Events in Egypt

Discover festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations, and events in the cradle of civilization

Egypt's Rich Event Calendar

Year-Round Celebrations

Egypt hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year, from traditional Islamic festivals and national commemorations to cultural performances, international concerts, art exhibitions, and sporting events. The country's event calendar reflects its position as a cultural capital where ancient pharaonic heritage meets vibrant modern Arab culture.

Event Categories

  • National Holidays: Revolution Day (Jan 25, Jul 23), Sinai Liberation (Apr 25), Armed Forces Day (Oct 6)
  • Islamic Celebrations: Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday
  • Cultural Events: Cairo International Film Festival, Opera Season, Abu Simbel Sun Festival
  • Arts: Cairo Biennale, Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival, cultural performances
  • Music: Cairo Jazz Festival, Al-Mawlid celebrations, international concerts
  • Sports: Egyptian Premier League, Pyramids Half Marathon, Red Sea diving events

Major Venues

Egypt's premier venues include Cairo Opera House, Cairo International Convention Centre, Cairo Festival City, Alexandria Conference Centre, and historic venues like the Citadel and temple complexes for special sound and light shows.

Egypt Events

🎯 Events Calendar & Schedule

Browse upcoming events in Egypt by category and date

Event Calendar

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Upcoming Events

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🎊 Major Annual Events & Festivals

Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr

When: Varies (Islamic lunar calendar, ~11 days earlier each year)
Duration: Ramadan month + 3-4 day Eid holiday
Highlights: Ramadan tents, Iftar buffets, night markets, lanterns (fanous), Eid celebrations
Where: Cairo streets decorated, hotels offer special Iftar, Khan el-Khalili bustles at night
Experience: Unique cultural immersion, festive atmosphere after sunset
Note: Daytime dining/drinking restrictions, evening comes alive with festivities

Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

When: ~70 days after Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic calendar)
Duration: 3-4 day public holiday
Significance: Commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) sacrifice
Celebrations: Family gatherings, special prayers at mosques, charity, feasts
For Tourists: Many shops/restaurants closed first days, hotels remain open
Note: Important Islamic holiday, respectful observation appreciated

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

When: February 22 & October 22 (biannual)
Phenomenon: Sun illuminates Ramses II statue inside temple
Significance: Aligns with Ramses II's birthday & coronation
Where: Abu Simbel temples, Aswan
Experience: Ancient Egyptian astronomical precision, crowds gather pre-dawn
Note: Book Abu Simbel tours months in advance for these dates!

Cairo International Film Festival

When: November - December
Duration: 10 days
Established: 1976 - oldest film festival in Middle East & Africa
Venues: Cairo Opera House, cinemas across Cairo
Focus: Arab cinema, African films, international selections
Events: Red carpet, premieres, awards ceremony
Tickets: EGP 50-200 per screening

Cairo Jazz Festival

When: March
Duration: 3-4 days
Where: Various venues - Cairo Jazz Club, Sawy Cultural Centre
Lineup: Egyptian and international jazz artists
Atmosphere: Intimate venues, Nile-side locations
Tickets: EGP 200-500

January 25 Revolution Day

When: January 25
Significance: Commemorates 2011 Egyptian Revolution
Observance: National holiday, remembrance ceremonies
Where: Tahrir Square (historic epicenter), nationwide
Atmosphere: Reflective, some cultural events
Note: Public holiday - banks, government offices closed

Sinai Liberation Day

When: April 25
Significance: Return of Sinai Peninsula to Egypt (1982)
Celebrations: Military parades, air shows, national pride events
Where: Cairo, Alexandria, Sinai Peninsula
Atmosphere: Patriotic celebrations, Egyptian flags everywhere
Note: Public holiday

October 6 Armed Forces Day

When: October 6
Significance: Commemorates October War of 1973 (Yom Kippur War)
Celebrations: Grand military parades, air force displays, fireworks
Where: Cairo (major parade route), military bases open to public
Highlights: Egypt's biggest military celebration
Note: Public holiday with patriotic fervor

Cairo Opera Season

When: October - June (winter season)
Venue: Cairo Opera House, Zamalek
Performances: Opera, ballet, classical concerts, Arabic music
Companies: Cairo Opera Orchestra, Cairo Symphony, international guests
Tickets: EGP 100-800 depending on performance
Atmosphere: Elegant Nile-side venue, cultural highlight

