Rwanda Prepares for Year-Long Cultural and Tourism Showcase as Yirunga Reveals 2026 Events
At the Kivu Beach Expo and Festival 2025, Rutsiro edition.
Rwanda’s tourism and entertainment industry is expected to receive a major boost in 2026 after Yirunga Ltd officially unveiled the calendar for its highly anticipated Kivu Beach Expo & Festival and Yirunga Festivals 2026.
The nationwide festival series will bring together music, sports, cultural exhibitions, trade fairs and community entertainment activities across several districts, with organizers positioning the events as a platform to promote domestic tourism, youth talent and business opportunities.
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Held under the theme “Celebrate Culture, Tourism & Togetherness,” the festivals are expected to attract thousands of participants from Rwanda and beyond, including tourists, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes and local communities.
According to the organizers, more than 10 million people are expected to be reached through television, radio, social media platforms and various media partnerships throughout the festival campaign.
Speaking about the initiative, organizers said the festivals are designed not only for entertainment but also as a vehicle to strengthen social cohesion and showcase Rwanda’s tourism potential.
“These events are not only about entertainment, but also a platform to connect people, promote business, tourism and Rwandan culture,” organizers stated.
Lake Kivu to Host Multi-City Festival Tour
The Kivu Beach Expo & Festival 2026 will take place in four districts along the Lake Kivu belt, an area increasingly becoming a hub for leisure tourism and recreational activities in Rwanda.
READ ALSO: Cultural Tourism in Focus as Rutsiro Prepares to Host Kivu Beach Expo 2025
Festival schedule:
- Karongi: June 12 to 21, 2026 at Bwishyura Ground
- Rubavu: July 9 to 19, 2026 at Gisenyi Public Beach
- Rusizi: July 24 to August 2, 2026 at Rusizi Taxi Park
- Rutsiro: August 14 to 17, 2026 at Rutsiro Kivu Beach
Organizers say the events will feature daily live music performances by artists, DJs and MCs, alongside exhibitions, cultural showcases and sports competitions.
Among the sporting activities planned are triathlon races, volleyball, badminton, kayaking and boat racing competitions aimed at attracting both local and international visitors.
Yirunga Festival Expands Beyond Western Rwanda
In addition to the Lake Kivu events, the Yirunga Expo & Festival 2026, described as a “Culture & Community Experience”, will also expand to other parts of the country.
The festival will be hosted in:
- Nyagatare: August 20 to 23, 2026 at Hollywood/Rwimiyaga
- Rwamagana: September 1 to 4, 2026 at Avega Motel Ground
- Musanze: December 24 to 26, 2026 at Ubworoherane Stadium
Organizers say the festivals will also serve as a platform for nurturing young talent, strengthening local entrepreneurship and promoting cultural exchange through entertainment and tourism-related activities.
With Rwanda continuing to position itself as a regional destination for conferences, sports and leisure tourism, the 2026 festival calendar is expected to contribute to the country’s broader efforts to grow the creative economy and domestic tourism sector.
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