 4 · 10:00 AM · Nile Source Building, Bole Japan

Three-day crafting fair and meetup: handmade goods, hands-on making activities and networking with local creatives, 10 AM–7 PM each day in the run-up to New Year.

Creative Minds: Art for Social Change

Ended ·Thu, Sep 3 · 4:00 PM · Hilton Hotel

A gathering exploring the role of art in driving social movement and impact, featuring panel speakers and moderation by notable local creatives.

Creative Minds: Art for Social Change

Ended ·Thu, Sep 3 · 4:00 PM · Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa

AWiB Connects event exploring art's role in social movement and impact. Features speakers Melaku Belay (Fendika Cultural Center) and Yasser Bagersh (Cactus Communications), moderated by Hiwot Emishaw.

Business Growth & Scaling Session

Ended ·Thu, Sep 3 · 2:00 PM · Satchmo Center, U.S. Embassy

Engage with experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs on practical perspectives for growth, scaling, and building a stronger business.

Jazz Tuesday at Bazra Coffee

Ended ·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

Monday Jazz with KAYN LAB at Fendika

Ended ·Mon, Aug 31 · 9:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, near Meskel Square (the residency moved here after Fendika lost its original Kazanchis club to redevelopment in 2024)

KAYN LAB's experimental Ethio-jazz residency — running most Monday nights since 2016 — now plays Fendika's stage at the Hyatt Regency near Meskel Square, after the original Kazanchis club was lost to redevelopment in 2024. Fendika's own posts bill it as 'Kayn Lab every Monday night at 9 pm', usually ending in an open jam session. Recurring night, not an individually announced date — check @fendikaculturalcenter or @kaynlab on Instagram on the day before heading out.

Cover charge — the 100-birr rate is from the old Kazanchis club's last published listings; confirm the current rate at the Hyatt on the night

Wulo Sundays — Weekly Deep House & Amapiano

Ended ·Mon, Aug 31 · 2:00 PM · Dok Top View Restaurant, Megenagna (next to Bellevue Hotel & Spa)

Weekly Sunday music event featuring DJ Babkim with Deep House, Soulful Amapiano, and 3Step sets starting at 2:00 PM.

The Exstasy — R&B and XO Night at The Velvet Rooftop

Ended ·Sun, Aug 30 · 7:00 PM · The Velvet Rooftop

Metro Events' final party of the year: a rooftop night of smooth R&B and XO-era sounds with skyline views over Addis.

850 ETB (third wave), VIP 1,999 ETB

Saq Jam Comedy — 4th Anniversary Show

Ended ·Sun, Aug 30 · 6:00 PM · Addis International Convention Center (CMC)

Fourth-anniversary edition of Saq Jam, the show from Saq Central that grew from Addis's largest underground stand-up comedy night into a full evening of Amharic stand-up, live jazz, games and an expo-style market. Expect a large local crowd at the CMC convention center; sets are overwhelmingly in Amharic, so it suits visitors curious about Ethiopia's booming comedy scene more than punchline-by-punchline comprehension. Sunday from 6:00 PM.

Early bird 700 / regular 1,000 / VVIP 2,500 birr

Addis Open Air Cinema

Ended ·Sun, Aug 30 · 6:00 PM · Marriott Executive Apartments, Addis Ababa

A movie night under the stars in the garden of the Marriott Executive Apartments, run by Chimp Event Promotion and powered by St. George Beer — big screen, popcorn, snack box and a sociable young-professional crowd. Beyond the film there are art corners and a small marketplace of local entrepreneurs. Sunday 6:00 PM to about 11:00 PM; tickets online (pazimo.com) or at the gate.

999 birr incl. screening + snack box (original post said 900 — see note)

Literary Discussion: Hidag Bookclub Explores "ፈሪሳ"

Ended ·Sun, Aug 30 · 2:00 PM · Atmosphere

Hidag Bookclub hosts a literary discussion exploring the book "ፈሪሳ" at Atmosphere cafe in Bole.

Wulo Sundays

Ended ·Sun, Aug 30 · 2:00 PM · Dok Top View Restaurant

A weekly Sunday deep house and amapiano music event featuring sets by DJ Babkim at Dok Top View Restaurant.

NEXUS AFTERHOURS Vol. 2 at The Wave Club & Lounge

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 8:00 PM · The Wave Club & Lounge

An after-dark-to-sunrise club night, volume two of the Nexus Afterhours series at The Wave Club & Lounge.

