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

Hello Cairo!

A sunny few days is teasing us with the promises of better weather as we count down the days to summer, but it fares well for the weekend ahead with Cairo’s nightlife venues, theatres and cultural spaces playing host to an eclectic range of events.

On Thursday, Cairo Jazz Club kicks off the weekend with the Arabic indie hits of Lebanese singer Tania Saleh who marks the release of her new album with a special gig, while the Tap, welcomes DJ-come-radio-host-come-wanderlust-follower, DJ Safi – the first of three events at the Maadi bar this weekend.

Elsewhere, Dokki nightspot, Alchemy sets off the weekend with Scarlet’s Vintage Brew, while Bamboo’s Bamboo Night rages on into the early hours of the morning.

Heliopolis nightclub Cavallini hosts a night of Commercial House Music, while Fairmont Nile City’s Bab El Nil welcomes the belly dancing talents of Leila.

The Cairo Opera Ballet Company, in collaboration with the Cairo Opera Orchestra, perform the timeless tale of Cinderella at the Main Hall, while El Sawy Culturewheel host the 12th edition of Sakia’s Exhibition for Cultural Services.

On Friday, Habiba Effat makes her proper debut at VENT, while CJC welcomes DJ Mohasseb and DJ Tahawy to the decks for a night of thud-thud house music.

Rock fans can catch local group The Cadillacs at The Tap, or head over to ROOM Art Space for a roster that features Code Masr and Khayal, while Al Rab3 hosts Underground Revolution; a night of underground music featurinf performances from the likes of Mira Emam, EgyQue and Malaaz.

Meanwhile, acclaimed Iraqi oud player, Naseer Shamma, performs at El Sawy Culturewheel.

Elsewhere, Mashrabiat set the mood with contemporary Egyptian music at El Gomhouria Theatre, while make-up artist and photographer, Zeinab Khashab, discusses the challenges and frustrations of the industry in a lecture titled ‘For the Love of the Image’ at Photopia.

On Satruday, Nadah El Shazly brings her unique vocal talents to The Tap, while ROOM Art Space plays host to experimental post-rock band Telepoetic.

CJC welcomes returning favourites, Salalem, to the stage, while Aly Ahmed & the Band perform acoustic covers and originals at Photopia.

Cairo Flea Market is back for another edition at the Aquarium Grotto Garden, and clos eby, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra gear up for concert at the Cairo Opera House.

Cavallini hosts an Oldies Night because who doesn’t love nostalgia, and Ibrahim El Tanbouli explores the landscapes of his hometown in an exhibition titled ‘Master of Dreams’ at Arts-Mart Gallery.

Other art galleries this weekend include the Hamed Nada exhibition at Ebdaa Art Gallery, and ‘Lust in Wonderland’ at Art Talks Gallery.

All of this and plenty more is going on around Cairo this weekend, for the full roundup, visit our event calendar.