Coptic Christmas

When: January 7 (not public holiday but widely observed)
Significance: Christmas for Egypt's Coptic Christian minority (10% of population)
Celebrations: Midnight Mass, church services, family gatherings
Where: Coptic churches throughout Egypt, especially Cairo
For Tourists: Witness ancient Christian traditions, beautiful churches
Note: Egypt's Copts use Julian calendar (Jan 7 vs Dec 25)

Sham El-Nessim (Spring Festival)

When: Monday after Coptic Easter (April/May, varies)
Origin: Ancient pharaonic spring festival (over 4,500 years old!)
Tradition: Egyptians picnic outdoors, eat salted fish (fesikh), colored eggs, onions
Where: Parks, Nile banks, public gardens throughout Egypt
Unique: Blend of ancient Egyptian and Coptic traditions
Note: Public holiday, family-oriented celebration

New Year's Eve Celebrations

When: December 31 - January 1
Main Venues: Nile River cruises, Cairo luxury hotels, Pyramids view parties
Celebrations: Fireworks along Nile, hotel gala dinners, street parties
Where: Zamalek, Garden City hotels, Pyramids plateau
Tickets: Hotel packages EGP 1,500-10,000 per person
Note: Book early for Nile-view celebrations

🏟️ Major Event Venues in Egypt

Cairo International Convention Centre (CICC)

Location: Nasr City, Cairo
Capacity: 50,000 sqm exhibition space, 5,000+ seating
Events: Trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, Cairo International Book Fair
Features: Modern facilities, multiple halls
Access: Taxi or Uber from Cairo center (30 minutes)

Cairo Opera House (دار الأوبرا المصرية)

Location: Zamalek Island, Cairo Nile
Capacity: Main Hall 1,200 seats, Small Hall 500 seats
Events: Opera, ballet, classical concerts, Arabic music, Cairo Symphony
Features: Beautiful Nile-side location, elegant architecture
Season: October-June (summer break)

Egypt Event Venues

🎭 More Event Spaces in Egypt

Cairo Stadium

Capacity: 75,000+
Location: Nasr City, Cairo
Events: Football (Egyptian Premier League, Al Ahly, Zamalek), concerts
History: Built 1960, renovated for Africa Cup of Nations
Sports: Major venue for Egyptian football and athletics

Sayed Darwish Theatre (Alexandria)

Capacity: 1,000
Location: Alexandria city center
Events: Opera, ballet, classical music, theater
History: Built 1918, beautiful Mediterranean architecture
Season: October - June

Al-Azhar Park

Type: Outdoor green space
Location: Islamic Cairo, overlooking historic city
Events: Outdoor concerts, cultural festivals, exhibitions
Features: Beautiful gardens, Citadel views
Season: October - April for outdoor events

Sawy Cultural Centre

Location: Zamalek, Cairo
Events: Jazz concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures
Focus: Independent arts, cultural dialogue
Atmosphere: Intimate, intellectual, artistic community hub
Admission: Usually affordable (EGP 50-200)

Cairo Jazz Club

Capacity: 400
Location: Mohandiseen, Cairo
Events: Live jazz, blues, world music nightly
Atmosphere: Intimate venue, dinner and drinks available
Tickets: EGP 200-500

Historic Venues (Sound & Light)

Pyramids of Giza: Evening sound & light shows
Karnak Temple (Luxor): Temple illumination spectacles
Philae Temple (Aswan): Island temple light shows
Shows: Multiple languages, 1-1.5 hours
Tickets: $25-60 USD

🕌 Islamic & Cultural Celebrations

Egypt Cultural Events

Ramadan (رمضان)

Duration: 29-30 days (lunar calendar - dates vary yearly, ~11 days earlier each year)
Significance: Islamic holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset
Iftar Experiences: Hotel buffets, Ramadan tents, charitable "Tables of the Merciful" (mawa'ed rahman)
Decorations: Colorful lanterns (fanous), lights in Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo
Night Markets: Cairo streets bustling after sunset, extended shopping hours
Atmosphere: Cannon fires at sunset (Iftar call), festive evenings, spiritual reflection
For Tourists: Magical experience but respect daytime fasting (no eating/drinking/smoking in public)

