Lagos is a city that never sleeps. As Nigeria's economic capital and cultural hub, Lagos is bursting with energy, creativity, and a diversity that makes its social calendar one of the most exciting in Africa. From high-energy concerts to thought-provoking art exhibitions, the city is a melting pot of cultural expression, modern innovation, and rich traditions. If you’re planning to visit or you’re a resident looking to dive into the pulse of Lagos’ social scene, 2024 is shaping up to be a year filled with memorable events that showcase the best the city has to offer.
Whether you’re into music, fashion, art, or food, there’s something happening for everyone. So, buckle up as we take you through some of the best social events happening in Lagos in 2024 that you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Lagos Fashion Week (March 2024)
If you’re a fashion lover, Lagos Fashion Week is the event to mark on your calendar. This event has quickly become one of the most anticipated on the continent’s fashion circuit, drawing designers, models, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. Held annually in March, Lagos Fashion Week showcases both established and emerging designers, giving a platform to African creatives who are reshaping the global fashion narrative.
Lagos Fashion Week is a visual feast, an intersection of fashion, culture, and individuality. Expect stunning runway shows, panel discussions, and industry masterclasses. You’ll find that the event is not just a spectacle but a celebration of African craftsmanship, design, and innovation. Imagine sitting front row as avant-garde collections blend traditional African textiles with cutting-edge, futuristic designs. Each show is more than fashion – it’s a story of heritage, identity, and forward-thinking artistry.
But Lagos Fashion Week isn’t limited to high-end couture alone; it’s a nurturing ground for up-and-coming designers. The city has become a launchpad for young African creatives to present their collections to an international audience. From streetwear brands to eco-conscious collections, the diversity of voices represented is extraordinary. You can also expect to shop directly from designers at pop-up markets and get a sense of the city's fashion-forward residents. Bring your style game because everyone at Lagos Fashion Week is dressed to impress.
Insider Tip: If you want to network with designers and models, consider attending the after-parties. Lagos nightlife is as vibrant as its fashion scene, and these events often spill into late-night gatherings at some of the city’s trendiest spots.
2. Felabration (October 2024)
One of the most iconic cultural festivals in Lagos is Felabration, an annual music festival celebrating the life and legacy of Nigeria’s music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela was a pioneer of Afrobeat, a genre that combined traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. His music also carried powerful political messages, which resonated deeply with the Nigerian populace and beyond.
Felabration takes place in the heart of Lagos at the New Afrika Shrine, and it's a week-long celebration filled with music performances, art exhibitions, and discussions. You’ll get to experience live performances from both Nigerian and international artists, all of whom pay tribute to Fela’s musical genius and his message of social justice. The atmosphere is electric, and the crowd is as eclectic as Fela himself, ranging from die-hard fans of Afrobeat to tourists experiencing it for the first time.
Beyond the music, Felabration dives into the political and cultural issues that Fela championed throughout his life. Panel discussions and workshops explore themes like social justice, human rights, and African unity – topics that remain just as relevant today as they were during Fela’s time. Expect to engage in conversations that challenge your perspectives and inspire change.
In addition to the main stage performances, there are dance and art showcases, bringing the spirit of Fela’s artistic expression into different mediums. You'll feel like you're stepping back into the Afrobeat movement's revolutionary roots while embracing the contemporary Nigerian soundscape.
How to Prepare: Since Felabration lasts an entire week, it’s best to plan your visit to catch key performances. Many iconic Nigerian musicians and bands are regular headliners, and you’ll find special tributes to Fela’s music. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be dancing all night long!
3. Lagos International Food and Drink Festival (May 2024)
If you’re a foodie, Lagos International Food and Drink Festival should be high on your list of events to attend. Held in May, this annual festival brings together chefs, food lovers, and vendors from all over Lagos and beyond for a weekend of eating, drinking, and learning about new food trends.
From street food to gourmet meals, the festival celebrates the diversity of Nigerian and international cuisine. You’ll be able to sample dishes from a wide array of cultures, from West African jollof rice wars to mouthwatering shawarmas and Indian-inspired spiced curries.
Beyond just eating, the festival features cooking demonstrations by some of Nigeria’s most famous chefs, giving you insider tips on how to recreate some of your favorite dishes at home. There's also a strong emphasis on mixology, with expert bartenders showing off how to craft cocktails using local ingredients. The signature cocktail of the festival? A zesty twist on the classic "Chapman," Lagos' own take on a fruity punch!