400 ETB regular; 1,950 ETB group of 5

Static — Afrohouse Night at Anki Liquor

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 7:00 PM · Anki Liquor, in front of Dembel City Center, Bole

Third edition of the Static afrohouse party series, taking over Anki Liquor opposite Dembel City Center on Bole Road. Expect DJ-driven afrohouse and amapiano-leaning sets from 7 PM until late — one of the easier ways for visitors to sample Addis's fast-growing electronic scene in a central, walkable location.

700 birr (tickets via Afromile)

Cinema Reframed Through Conversation — Club 5 to 7 x The Table

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 5:00 PM · Sifra Alternative Space

An early-evening film screening and guided discussion at an alternative art space near Arat Kilo, hosted by the Club 5 to 7 cinema collective with The Table.

Free

Musical Karaoke — Sing Broadway Hits at Zemen Cinema

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 4:00 PM · Zemen Cinema (Adwa/Zemen Cinema), Flamingo

An afternoon of sing-along songs from musicals — Hamilton, The Greatest Showman, Epic: The Musical and more — presented by Harmony Hub at Zemen Cinema.

200 ETB (3 USD)

Afropia Dance Battle

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 3:00 PM · Children & Youth Theater, near Flamingo

An all-styles street-dance competition from the Afropia Dance Fest crew, pitting Addis's best crews and solo freestylers against each other live on stage. Previous editions (documented on Afropia's TikTok) drew top-16 knockout brackets mixing afro, hip-hop and Ethiopian traditional moves. Saturday from 3:00 PM at the Children & Youth Theater near Flamingo.

300 birr (tickets via Afromile)

Jam Nation Africa

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 3:00 PM · The Venue Warehouse

A day-to-night music and culture festival celebrating African talent, creativity and the future of the continent's music scene, held at the city's main warehouse venue.

1,499 ETB (second phase), VIP 15,999 ETB

ETFC 002: Adwa Fight Night — Boxing, MMA & Muay Thai

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 12:00 PM · Adwa Victory Memorial Museum

Eleven fights mixing boxing, MMA and Muay Thai, headlined by an MMA bout between Sedo and Johnny Jujitsu, staged at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum.

Tickets via M-PESA; ringside reported sold out

After Party Vol. 3 at South Rift Valley Bar

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 12:00 PM · South Rift Valley Bar

Project X ET and After Party ET's late-night DJ party pitched as the after-party for the 29 August festival weekend.

400 ETB single; 1,900 ETB group of 5; 3,600 ETB group of 10

What Should Remain? — A Collective Walk Through Merkato

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 12:00 PM · Merkato (meeting point shared on registration)

Creatives and the curious walk Merkato in pairs to document the market's changes amid redevelopment, followed by a shared meal and group discussion.

Free (RSVP required)

Addis Bamboo Bazaar

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 10:00 AM · Dok Restaurant, Cameroon St next to Bole Medhane Alem Church

A weekend craft market at Dok, the rooftop Italian restaurant next to Bole Medhane Alem Church, gathering local makers selling bamboo and handmade goods, original artworks and unique products. Side activities include a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, live music, canvas drawing and children's activities. Runs Saturday and Sunday, Aug 29-30, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Tora Bazaar — Weekend Market

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 9:00 AM · Tora Main Station, Ayat Adebabay, Abuye Church Road

Weekend bazaar featuring fashion, accessories, handmade pieces, and local creativity. A community-focused market supporting local artisans.

Free

Lake & Wildlife Escape: Camping trip to Langano & Abijatta-Shalla

Ended ·Sat, Aug 29 · 6:00 AM · Departs Bole (behind Skylight Hotel, Kategna Restaurant)

Akash Travel's 2-day, 1-night bus trip: lakeside tent camping at Langano, a guided visit to Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park and a campfire evening — transport, tent, park fees, meals and water included.

12,000 ETB all-inclusive

Ashenda, Shadey & Solel Celebration with Ethiocolor

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 9:00 PM · Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, Meskel Square

A hotel celebration of Ashenda, Shadey and Solel — the late-August festivals from Tigray, Amhara and northern Ethiopia in which girls and young women in braided hair and grass-skirt regalia fill the streets with song and drum-driven dance. The night is headlined by Ethiocolor, Melaku Belay's acclaimed traditional music-and-dance ensemble. Friday night from 9:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency on Meskel Square.