Eid Al-Fitr (عيد الفطر)

When: End of Ramadan (dates announced ~1 day before based on moon sighting)
Duration: 3-4 day public holiday
Celebrations: Special prayers, family gatherings, children receive gifts (Eideya), sweets
Where: Mosques for prayers, parks along Nile for celebrations
Atmosphere: Joyous, festive, new clothes, visiting family and friends
Note: Most shops/businesses closed first days

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

When: Varies (first day of Muharram, Islamic calendar)
Duration: 1-day public holiday
Observance: Quiet reflection, mosque visits
Note: Less festive than Eid, respectful quiet day

Prophet's Birthday (Al-Mawlid النبوي)

When: 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal (Islamic calendar, dates vary)
Duration: 1-day public holiday
Celebrations: Street processions, Sufi music (inshad), special sweets (halawet el-mawlid)
Where: Historic mosques, Al-Hussein area (Cairo), Islamic Cairo comes alive
Unique: Colorful candy dolls (aroset el-mawlid) sold everywhere
For Visitors: Spectacular cultural experience, traditional music and lights

🏆 Major Sporting Events

Egyptian Premier League (Football)

When: August - May season
Major Teams: Al Ahly, Zamalek (Cairo rivals), Pyramids FC
Venues: Cairo Stadium, Al Ahly Stadium
Atmosphere: Passionate fans, intense rivalries
Tickets: EGP 50-300
Note: Al Ahly vs Zamalek derby is THE match to see!

Pyramids Half Marathon

When: January or February
Route: Around Giza Pyramids - run past ancient wonders!
Categories: Half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km
Highlight: Unique historic setting
Registration: Online months before
Price: $40-80 USD

Egypt International Squash Open

When: Various times throughout year
Note: Egypt dominates world squash
Venues: Squash clubs in Cairo
Players: World's top squash players
Tickets: EGP 100-500
Egypt's Sport: National passion

Africa Cup of Nations (when hosted)

Frequency: Every 2 years
Last Hosted: 2019 (Egypt)
Venues: Cairo Stadium, Alexandria Stadium
Teams: African nations compete
Atmosphere: Massive when Egypt plays
Tickets: EGP 100-1,000+

Red Sea Diving Events

Locations: Hurghada, Sharm, Dahab
Events: Underwater photography, freediving competitions
Season: Year-round
Spectator: Some events open to public
Note: Red Sea world-class diving destination

Cairo Derby - Al Ahly vs Zamalek

When: Multiple times per season
Rivalry: Africa's biggest football derby
Venue: Cairo Stadium
Atmosphere: Electric! Passionate, intense
Tickets: EGP 100-500
Note: Book early, incredibly popular

Nile Rowing Regattas

Season: October - April
Venue: Nile River rowing clubs
Events: Rowing competitions, kayaking
History: Strong Egyptian rowing tradition
Note: Local events, scenic on Nile

🎨 Arts & Entertainment Events

Cairo Biennale

When: Every 2 years (biennial)
Duration: 2-3 months
Where: Multiple venues across Cairo
Description: Contemporary art from Africa and Middle East
History: Established 1984, Africa's oldest art biennale
Focus: Modern and contemporary Arab and African art
Admission: Free or minimal (EGP 20-50)
Venues: Museums, galleries, public spaces

Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF)

When: March-April
Duration: 3-4 weeks
Where: Downtown Cairo venues
Focus: Contemporary performance arts, music, theater, dance
Events: International and Egyptian artists, experimental works
Admission: EGP 50-300 per event
Atmosphere: Cutting-edge, alternative arts scene

Cairo Opera Season

Season: October - June (winter season)
Performances: Opera, ballet, classical concerts, Arabic music
Venue: Cairo Opera House, Zamalek
Companies: Cairo Opera Orchestra, Cairo Symphony, international guests
Tickets: EGP 100-800 depending on performance
Tip: Beautiful Nile-side venue, dress smart casual

Egypt Festivals and Events

🎵 Music & Concerts in Egypt

Cairo Jazz Festival

When: March
Duration: 3-4 days
Venues: AUC Tahrir Campus, Cairo Jazz Club, Sawy Cultural Centre
Lineup: Egyptian and international jazz artists
Atmosphere: Intimate, Nile-side locations
Tickets: EGP 200-500

