--- title: "Top 10 Must-Visit Festivals in Lagos This Year" url: https://utopianhiker.com/top-10-must-visit-festivals-in-lagos-this-year/ date: 2026-05-01 modified: 2026-05-01 lang: en author: "Skip Townsend" description: "1. Lagos Carnival Date: March 2023 Location: Lagos Island The Lagos Carnival is an annual celebration showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria. Parades featuring vibrant costumes, energetic music, and..." categories: - "Travel" - "West Africa" tags: - "Lagos events and festivals" image: https://media.utopianhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Top-10-Must-Visit-Festivals-in-Lagos-This-Year.webp word_count: 950 --- # Top 10 Must-Visit Festivals in Lagos This Year ## 1. Lagos Carnival **Date:** March 2023 **Location:** Lagos Island The Lagos Carnival is an annual celebration showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria. Parades featuring vibrant costumes, energetic music, and dance performances fill the streets of Lagos Island. The event typically involves various cultural groups, each representing different ethnic backgrounds through dazzling attire and rhythmic beats. Attendees can expect lively performances, street food stalls, and a community spirit that unites locals and tourists alike. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos Carnival 2023, Lagos Island festivals, cultural diversity Lagos ## 2. Eyo Festival **Date:** June 2023 **Location:** Lagos Island The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a unique cultural event that pays homage to the deceased Oba of Lagos. Participants dress in white flowing garments, symbolizing purity and reverence. The festival features masquerades, music, and dancing along the streets of Lagos Island. One of the event highlights is the procession of \"Eyo\" masquerades, which represent the spirits of the ancestors. This festival is not just a celebration; it’s also an educational experience, showcasing history and traditions of the Yoruba people. **SEO Keywords:** Eyo Festival 2023, Lagos Island cultural festivals, Yoruba traditions Lagos ## 3. Lagos Jazz Series **Date:** October 2023 **Location:** Freedom Park The Lagos Jazz Series is a musical event that attracts both local and international jazz enthusiasts. Set in the scenic Freedom Park, the festival features performances from esteemed jazz artists and emerging talents. Workshops, discussions, and exhibitions related to jazz music add depth to the event. Attendees can enjoy various genres of jazz—from Afro-Jazz to Smooth Jazz—making this festival a must for music lovers. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos Jazz Series 2023, jazz music festivals Lagos, Freedom Park events ## 4. Africa Fashion Week Lagos **Date:** August 2023 **Location:** Landmark Events Centre Africa Fashion Week Lagos is a premier event that showcases the best of African fashion. Designers from Nigeria and beyond display their latest collections on the runway, while exhibitors display accessories, textiles, and beauty products. The event also serves as a platform for networking among industry professionals, fashion enthusiasts, and brands. Attendees will immerse themselves in workshops and panels discussing fashion trends and entrepreneurship within the industry. **SEO Keywords:** Africa Fashion Week Lagos 2023, Lagos fashion events, African designers ## 5. Lagos Street Food Festival **Date:** September 2023 **Location:** Muri Okunola Park The Lagos Street Food Festival celebrates the city’s rich culinary heritage. Chefs and food vendors gather to showcase local delicacies and unique fusion dishes. It is a paradise for food lovers, featuring everything from jollof rice and suya to contemporary street snacks. The festival also incorporates cooking demonstrations, live music, and interactive sessions, ensuring an engaging experience for all visitors. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos Street Food Festival 2023, street food events Lagos, Nigerian cuisine ## 6. The Lagos State Cultural Festival **Date:** April 2023 **Location:** Tafawa Balewa Square The Lagos State Cultural Festival showcases the state\'s vibrant cultural heritage through dance, music, art, and crafts. The event features presentations from various ethnic groups, including performances of traditional dances and music genres. Visitors can also explore art exhibitions, food stalls, and cultural workshops. It’s an opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Lagos culture while fostering appreciation for local traditions. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos State Cultural Festival 2023, Lagos heritage events, arts festivals Lagos ## 7. Lagos International Film Festival **Date:** November 2023 **Location:** Terra Kulture The Lagos International Film Festival celebrates global cinema and the creative industry. It’s an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work, attend workshops, and engage in discussions about the film industry. The festival screens a selection of short films, documentaries, and feature films from around the globe, promoting dialogue between filmmakers and audiences. Award ceremonies and panel discussions enrich the experience for both budding filmmakers and film enthusiasts. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos International Film Festival 2023, film events Lagos, Lagos cinema ## 8. Lights, Camera, Action – Lagos Movie Carnival **Date:** December 2023 **Location:** Eko Atlantic City The Lights, Camera, Action – Lagos Movie Carnival is an exhilarating event celebrating Nollywood and the film industry at large. It includes film screenings, Q&A sessions with actors and directors, and workshops focusing on various aspects of video production. The carnival atmosphere is heightened with music performances, street entertainment, and food stalls, making it a family-friendly event. This carnival is a must-see for anyone passionate about the art of filmmaking. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos Movie Carnival 2023, Nollywood events, film festivals Lagos ## 9. Lagos Photo Festival **Date:** May 2023 **Location:** National Museum Lagos The Lagos Photo Festival is dedicated to the art of photography, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and discussions led by renowned photographers and artists. The festival aims to inspire creativity and provide a platform for local photographers to showcase their work. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits and participate in photo-walks across the city, capturing the essence of Lagos through their lenses. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos Photo Festival 2023, photography events Lagos, art exhibitions Lagos ## 10. Lagos Music Festival **Date:** July 2023 **Location:** Lekki Leisure Lake Lagos Music Festival is a multi-genre music event that invites audiences to experience a blend of local and international music acts. Held at Lekki Leisure Lake, this festival promotes the Nigerian music scene by featuring artists from genres such as Afrobeat, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. The festival also includes art displays, food vendors, and craft markets, making it a lively celebration of culture and community. **SEO Keywords:** Lagos Music Festival 2023, live music events Lagos, Lagos music scene --- Each of these festivals offers a unique experience that encapsulates the vibrancy and cultural richness of Lagos. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist, attending these events will provide invaluable insight into the dynamism of Lagos life, connecting you deeper to the city’s arts, traditions, and community spirit.