Events & Festivals in Lome

This theater festival brings together performing artists from Togo, Benin, and beyond for a week of plays, workshops, and street performances. Shows are presented in French and local languages, often exploring social themes. It suits those interested in contemporary African theater.

A community football tournament for youth teams from across Lome's neighborhoods, held during the school holidays. Matches are energetic and well-attended by local supporters, creating a neighborhood carnival feeling.

A special night market pops up in the weeks before Valentine's Day, with vendors selling crafts, jewelry, clothing, and decorative items. The atmosphere is lively and geared towards couples and gift shoppers. It operates into the evening.

An evening of traditional storytelling held under the stars, where skilled griots narrate folktales, myths, and historical epics, often accompanied by music. It is an immersive experience for families and those interested in oral traditions.

A major running event with full marathon, half-marathon, and shorter fun-run categories. The route often passes landmarks along the coast. It attracts local athletes and international runners, creating a citywide sporting spirit.

A book fair promoting literature from Togo and Francophone Africa. Publishers and authors present their works, with signings, readings, and panel discussions on literary topics. It attracts students, academics, and general readers.

This important Muslim observance, also known as Eid al-Adha, is marked by morning prayers at mosques and large open grounds, followed by family gatherings and communal meals. It is a public day of rest and celebration across Lome.

Traditional canoe races develop just off the coast. Fishing communities send teams to compete. The colorful pirogues make quite a sight. Drumming and cheering fill the beach.

A celebration of Ewe heritage featuring traditional drumming, dance performances, storytelling, and craft displays. The event wants to preserve and show the cultural practices of one of Togo's major ethnic groups.

This major exhibition gathers painting, sculpture, and photography. Established and emerging Togolese artists show work. Identity, society, and environment appear as themes. The local art scene reveals itself.

A large international trade fair showing products and services from Togolese companies and foreign exhibitors. Sections are dedicated to agriculture, technology, crafts, and food. It is a major business and consumer event.

This marks World Music Day globally. Free concerts and impromptu performances spring up citywide. Musicians of every genre play. Traditional sounds mix with hip-hop. Bars, street corners, and parks host acts.

This multi-day festival brings jazz musicians from West Africa and Europe to perform in intimate club settings and larger outdoor stages. The program blends traditional jazz with African influences.

Contemporary dance companies from Togo and neighbors take the stage. Solo pieces appear alongside large ensemble works. Movement explores modern themes.

A traditional festival celebrating the first harvest of yams, a staple crop. Ceremonies include offerings to ancestors, traditional dances, and the ceremonial tasting of the new yams by community leaders.

This fair spotlights Togolese agriculture and food production. Farmers display fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices. Processed goods like sauces and oils appear too. Cooking demonstrations and tastings matter most here.

A show for Togolese and West African fashion designers, featuring runway shows, pop-up boutiques, and networking events. It highlights contemporary designs using local textiles like wax print and batik.

Competitive beach volleyball hits Lome's main beach. Men's and women's divisions both compete. Local sports clubs and universities send teams. Spectators gather in force.

A week-long film festival screening features, documentaries, and short films from across Africa and the diaspora. Screenings are followed by discussions with directors and actors, often in French.

Restaurants and embassies set up stalls across Lome. Small plates represent global cuisines. Lebanese, Vietnamese, and various African regions appear. The crowd comes to socialize.

National and club teams race through Lome's streets. The course loops through the city center and along the coastal boulevard. Speed and tactics decide winners.

A seasonal market offering decorations, gifts, toys, and special holiday foods. It sets up for several weeks leading up to Christmas, with a festive atmosphere in the evenings.

Voodoo tradition marks this important observance. Ceremonies, drumming, dancing, and offerings happen at temples and sacred spaces. Ancestors receive honor. Renewal follows.

A large, free outdoor concert held on New Year's Eve, featuring popular Togolese and regional music stars. It draws a massive, cheerful crowd to celebrate the coming year with music and dancing.

Gospel concerts fill churches and auditoriums through Christmas. Parish choirs perform. The atmosphere lifts and celebrates.