What do you want to do in Addis?

Annual Showcase — Alle School of Fine Arts and Design

Wed, Aug 26 · 12:00 PM · Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, Addis Ababa University, Arat Kilo area

The annual graduating-student exhibition of the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, Ethiopia's foremost art school (part of Addis Ababa University), showing final works in painting, sculpture, printmaking, industrial design and interdisciplinary visual arts. A good free-form stop for visitors wanting a read on Ethiopia's emerging contemporary artists. The exhibition runs through October 16, 2026, per the announcement.

Japan & Jazz: Chonmage Japan with Yedesta Jazz Band

Wed, Aug 26 · 7:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, near Meskel Square (NOT the Kazanchis Fendika Cultural Center)

A one-night cultural exchange hosted by Fendika in partnership with the Embassy of Japan and Hyatt Regency, pairing visiting Japanese group Chonmage Japan with the local Yedesta Jazz Band, plus demonstrations of Japanese culture. Doors open 7:00 PM, DJ set 8:00 PM, live performance from 9:00 PM. Yedesta holds a weekly Wednesday jazz residency at Fendika's stage at the Hyatt Regency, so expect a polished ethio-jazz backdrop to the Japanese guest set.

400 birr

Fendika Azmari Night

Wed, Aug 26 · 9:00 PM · Fendika @ Hyatt Regency, Meskel Square

Nightly azmari sessions at Fendika, the famed Kazanchis azmari bet saved from demolition by dancer Melaku Belay and now Addis's best-known cultural venue. Azmaris are Ethiopia's traditional wandering minstrels — expect improvised, often playfully insulting sung commentary over masinko fiddle, plus eskista shoulder dancing you may be pulled into; tipping the performers is part of the tradition. On Fridays the house bands Ethiocolor or Negarit take the stage from around 8 PM.

Ashenda, Shadey & Solel Celebration with Ethiocolor

Fri, Aug 28 · 9:00 PM · Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, Meskel Square

A hotel celebration of Ashenda, Shadey and Solel — the late-August festivals from Tigray, Amhara and northern Ethiopia in which girls and young women in braided hair and grass-skirt regalia fill the streets with song and drum-driven dance. The night is headlined by Ethiocolor, Melaku Belay's acclaimed traditional music-and-dance ensemble. Friday night from 9:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency on Meskel Square.