Afro Rhythm — Pan-African Music Night at Berlin Addis

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 8:00 PM · Berlin Bar & Restaurant, Bole Atlas (near Atlas Traffic Light)

A free night of Pan-African music and culture at Berlin Bar & Restaurant in Bole Atlas. Reservations by phone (+251 909 311 111).

Free

Bellow Friday at ToroGrill

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 7:00 PM · Toro Grill and Lounge

An evening of food, music and games — board games, chess, darts, beer pong and cards — with live sets by Robi, Must Be Jani, Me-Lio and Upon at Toro Grill and Lounge.

Free

Karaoke Friday at Lemon Bar (Golden Tulip Hotel)

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 6:00 PM · Lemon Bar, Golden Tulip Hotel

KickOff Addis hosts a free karaoke night with host Kozet and DJ Freak: sing-alongs, dancing, networking and prize giveaways at the Golden Tulip's Lemon Bar. Reservations via 0979 427 722.

Free (21+)

ADB All Style Championship feat. Atse Krump

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 6:00 PM · Children & Youth Theater (Flamingo)

A street-dance battle across styles with krump crew Atse Krump headlining — the night before the Afropia Dance Battle at the same theater.

Critical Mass Addis Ababa — Community Bike Ride

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 5:00 PM · La Patisserie, Meskel Square

Monthly community cycling event covering ~15km through Addis. Open to all cyclists — bring your bike, front and rear lights, and rain jacket.

Free

Way In // Way Out — Art Exhibition at the Italian Cultural Institute

Ended ·Fri, Aug 28 · 9:30 AM · Italian Cultural Institute (Istituto Italiano di Cultura), Piassa

A free art exhibition running August 28 to September 2 at the Italian Cultural Institute in Piassa, open from 9:30 AM on weekdays.

Free

Deep Listening: Tamikrest – Assikel (album session & Q&A)

Ended ·Thu, Aug 27 · 7:00 PM · Social Addis Rooftop

A phone-free listening session of Assikel, the new album by Malian-Algerian Tuareg desert-rock band Tamikrest, played in full on the Social Addis rooftop and followed by a video Q&A with the band.

100 ETB

ETFC 002: Adwa Fight Night (MMA, boxing & Muay Thai)

Ended ·Thu, Aug 27 · 7:00 PM · Adwa Victory Memorial Museum (Adwa 00 Museum)

Ethiopia's fight-night promotion returns with eleven bouts mixing MMA, boxing and Muay Thai, headlined by a middleweight MMA fight between Sedo and Jhonny, staged at the Adwa memorial museum.

Midweek: Thursday House Fever at The Venue Warehouse

Ended ·Thu, Aug 27 · 6:00 PM · The Venue Warehouse

Free weekly Thursday house/techno night run by The Venue Warehouse with collective YABB — a rotating lineup of local DJs from 6 PM to midnight. This week's edition is a techno special.

Free

Adey New Year Expo & Festival

Ended ·Thu, Aug 27 · 12:00 PM · Addis International Convention Center (AICC / CMC)

A 15-day Ethiopian New Year expo and festival at the convention center with 200+ vendors selling at discounted prices, plus cultural performances, live music, comedy, art and family activities. Two big concerts with leading Ethiopian artists are planned during the run.

Fendika Azmari Night

Ended ·Wed, Aug 26 · 9:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, Meskel Square

Nightly azmari sessions at Fendika, the famed Kazanchis azmari bet saved from demolition by dancer Melaku Belay and now Addis's best-known cultural venue. Azmaris are Ethiopia's traditional wandering minstrels — expect improvised, often playfully insulting sung commentary over masinko fiddle, plus eskista shoulder dancing you may be pulled into; tipping the performers is part of the tradition. On Fridays the house bands Ethiocolor or Negarit take the stage from around 8 PM.

Japan & Jazz: Chonmage Japan with Yedesta Jazz Band

Ended ·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

Annual Showcase — Alle School of Fine Arts and Design

Ended ·Wed, Aug 26 · 12:00 PM · Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, Addis Ababa University, Arat Kilo area

The annual graduating-student exhibition of the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, Ethiopia's foremost art school (part of Addis Ababa University), showing final works in painting, sculpture, printmaking, industrial design and interdisciplinary visual arts. A good free-form stop for visitors wanting a read on Ethiopia's emerging contemporary artists. The exhibition runs through October 16, 2026, per the announcement.