Laura
Creative Director & Co-Founder
Laura works year-round to make Zomba City Festival a success. She is the main curator and the creative brain behind the event.
Hey there! Welcome to Zomba City Festival 2025 – Our 5th Anniversary Edition!
Can you believe it’s been five years already? Zomba City Festival is back, bigger and better than ever! This year, we’re turning the whole city into one big celebration of arts, culture, and community.
Think of it as your perfect weekend getaway – dance, theatre, movies, workshops, live music, poetry, yoga, and so much more. Picture yourself at a cozy fireside jam session, catching a fashion show, sipping on delicious cocktails, or warming up with a hot cuppa comfort while tasting some exciting food. You can wander through our visual arts exhibition or have a blast in the VR room.
Over three unforgettable days, the city will be buzzing with creativity. Whether you’re into intimate performances or massive concerts, guided hikes or interactive art installations, there’s something here for everyone. We’re bringing together both local and international talent, all while showing off the beauty and diversity of Zomba.
Whether you’re here to dance the night away, dive into the city’s history, or just soak in the good vibes, ZCF25 has got you covered. Come join the celebration – five years of connecting people through the arts in one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
Zomba City Festival (ZCF25)
Zomba is a small city with history, Malawi’s first capital with a wealth of heritage. Explore the city of Zomba during the 5th edition of Zomba City Festival from 2 until 4 May 2025 organised by ZAP.
Zomba City Festival is a vibrant celebration of arts and culture, showcasing a diverse mix of spoken word & poetry, fashion, visual arts, dance, theatre, and music. The festival also features interactive workshops, family-friendly activities, culinary experiences, and guided heritage tours, offering something for everyone at various locations across town.
Zomba City Festival is an arts festival with spoken word & poetry, fashion, visual arts, dance, theatre and music at various locations in town.
How does it work? imagine..
Imagine, you arrive in Zomba on Friday evening, check into your accommodation and head to UNIMA for a free party. If you do not fancy going to UNIMA, you can find your soulmate during speeddating at Chalice Vine, listen to poetry at The Heritage Centre or dance at Lifetime Park.
On Saturday morning you can have a lay-in or choose to join sports and a full English breakfast at Annie’s Lodge or a nice coffee with games for kids at Byounique. Chalice Vine has a full day programme with arts, family fun and acoustic music around the campfire at night.
TND (Conference Centre in Mulunguzi) is the venue on both Saturday and Sunday for workshops, fashion, films, food court, live music and much more.
The art exhibition is at Chalice Vine this year. As usual there is poetry, acoustic music and books at The Heritage Centre.
Breakfast at Annie’s Lodge, Byounique and The Heritage Centre. Food stalls can be found at Chalice Vine and TND.
There is a lot to do for children; Kweza kids at The Heriatge Centre, family fun at Chalice Vine and children’s activities at Byounique.
Sports can be found at TND, Annie’s and of course the Hiker’s Alliance is organising a mountain hike again early Saturday morning.
TND is the main venue to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We finish the weekend with karaoke and silent disco at Annie’s on Sunday evening.
Andrew
Project Manager
Hitman
Director
Dereck
Administrator
Angela
Hospitality & PR
TeeWee
ME & sponsoring
Annelies
Co-Founder & Security
Annelies takes care of crew and is in charge of security
Zomba arts platform supports creatives in supporting themselves through trainings, mentoring, incubation, networking, events & competitions