Events & Festivals in Gaborone

This week-long series shows a mix of Botswana and international musical acts across various genres, from jazz and soul to hip-hop and traditional Setswana music. Held at multiple venues, it includes workshops and talks, drawing a crowd of local music enthusiasts and visitors. The atmosphere is energetic and inclusive.

The national championship tournament brings together Botswana's top chess players, including juniors and seniors, for several days of intense competition. Spectators are welcome to watch the matches in quiet halls. It is a focused and cerebral event.

As one of Botswana's premier arts festivals, this event features theatre, dance, music, poetry, and visual art exhibitions. It celebrates local talent and hosts international artists, with performances staged at schools, community halls, and the main Maitisong complex. It attracts families and arts patrons.

This fair brings together artisans from across Botswana to sell and display their work. You can find baskets, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and contemporary design pieces. It is a key event for supporting local crafts and finding authentic souvenirs. The mood is lively and social.

A large-scale outdoor concert held over the Easter weekend, featuring gospel choirs and musicians from across the country. It is a celebration of faith through music, drawing church groups and families. The atmosphere is uplifting and devotional.

Local restaurants and chefs participate in this culinary event, offering special tasting menus and pairing meals with South African and local wines. It is an opportunity to explore the city's dining scene, which features both traditional Botswana cuisine and international flavors. Suitable for adults.

This major conference attracts business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss economic opportunities in Botswana and the region. While primarily a professional event, it includes public talks and networking sessions that are open to registration. The setting is formal and focused.

An exhibition showing technology startups, research projects, and digital innovations from Botswana. It includes demonstrations, pitch competitions, and networking sessions for entrepreneurs and the public. The event is forward-looking and attracts students and professionals.

A popular community sporting event with full marathon, half marathon, and shorter fun run categories. The route winds through the city streets, attracting competitive runners and casual participants alike. It promotes fitness and charity fundraising, creating a supportive, festive atmosphere on race day.

Held around the national Presidents' Day holiday, these competitions show traditional music, dance, and poetry from different ethnic groups across Botswana. Troupes perform in colorful attire, and the event is a lively display of national heritage. It is family-oriented and rooted in local culture.

A series of curated jazz concerts held on weekend evenings at an indoor venue. It features both established and emerging jazz artists from southern Africa. The setting is cozy and sophisticated, good for a relaxed night out listening to live music.

This event highlights designers from Botswana and neighboring countries, featuring runway shows, pop-up shops, and industry workshops. It spotlights both contemporary African fashion and innovative use of local materials like prints and leather. The scene is stylish and creative.

A gathering for authors, poets, publishers, and readers, this festival features book launches, panel discussions, writing workshops, and poetry readings. It promotes literature from Botswana and Africa, creating a space for intellectual exchange. It attracts a thoughtful, engaged audience.

A multidisciplinary festival focusing on visual arts, installations, film screenings, and performance art. It often uses unconventional spaces like warehouses or parks, aiming to make art accessible. The festival attracts a younger, creative crowd and encourages interaction with the artworks.

A lively street parade and carnival held to celebrate Botswana's independence. Floats, marching bands, dance groups, and cultural associations process through the main roads of Gaborone. It is a patriotic and joyous community event with a family-friendly, party-like atmosphere.

An expanded version of the weekly farmers market, featuring more vendors selling organic produce, baked goods, preserves, and plants. It often includes live acoustic music, children's activities, and demonstrations on gardening or cooking. The feel is wholesome and community-focused.

This outdoor festival gathers food vendors, chefs, and farmers for a weekend of eating and demonstration. You can sample street food, traditional dishes like seswaa, and modern fusion cuisine. Cooking competitions and live music add to the relaxed, social environment. It suits all ages.

Celebrated by Gaborone's Hindu community, this festival features the lighting of lamps, sharing of sweets, and cultural performances. A public event often includes music, dance, and food stalls, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. It is open to all and has a glimpse into local religious traditions.

A regular event that turns into a special festival edition, showing stand-up comedians from Botswana and across Africa. Performances are primarily in English and Setswana, offering sharp social commentary and observational humor. The setting is intimate and laughter-filled.

This televised awards ceremony honors the year's achievements in Botswana's music industry. It features live performances from nominated artists across genres like Kwaito, House, and Gospel. The event is a glitzy, red-carpet affair that draws celebrities and fans, showing local talent.

A festive evening market that kicks off the holiday shopping season. Local vendors sell crafts, decorations, clothing, and gifts. Carol singers, festive lights, and food trucks create a cheerful atmosphere. It is good for finding unique presents and enjoying a community evening out.

A challenging multisport event featuring swimming, cycling, and running segments held at a reservoir on the city's outskirts. It attracts serious triathletes and enthusiastic amateurs. The event is well-organized, with a supportive spirit among participants and spectators.

While the park is far from Gaborone, this charity event is organized by clubs based in the capital. It involves fundraisers, awareness drives, and a symbolic run within the city to support conservation efforts. It appeals to runners and wildlife enthusiasts.

A long-standing community tradition where people gather outdoors to sing Christmas carols by candlelight. Led by choirs and accompanied by a band, it fosters a sense of togetherness and seasonal goodwill. The event is peaceful and family-friendly.

A large open-air concert featuring popular local bands precedes a midnight fireworks display. It is the main public celebration in Gaborone to ring in the new year, drawing thousands of revelers. The mood is excited and celebratory.