Events

Top Tanzania Events & Festivals 2025 | Music, Culture & Markets

Planning a trip to Tanzania? Don’t miss out on the vibrant cultural scene with Tanzania’s top events and festivals throughout the year. From the electrifying Sauti Za Busara music festival in Zanzibar to the acclaimed Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), there’s something to inspire every traveler. Both shoppers and festive spirits will enjoy the charming Christmas Markets around Arusha and Moshi in November/December, as well as the famous Kilifair in June.

Whether you’re looking for unforgettable music experiences, cultural celebrations, or unique local markets, this guide to Tanzania’s events in 2025 will help you plan your trip around the best happenings across the country. Explore Tanzania’s rich traditions, lively festivals, and must-see travel events to make your visit truly memorable.

February

Zanzibar

  • Sauti Za Busara Festival
    Dates: usually mid-February (around 7-10 days)
    Description: East Africa’s largest music festival celebrating traditional and contemporary African sounds in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
  • Check the festival website for the latest information on dates and lineup.

Moshi

  • Kilitrails
    A weekend of trail running, cycling, camping and live music on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Dates: 6-8 February 2026
Image captured by yours truly at Kilitrails 2024

March

Moshi

May

Moshi

June

Zanzibar

  • Soundscapes Zanzi
    Description: electronic dance music festival on Bwejuu beach.
    Dates: early June.

Dar es Salaam

  • Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair
    Dates: usually early to mid-June (7-10 days)
    Description: Tanzania’s biggest trade fair featuring exhibitions, entertainment, and business networking.

Moshi / Arusha (location varies)

  • Kili Fair
    Dates: usually June
    Description: Kili Fair is a large international tourism fair, which serves as a networking occasion for tourism professionals, but is also fun to visit for others, just to stroll around, have a look at the many stands, enjoy some local food and music, and party vibes, especially at night.

July

Zanzibar

  • Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)
    Dates: usually mid to late July (7-10 days)
    Description: renowned Pan-African film festival showcasing films, music, and cultural activities. Check the festival website for the latest information on dates and programme.
  • Mwaka Kogwa Festival (Makunduchi village)
    Dates: 4 days in July
    Description: traditional Shirazi (Persian) new-year festival with rituals, music, and storytelling.

August

Bagamoyo

  • Bagamoyo Arts Festival
    Dates: varies, often August
    Description: Festival celebrating arts, music, and culture with local and international artists. See the festival website for more details.

September

Ngorongoro

  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area Marathon
    Dates: usually September (date varies)
    Description: Marathon through stunning landscapes within the famous conservation area.

November

Arusha

  • Arusha Christmas Fair
    Dates: late November to early December
    Description: festive market with local crafts, foods, and cultural goods, perfect for holiday shopping. In the evening, most stalls close and the party gets started!

Moshi

  • Moshi Christmas Fair
    Dates: late November to early December
    Description: similar concept to the Arusha Christmas Market with slightly different vibe.

Monthly

Zanzibar

  • Full Moon Party
    Kendwa Rocks Hotel hosts a monthly full moon party at Kendwa Beach.

Arusha

  • Wine and Cheese Night at Gran Meliá
    Arusha’s fanciest hotel hosts a fabulous fest of delicious finger foods and wines, almost every month. Keep an eye on their Instagram stories for dates, or watch out for flyers inside the hotel.