Arabic Music Concerts

Artists: Amr Diab, Tamer Hosny, Mohamed Mounir, Sherine
Venues: Cairo Stadium, outdoor venues, hotels
Season: Peak during summer in North Coast resorts
Tickets: EGP 300-2,000
Note: Egypt is Arab world's music capital

International Concert Tours

Venues: Cairo Stadium, Cairo International Convention Centre
Frequency: Several major concerts per year, growing music tourism
Past Artists: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon 5, Enrique Iglesias have performed in Cairo
Tickets: EGP 500-5,000+ depending on artist
Note: Egypt increasingly hosts major international touring artists

Traditional Music Events

Events: Al-Mawlid celebrations (Prophet's Birthday), Sufi music
Venues: Historic mosques, cultural centers
Performers: Traditional oud, qanun, ney players
Experience: Authentic Egyptian musical heritage
Admission: Often free or EGP 50-200

🎫 How to Find & Book Events in Egypt

Ticketing Platforms

  • Ticketsmarche: Main platform for Egypt events (concerts, sports)
  • BookMyShow Egypt: Movies, some concerts and events
  • Virgin Megastore Tickets: Events, concerts, exhibitions
  • Cairo Opera House Website: Opera, ballet, classical concerts
  • Cairo Jazz Club: Direct bookings for jazz events
  • Hotel Concierge: Can arrange tickets for many events

Event Information Resources

  • Egypt.travel: Official Egypt tourism events
  • CairoScene.com: Comprehensive Cairo events and nightlife
  • Ahram Online Events: Cultural and national events
  • AllEvents.in/Cairo: Community events listings
  • Facebook Events: Many Egyptian events only advertised on Facebook

Booking Tips for Egypt

  • Book Early: 1-2 months for major events (Film Festival, Opera)
  • Cash Often Required: Many venues prefer cash payment
  • Hotel Help: Concierge can book hard-to-find tickets
  • Free Events: Many cultural events free admission
  • Check Facebook: Event pages often have most current info
  • Sound & Light: Can book day-of at venue

Egypt Public Holidays (2025-2027)

  • New Year's Day: January 1
  • Coptic Christmas: January 7 (Coptic Christian)
  • January 25 Revolution Day: January 25
  • Sham El-Nessim: Monday after Coptic Easter (Spring festival, ancient pharaonic tradition)
  • Sinai Liberation Day: April 25
  • Labour Day: May 1
  • July 23 Revolution Day: July 23
  • October 6 Armed Forces Day: October 6
  • Islamic Holidays: Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday (dates vary yearly - lunar calendar)
  • Note: Islamic dates follow lunar calendar (~11 days earlier each year)

📆 Events by Season in Egypt

Winter Events (Nov-Feb) ⭐ PEAK SEASON

  • November: Cairo Film Festival, Opera season in full swing
  • December: New Year's Eve celebrations along Nile
  • January: Coptic Christmas (Jan 7), Jan 25 Revolution Day, cultural events
  • February: Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Feb 22), Pyramids Marathon
  • March: Cairo Jazz Festival, D-CAF Festival
  • Weather: Perfect 15-25°C - ideal for all events

Spring Events (Apr-May)

  • April: Sinai Liberation Day (Apr 25), Ramadan (varies), Sham El-Nessim
  • May: Labour Day (May 1), Eid Al-Fitr celebrations
  • Weather: Warming 20-35°C
  • Caution: Khamsin sandstorms possible March-May
  • Note: Spring festival season, pleasant before summer heat

Summer Events (Jun-Sep)

  • June: Eid Al-Adha (varies yearly)
  • July: July 23 Revolution Day, Islamic New Year (varies)
  • August-September: Prophet's Birthday (varies), fewer events
  • Weather: Very hot 30-45°C - indoor events only
  • Activities: Museum events, indoor concerts, Red Sea beach festivals
  • Note: Opera/cultural venues on summer break

Autumn Events (Oct)

  • October: Armed Forces Day (Oct 6), Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Oct 22)
  • Season: Cultural season begins, Opera reopens
  • Weather: Cooling 20-32°C - outdoor events resume
  • Note: Perfect transition to peak event season
  • Preparation: Winter cultural season starts

Experience Egypt Events

Check event calendars and book your tickets to experience Egypt's cultural festivals and celebrations!

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