What to Expect: Unlike other food festivals where you simply walk through stalls, the Lagos International Food and Drink Festival has an immersive, interactive element. There are food challenges, cooking contests, and food trucks lined up for miles, offering everything from grilled suya skewers to freshly baked puff-puffs. The vibe is casual yet lively, with live music playing in the background and people mingling, laughing, and savoring each bite.
4. ART X Lagos (November 2024)
Lagos is not just a hub for music and fashion; it’s also home to a burgeoning art scene. ART X Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair, has become a key event in the global art calendar. Held in November, the event attracts artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers from across the continent and the world.
ART X Lagos is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of Africa’s contemporary art scene. As you walk through the expansive gallery spaces, you’ll be met with a stunning array of paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia art that explores everything from identity and heritage to politics and technology.
For 2024, ART X Lagos is expected to feature immersive installations and experiential art, encouraging the audience to interact with the pieces. You'll find cutting-edge works that blend technology with traditional art forms, and there are even virtual reality art exhibitions that allow visitors to journey through different African landscapes from the gallery itself.
For collectors, ART X Lagos is an excellent opportunity to discover emerging talents and acquire one-of-a-kind works that represent the forefront of African creativity. The fair is known for uncovering young artists who later go on to make significant international waves. You’ll also have the chance to listen to artist talks, engage in panel discussions, and attend live performances that add a multi-sensory dimension to the event.
Tip: ART X Lagos tends to draw high-profile attendees, including international collectors and celebrities. Make sure to secure your tickets in advance, as some of the installations have limited capacity.
5. Gidi Culture Festival (April 2024)
The Gidi Culture Festival, often simply referred to as Gidi Fest, is a music festival that brings together a mix of international and homegrown talent for a day of live music, art, and good vibes. Held in April, this festival has grown to become one of the most anticipated music events in Lagos, particularly among the younger crowd.
The Gidi Culture Festival is unique in its celebration of urban youth culture. It’s not just about the music – though the lineup is always packed with top-tier acts – but about fostering creativity and self-expression among Nigeria’s burgeoning youth. The festival fuses various art forms, from graffiti murals to spoken word poetry, allowing young creatives to showcase their talents.
Past editions of Gidi Fest have seen major headliners like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage take the stage, making it one of the most sought-after tickets in the city. Expect 2024 to continue this tradition with a stellar lineup that will have you dancing from dusk till dawn. And don’t be surprised if you bump into your favorite Nollywood star or Instagram influencer while you're there!
Aside from music, the festival offers a beach party vibe, with food stalls, carnival games, and spaces where attendees can relax and socialize. There’s a real sense of community, with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate Lagos’ vibrant culture.
What to Bring: Since Gidi Fest often takes place outdoors, make sure you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and something comfortable to sit on. The weather in Lagos can be unpredictable, so a light jacket might also come in handy if the evening gets cool.
6. Eyo Festival (TBD 2024)
The Eyo Festival is one of Lagos’ most colorful and culturally significant events. Held to honor the Oba of Lagos or prominent individuals, the festival is marked by a grand procession of white-clad Eyo masqueraders, also known as the custodians of the city's heritage, through the streets of Lagos Island. The masqueraders, wearing flowing white robes and wide-brimmed hats, represent the spirits of the ancestors, and they carry long staffs as they move in an organized parade.
The Eyo Festival is steeped in Yoruba culture and has deep historical roots that reflect the city's heritage and reverence for its ancestors. The masquerade is said to have inspired Brazil’s famous Carnival, showcasing the global influence of Lagos' rich traditions. As the Eyo masqueraders make their way through the streets, there’s a sense of spiritual connection to the past, honoring both the ancestors and the figures being celebrated that year.
If you’ve never experienced a traditional Yoruba festival, this is an event you won’t want to miss. The streets are lined with spectators dressed in white, and there’s a deep sense of reverence in the air. While the festival is celebratory, it also carries a significant spiritual weight. It’s a profound way to experience Lagos' cultural history up close.
The Eyo masqueraders are known for their dramatic and theatrical movements, symbolizing the spirits of the departed. The visual spectacle of the festival – with hundreds of participants moving in unison – is unforgettable. The festival isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a living tradition that binds the community together.
Cultural Etiquette: If you plan to attend the Eyo Festival, it's recommended to wear white as a mark of respect for the customs. Remember that the Eyo masqueraders are not to be touched or photographed without permission, as they represent sacred figures.
