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

Hello Cairo!

Whoever said weekends are for relaxing has clearly never lived in Cairo. With the weekend upon us, there’s just too much to see and do!

Thursday sees newest Downtown nightspot, VENT, invite Ismael from electro-clash group, Wetrobots <3 Bosaina, to take over the decks, while Tamarai hosts The Black Party – their darkest masquerade party yet. Elsewhere, Cairo Jazz Club hosts a double-header of live music with Egoz and Screwdriver, while Alchemy celebrates all things tequila with the return of A Tequila Tale of Silver & Gold.

For a night of jazz and blues, join Luka at Jazz Mate or, at the other end of the musical spectrum, head to El Sawy Culturewheel for an evening of hip-hop with the U-CAN Tour. Elsewhere, Nile FM’s Sally Sampson debuts at Bikya Maadi’s ‘Winter Music’ event, along with Shady Ahmed.  

Friday marks the return of the ELFIT Fitness Festival for two whole days at the British International School 6th of October City, whilst the Bazarna Winter Bazaar goes full steam ahead at Downtown Katameya Mall. Famous shaabi duo, Oka and Ortega, grace Heliopolis’ Roof Bar and DJs Yousef Niazi and MadLou play at Cairo Jazz Club, while Amici Heliopolis goes all out for another night of Lebanese Treats.

The El Hafla Music Festival at El Sawy Culturewheel hosts a wide variety of local talent, while Moroccan band, Fawda Trio, bring their unique sounds to 100Copies Music Space in Downtown Cairo. Elsewhere, Ahmed Harfoush and Ellie of London team up at Saigon for A Great Gatsby Evening filled with all our favourite jazz numbers.

Leading up to Saturday,  The Taste of Zamalek winter special is on everyone’s lips and sets up shop at the Aquarium Grotto Garden in order to raise money for the urban renewal projects. On a different note, ‘The 16 Days Campaign’ is taking over at Dina’s Hostel for the day, with several women’s rights organisations fighting for the end of both sexual harassment and violence against women in Egyt.

For the third time, The Longa Nubian Colour Festival is taking place at the Pharaonic Village in Giza and experimental, progressive rock band, ‘Brain Activity’ is headed to Balcon Lounge, whilst ‘Fructose’ – a psychedelic visual performance – takes place at 100Copies Music Space. Ahmed Harfoush hits Buddha Bar for a Jazz and Sushi Night and Alchemy changes the art for weekly brunch event, ‘There’s Something Bloody About Mary’ , while the ever popular Cairokee perform at El Sawy Culturewheel.

Art is rife across the capital’s galleries this week, with new exhibitions including Townhouse Gallery’s celebration of fifteen triumphant years on the scene, Katherine Bakhoum’s ‘Le Nouvel Orientalisme‘ and Artellewa’s unique ‘Embroiders of Actuality‘ exhibition.

This is just a sneak peek at the gigs, parties, exhibitions, lectures and festivals that await you this weekend – check out the Cairo 360 events calendar for more!