Cultural Festivals in Lagos You Can't Miss in 2026

Lagos' cultural calendar is packed with festivals that celebrate everything from traditional Yoruba heritage to contemporary African art and music. Here's your guide to the unmissable events of 2026. The Lagos Carnival, typically held in April, kicks things off with a burst of colour and energy. Modelled after the great Caribbean carnivals, it fills the streets of Lagos Island with masquerades, samba dancers, and music that can be heard for blocks. Art X Lagos, held annually at the Civic Centre, has established itself as West Africa's premier international art fair. Galleries from across the continent and beyond converge for a weekend of exhibitions, talks, and performances. If you're even remotely interested in contemporary African art, this is the event to attend. The Lagos Theatre Festival, usually in February or March, transforms venues across the city into stages for experimental theatre, dance, and performance art. Many of the shows are free, and the festival has been instrumental in growing Lagos' theatre scene. Felabration, the annual tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti, takes over the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja for a week of music, art, and cultural celebration. International artists join Nigerian musicians for performances that run well past midnight. The Eyo Festival, while not held annually, is one of the most spectacular cultural events in Lagos. When it does happen, the Eyo masquerades — dressed entirely in white — parade through Lagos Island in a display that predates the founding of modern Lagos. Lagos Photo Festival showcases photography from across Africa and the diaspora, with exhibitions, workshops, and portfolio reviews spread across multiple venues. Keep an eye on social media and local event listings for exact dates, as some festivals announce their schedules only a few weeks in advance.