Cairo’s cultural calendar is always moving. From gallery openings and independent film screenings to live music, theatre, workshops and weekend markets, these are the organisations and local guides worth following to find out what is happening around the city.
The best way to check what’s happening in Cairo is through social media, especially Instagram. Events, dates, venues and ticket details can change frequently, and organisers often share the most current information on their social channels. Always check the latest posts and Stories before heading out. Where an official account could not be confidently confirmed, the link below opens an Instagram search for the organisation.
01 / Event guides & Cairo culture
Start here for a broad view of what is happening across Cairo. These publications and local guides cover everything from new openings and exhibitions to concerts, nightlife, festivals and neighbourhood happenings.
SceneNow
One of the most useful starting points for contemporary Egyptian culture, with coverage of art, music, design, food, nightlife and cultural events. Instagram: @scenenow
CairoScene
A wide-ranging Cairo lifestyle and entertainment publication covering concerts, festivals, new restaurants, nightlife and city events. Its online events calendar is also worth bookmarking. Instagram: @cairoscene · Events calendar
Cairo 360
A practical city guide for restaurants, entertainment, cinema, nightlife and things to do around Cairo. Instagram: @cairo360
El-Shai
A culture-focused source to explore for conversations, creative projects, arts programming and events with a local perspective. Find El-Shai on Instagram
Qahrawya
Look here for ways to experience Cairo through walking tours, heritage routes, neighbourhood exploration and local cultural experiences. Find Qahrawya on Instagram
02 / Art, galleries & creative practice
Follow galleries, artist-run spaces and creative organisations for exhibition announcements, open calls, artist talks, workshops and new work by Egyptian and international artists.
Darb 1718
An independent contemporary art and culture organisation associated with exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, film events and live performances. Check its current announcements for the latest programme and venue details. Instagram: @darb1718
Contemporary Image Collective (CIC)
An independent, non-profit initiative focused on photography and visual culture, with exhibitions, education, talks, screenings and workshops. Instagram: @ciccairo
Townhouse Gallery / Access Art Space
Follow this independent art-space scene for contemporary exhibitions, artist-led projects, conversations and experimental cultural programming. Check the organisation’s current profile and announcements for programme and venue updates. Find Townhouse Gallery on Instagram · Find Access Art Space on Instagram
Art Cairo
An art fair platform bringing together galleries, artists and collectors, with announcements around exhibitions, fairs and the wider contemporary art scene. Instagram: @artcairoofficial
Medrar for Contemporary Art
An independent platform supporting contemporary artists and collaborative practices through exhibitions, screenings, workshops and other experimental projects. Instagram: @medrar_
Gallery Misr
A Cairo gallery presenting Egyptian and regional artists. Follow for exhibition openings, artist features and gallery news. Find Gallery Misr on Instagram
Gezira Art Center
Set in the historic Prince Amru Ibrahim Palace in Zamalek, this public art centre hosts exhibitions, cultural events and performances. Find Gezira Art Center on Instagram
Photopia
A photography school, studio, gallery and creative hub for image-makers. It also organises Cairo Photo Week and hosts workshops, talks and photography events. Instagram: @photopiacairo
03 / Film, theatre & performance
For independent cinema, stage productions, experimental performance and artist conversations, keep an eye on these venues and organisations.
Zawya Cinema
Cairo’s independent cinema platform, screening Egyptian, Arab and international films alongside retrospectives, filmmaker discussions, masterclasses and special events. Instagram: @zawyacinema
Cimatheque
An independent film centre and archive associated with screenings, workshops, film education and conversations around cinema and moving-image culture. Find Cimatheque on Instagram
Falaki Theatre
A downtown performance venue at AUC’s Tahrir campus, hosting theatre, music, dance, screenings and other live cultural events. Instagram: @aucfalakitheater
Rawabet Art Space
An independent performing-arts space known for contemporary and experimental theatre, dance, music, film and artist-led projects. Find Rawabet on Instagram
ROOM Art Space
A relaxed creative venue and café with live music, open-mic nights, comedy, dance, film screenings, workshops and exhibitions. Find ROOM Art Space on Instagram
04 / Music & live events
From traditional Egyptian music and jazz to large-scale productions and intimate gigs, these accounts are useful for finding a soundtrack to the city.
El Sawy Culturewheel
A busy Zamalek cultural centre with a varied year-round programme of concerts, theatre, talks, workshops, film, exhibitions and festivals. Instagram: @elsawyculturewheel
Cairo Opera House
Cairo’s major performing-arts complex, with opera, ballet, orchestral concerts, Arabic music, dance, theatre and exhibitions. Instagram: @cairo_opera_house_media · Official website
Makan – Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts
An intimate venue dedicated to traditional Egyptian music and folk performance, including regional musical traditions and distinctive live sets. Find Makan on Instagram
Cairo Jazz Club
A long-running live-music venue and nightlife fixture, with jazz, funk, rock, electronic music, DJs and performances by local and visiting musicians. Instagram: @cairojazzclub
Institut français d’Égypte
The French Institute in Egypt presents a wide programme of cultural events, including concerts, cinema, exhibitions, talks, literature and collaborations with Egyptian artists. Instagram: @institutfrancais_egypte
AUC Tahrir Cultural Center
A cultural hub in AUC’s historic downtown campus, with exhibitions, lectures, public programmes and events across the arts. Instagram: @auc.tcc
05 / Independent festivals, markets & community
Some of Cairo’s most interesting happenings are announced by collectives and festival organisers rather than the larger venues. These are worth checking for one-off events, creative gatherings and opportunities to meet local makers.
Meow Productions
An independent creative production outfit to watch for art, publishing, community gatherings and occasional cultural events. Instagram: @meowproductions.eg
ASWAT Festival
A festival platform to follow for music and arts programming, performances and independent cultural events. Find ASWAT Festival on Instagram
Mahatat Collective
An arts organisation known for creative projects in public space, participatory art, workshops and community-based cultural programming. Instagram: @mahatatcollective
She Arts Festival
A festival celebrating women in the arts through music, theatre, dance, film and visual art. Check for announcements around its next edition and related events. Find She Arts Festival on Instagram
D-CAF – Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival
A major contemporary arts festival bringing performances, theatre, dance, music, visual art and interdisciplinary projects into venues and public spaces across downtown Cairo. Find D-CAF on Instagram
Cairo Flea Market
Look out for pop-up markets featuring vintage finds, independent designers, handmade goods, local brands and food stalls. Find Cairo Flea Market on Instagram
El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music
A cultural organisation supporting Egyptian folk music and musicians, with performances and programmes that help keep regional musical traditions in circulation. Find El Mastaba on Instagram
A small tip: When you find an event you like, open the organiser’s Instagram profile and check its Stories and Highlights as well as its grid. Last-minute venue changes, ticket links and sold-out notices are often posted there first.