Tumaini Festival is a three-day annual festival taking place within the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Dowa Malawi. Dzaleka is the only refugee camp in Malawi and was established in 1994 from the genocide in Rwanda, Burindi and the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it located 45 km from Lilongwe the Malawi’s Capital

The Cape Maclear Carnival. November at Cape Maclear is the main event, while the Sprint Triathlon, a smaller event, takes place in August. Both offering something for everyone, blending culture, entertainment, and wellness activities that inspire participants to try new experiences. Traditional Malawian dances and performances showcase the region’s rich heritage. A key feature is the "Paint Cape Maclear Bright and Beautiful" initiative, with painting murals, houses, and shops in the village. The ultimate goal is to transform the entire Chembe village through art.

Zomba City Festival. April/May in Zomba area. Spread 3 days across venues in the historic city of Zomba, it promises an exciting mix of arts, music and activities. All ages are welcome to this celebration of music, poetry, visual arts, theatre, fashion and more.

Art in the park. Twice a year generally in May and November at the Four Seasons garden in Lilongwe. The festival spans three days with artists display their work while musicians perform for the audience, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Interactive workshops are also available. The primary goal of Art in the Park is to promote Malawian artists by providing a platform to showcase their talents.

Mulanje Porters Race. July in Mulanje Mountain. Though not a traditional cultural festival, this annual event is a mountain race held on Mulanje Mountain, attracting runners and adventurers from Malawi and other countries. It’s a physically demanding event with a route that goes through the scenic, rugged terrain of Mulanje. Alongside the race, there are cultural performances and celebrations, making it a lively community event.

Ufulu Festival. July (Independence Day) in Lilongwe. Ufulu Festival is a celebration of Malawi’s independence, held on July 6 each year. It features live music, poetry, art, and cultural performances, highlighting the country’s history and cultural pride. The festival brings together young artists and encourages the celebration of freedom and creativity. These festivals showcase Malawi’s rich cultural diversity and traditions, while also welcoming international influences and promoting artistic exchange. They provide a mix of music, arts, and local culture in stunning natural settings.

Cape Carnival Sprint Triathlon. August at Cape Maclear, The Sprint Triathlon is an exciting race set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Malawi. It is part of the bigger event ,the Cape Maclear Carnival in November.

Mulanje Peaks and Rhythms Festival. August in Mulanje region. It is a three-day annual celebration of the unique blend of Mulanje’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and artistic talents. This festival not only aims to entertain but also to promote environmental conservation, community engagement, cultural exchange and tourism in the region, while providing a platform for local and international artists. As we mark the beginning of the tourism month, we strive to create an event that resonates with both local and international audiences.

The Zomba TREEZ Run. September on Zomba Plateau. The run is organized to raise awareness about deforestation and promote environmental conservation. The initiative is part of the broader Zomba TREEZ project, which focuses on reforestation and sustainable land management. The run gathers participants from various communities, organizations, and individuals to support tree planting efforts and highlight the importance of protecting forests. If you are not a runner you can also dance or bicycle!

Lake of Stars Festival. September (usually) at Lake Malawi in various locations along the shores. One of Malawi’s most famous festivals, the Lake of Stars is an internationally recognized music and arts festival that brings together local and international musicians, artists, and performers. It takes place on the shores of Lake Malawi, offering a mix of music genres, art installations, and cultural performances, while celebrating the country’s rich culture and beautiful landscape.

Sand Music Festival. September/October in Salima, Lake Malawi. The Sand Music Festival is a popular three-day music event that attracts local and international artists. It covers a variety of music genres, including reggae, Afropop, and traditional Malawian sounds, and is one of the country’s biggest cultural events aimed at promoting Malawi as a tourist destination.

Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF). October (varies yearly) in Blantyre. The Blantyre Arts Festival is a celebration of Malawian arts, culture, and heritage, with performances ranging from traditional dance, theatre, visual arts, to modern music. It brings together artists from Malawi and beyond to promote creativity and cultural exchange, encouraging the preservation of local traditions while embracing contemporary arts.

The Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival. October at Mbande Hills in northern Malawi that celebrates the cultural diversity of the Karonga and Chitipa districts. It features traditional music, dances, and exhibitions from various ethnic groups such as the Ngonde, Tumbuka, and Lambya. The festival promotes cultural preservation, unity, and social development while addressing local issues like education and health. It also aims to attract tourism by showcasing the region’s rich heritage.

Likoma Island Festival. October/November on Likoma Island, Lake Malawi. This festival celebrates the culture and heritage of Likoma Island, which is located in Lake Malawi. It features traditional music, dances, and local foods, with a focus on preserving the island’s unique customs. It also draws attention to the natural beauty of Likoma, making it a growing attraction for both locals and tourists.

European Film Festival. Oktober/November in Lilongwe, Dowa and Blantyre. Presented by the European Union Delegation in Malawi with feature length films from Europe, Africa and Malawian filmmakers.