7. GTBank Fashion Weekend (November 2024)
For fashion enthusiasts looking for something a little more accessible than Lagos Fashion Week, the GTBank Fashion Weekend offers another opportunity to engage with African fashion. Held annually in November, this two-day event is free to attend and features runway shows, shopping stalls, and masterclasses led by fashion industry heavyweights from around the world.
GTBank Fashion Weekend is a celebration of enterprise, creativity, and innovation within Africa’s fashion industry. It attracts not just fashion lovers but also aspiring designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs looking to carve a niche for themselves in the fashion world. The event showcases everything from luxury haute couture to streetwear, giving attendees an inside look at the diversity and dynamism of African fashion.
Masterclasses at the GTBank Fashion Weekend are particularly popular, as they offer invaluable insights from some of the industry's most respected figures. Topics range from sustainable fashion practices to how to build a global fashion brand, making it a rich learning experience for both budding designers and fashion entrepreneurs. It’s a space for innovation and collaboration, where the future of African fashion is actively shaped.
In addition to the runway shows, there's a retail village where attendees can shop from local brands and artisans. You’ll find beautifully crafted pieces, from handwoven textiles to bold, statement jewelry. The event is a shopping paradise for anyone who appreciates unique and well-crafted fashion.
Travel Tip: Because GTBank Fashion Weekend is free to attend, it tends to attract large crowds. To avoid long waits or missing out on your favorite masterclass, consider arriving early and pre-registering for the sessions you’re interested in.
8. Lagos Carnival (Easter 2024)
Lagos Carnival, traditionally held during the Easter weekend, is one of the most colorful and lively events in the city. Modeled after the Brazilian Carnival, Lagos Carnival showcases the city’s diversity through music, dance, and elaborate costumes. The streets come alive with processions of beautifully dressed dancers, acrobats, and performers, all moving to the infectious rhythms of traditional and contemporary music.
Lagos Carnival is a true representation of the city’s multicultural identity. With influences from Nigerian, Brazilian, and Cuban traditions, the event is a vibrant explosion of color, culture, and celebration. The carnival parade takes place in Lagos Island, with various groups representing different communities and regions of Lagos. Each group wears its unique costumes, making the streets a visual feast of color, feathers, and beads.
The energy at Lagos Carnival is electric. From the booming sound systems blaring Afrobeat and highlife tunes to the dance troupes performing intricate routines, the event is a sensory overload in the best possible way. People of all ages join in the fun, either by participating in the parade or dancing on the sidelines as the performers pass by. The carnival is a true community event, celebrating Lagos' cultural diversity and unity.
Insider Tip: Lagos Carnival is an all-day affair, so come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. It’s also a good idea to bring a portable charger for your phone, as you’ll want to take lots of pictures!
9. Afro Nation Lagos (December 2024)
The festival is known for its high-energy performances, and having it in Lagos, the birthplace of Afrobeats, is set to make it an even more memorable experience. Expect thousands of fans from around the world to descend on the city for a weekend of unforgettable music, culture, and good vibes. If you love Afrobeats or are curious about the genre, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Afro Nation is more than just a music festival – it’s a celebration of African pride, culture, and identity. Beyond the performances, the festival includes cultural exhibitions, fashion shows, and opportunities to meet and mingle with artists and influencers from across the continent. Lagos, with its pulsating energy and deep musical roots, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of African creativity.
What to Expect: The festival grounds will be filled with food stalls offering Nigerian street food, pop-up shops selling Afrocentric fashion and accessories, and interactive art installations. Afro Nation Lagos promises to be a sensory experience that goes beyond music.
Accommodation Tip: December is peak travel season in Lagos, so be sure to book your accommodation early. Many hotels and Airbnb listings fill up months in advance. Consider staying in areas like Victoria Island or Lekki for easy access to the festival venue.
Conclusion
Lagos in 2024 is packed with events that reflect the city’s vibrancy and cultural diversity. From fashion and music to food and art, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences for both residents and visitors. Whether you're a first-timer in Lagos or a local looking to explore the city's ever-growing social scene, these events provide the perfect opportunity to dive deep into what makes Lagos so special.
Each event offers something unique, from the high-energy performances at Afro Nation to the cultural richness of the Eyo Festival. By attending any of these events, you’re not just a spectator; you become a part of the Lagos experience – one that’s full of life, color, and creativity.
So grab your calendar, mark these dates, and get ready for a year of unforgettable experiences in the heart of Africa's most dynamic city