11 Popular Festivals In Zimbabwe - Updated 2024

1. Mbira Festival

Zimbabwe is not only known for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery and national parks. The cultural celebrations in Zimbabwe also draw people from near and far.

Mbira Festival, held every September, is a celebration of traditional Shona music and culture, centred around the mesmerising sounds of the mbira, a thumb piano with a history deeply rooted in the country’s heritage. This annual festival brings together musicians, artists, and enthusiasts from across Zimbabwe and beyond. The event features captivating performances by skilled mbira players, showcasing various styles and interpretations of this iconic instrument. Workshops are also organised for attendees where they can learn to play the instrument.

The festival serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Zimbabwean traditions, fostering a sense of community, and sharing the nation’s rich musical heritage with the world.

Mbira Festival

Address: Harare, Zimbabwe

Website: Mbira Festival

2. Shoko Festival

Shoko Festival is one of the most popular and longest-running cultural festivals in Zimbabwe. It features urban artists, free expression, and new ideas in an artistic way. On this platform, many budding artists of the country perform and showcase their talent to the local and international crowd. From musicians to comedians, these talented performers put on a show for its visitors to give them an evening full of fun and festivity.

Shoko Festival

Address: Harare, Zimbabwe

Website: Shoko Festival

Takes Place: September

Price: Free

3. Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival [Last event in 2019]

The Jikinya Dance Festival was founded by The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in 2002 and is held every year among school-aged children. This event gives the perfect stage and platform to the country’s new talent. It encourages young children to learn and perform the Zimbabwean traditional dance, thereby preserving its cultural legacy. It is also a great opportunity to experience the country’s culture first-hand through these amazing performances.

Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival

Address: Harare, Zimbabwe

Website: Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival

Takes Place: November

4. Harare International Festival of Arts [Last event in 2018]

If you happen to be in Zimbabwe in April, then don’t miss the Harare International Festival of Arts. This festival has been specially curated to bring together international acts alongside local Zimbabwean artists. The performances include funk, jazz, opera, Afrobeat, theatre, dance, and lots more! Known to be a major contributor to arts and culture, this six-day event features the very best of Zimbabwe.

Harare International Festival of Arts

Address: Harare, Zimbabwe

Takes Place: April

Price: 12 USD

5. Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival [Last event in 2019]

The Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival is a platform for local groups specializing in the traditional dance forms, such as mbende jerusarema, mhande, dinhe, chioda, and setapa. Celebrated by the people of Zimbabwe, this dance festival is fun and entertaining for all the viewers, be it a local or a tourist. This annual dance festival seeks to encourage traditional dance and pass on this cultural legacy to future generations.

Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival

Takes Place: August

6. Bulawayo Music Festival

Bulawayo Cultural Festival is a world music and dance festival that happens every year in the month of April. The organizers of this community event in Zimbabwe make it an outreach program that attracts local dance and music groups to showcase their talent to all kinds of audiences. The festival brings not just street performers but also classically trained experts together on a common platform. If you are fortunate enough to attend this festival, you will be transported to musical heaven as you experience the world-class performances of exceptional musicians.

Bulawayo Music Festival

Address: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Website: Bulawayo Music Festival

Takes Place: Usually held in April

Price: 75 USD

7. Zimbabwe International Film Festival

The Zimbabwe International Film Festival is a 10-day event that happens annually in the months of August and September. The festival is organized by a non-profit organization to provide an unbiased platform to artists across the country and beyond to show feature films, documentaries, short films, and more. The cultural event also provides workshops to interested participants. The main aim of the event organizers is to provide a competitive, non-political environment to celebrate the dynamic culture of filmmaking and viewing. It also helps independent filmmakers, artists, and audiences to participate in imaginative storytelling.

Zimbabwe International Film Festival

Address: Harare, Zimbabwe

Website: Zimbabwe International Film Festival

Takes Place: Usually held in August & September

8. Intwasa Arts Festival

The Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo is a cultural event that celebrates the rich and diverse arts of Zimbabwe. The program features workshops, performances, music, theater, readings, literary events, discussions, visual arts, films, competitions, and more. The festival is hosted in various parts of Bulawayo. The event attracts not only local artists but also international ones. The event is specially curated to give its audiences a memorable experience that focuses on quality programs and not just quantity.

Intwasa Arts Festival

Address: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Website: Intwasa Arts Festival

Takes Place: September

9. Chimanimani Arts Festival [Event has passed]

Chimanimani Arts Festival is a two-day annual event that showcases the local art and performances of Zimbabwe. The free festival draws crowds from all parts of the country who seek to enjoy music, poetry sessions, acrobatics, and dancers. The local community participates in all earnestness to display their Zimbabwe arts and crafts for festival-goers. Each year, the festival generates interaction within the community and contributes to the region’s economic growth.

Chimanimani Arts Festival

Address: Manicaland, Zimbabwe

Takes Place: August

Price: Free

10. Harare International Food Festival [Event has passed]

If you’re looking for interesting things to do in Zimbabwe, experience their local cuisine through events in Harare such as the Harare International Food Festival. It features food and wine from the best in the industry. If possible, time your visit to the country around this festival to explore the gourmet foodie scene of Zimbabwe. You get the city’s greatest foods prepared by high-profile chefs, complemented by outstanding entertainment—all under one roof. Don’t miss this celebration of Zimbabwe’s cultural food if you want to explore the culinary excellence of the country. For accommodation, you will find plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals in Harare that ensure a comfy stay.

Harare International Food Festival

Address: Harare, Zimbabwe

Website: Harare International Food Festival

Takes Place: October

Price: Free

11. Midlands Arts and Cultural Festival [Event has passed]

Midlands Arts and Culture Festival is a national event that happens in the month of September. Some genres featured in the event include theatre, music, visual arts, literal, and dance performances. The program also includes a workshop for school-goers and practical writers to expose them to the rich art and culture of Zimbabwe. This Zimbabwe festival is one of the leading events that aims to bring artists from all parts of the country together on a common platform.

Midlands Arts and Cultural Festival

Address: Midlands, Zimbabwe

Takes Place: September

Explore Zimbabwean culture through its festivals

Zimbabwe is an unexplored region in Africa that offers plenty of attractions and experiences, including the many waterfalls to explore and other great places to visit. But the best way to have an immersive experience is by participating in one of the many holidays and traditions in Zimbabwe that showcase the rich art and cultural heritage of the country in a fun and entertaining way. These festivals and events are curated to suit all kinds of audiences. So, be sure to check out this list of Zimbabwe holidays, festivals, and events. Plan a trip today with your friends and family around one of these events to make the most of your holiday!