The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Traditionally, we all like to go into hibernation during the month of Ramadan. Places close, watering holes run dry and we’re generally just too tired – either from fasting or from the inevitable post fetar food coma – to leave the comfort of our air-conditioned homes during the summer heat. This week, we say: no more! Here’s some of the things you can do this weekend

On Thursday, Mawaweel’s alternative Ramadan experience kicks off it’s first Thursday night bonanza at Darb 1718, with live music shopping bazaar and art exhibitions, while brass-band The Blowers take the stage at SODIC West’s Westown Hub.

Popular band, Salalem, will be performing at Eat & Barrel’s Ramadan Fel Hara kheima, while 3elbt Alwan in Zamalek will be host to Shady Ahmed and Mohamed Salem for a night of music and comedy.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more cultured, you can attend the Warsha Theatre Troupe’s night of music and theatre at the ROOM Art Space in Garden City; or you can catch Gamalat Shiha’s special Ramadan performance at the El Sawy Culturewheel.

On Friday, you can catch the much-loved Sharmoofers for some comedic music at SODIC West’s Westown Hub, or you can go a bit more serious with Sufi singer-poet-musician, Abdullah El Miniawy, performs at 3elbt Alwan.

The Hayy Festival 2015 will be kicking off at the Greek Campus in Bab el Louk with the Mina Project, the Palestinian-Portugese band, bringing eclectic their mix of folkloric music from across the Mediterranean region.

Le Meridien Cairo Airport’s tent will also have its first Goma3a El Kebira sohour at their funky tent, Fawazeer. They’ve even got Karakeeb performing.

Saturday will see the Hayy Festival continue, with Moroccan artist Nabyla Maan giving the Greek Campus a night of Arab-Andalusian music.

You’ve also got the choice to go either contemporary or classic with Kayan, a local rock band, at Garden City’s ROOM Art Space, or Ahmed El Saidi conductorship of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra at the Cairo Opera House. 

While events might be fewer than usual, the Ramadan spirit has washed over the whole city and options for sohour are plentiful. 

Stay tuned to the Cairo 360 events calendar for more. Ramadan Kareem!