Lagos is welcoming November with a packed calendar of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, fashion showcases, theatre performances and creative industry gatherings. This is a prelude to the much anticipated Detty December.
With the festive season approaching, residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience African creativity. They can discover emerging talent, meet industry professionals and explore different sides of the city’s entertainment scene.
From contemporary art and African cinema to fashion and live theatre, here are nine cultural and entertainment events taking place in Lagos this November. 
1. ART X Lagos 2026
Date: November 5–8, 2026
Venue: Federal Palace, Victoria Island
ART X Lagos returns for its 11th edition under the theme A New Chapter, A New Decade. The annual art fair brings together artists, galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts to celebrate contemporary African art and its growing global influence.
Its programme includes exhibitions, cinema, live music, conversations and showcases featuring artists from Africa and its diaspora. The fair also gives emerging artists opportunities to connect with established figures in the art world.
2. Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF 15)
Date: November 1–7, 2026
Location: Lagos, with the Africa Film and Content Market at Twinwaters, Lekki
AFRIFF returns for its 15th edition, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, distributors and other film industry professionals.
The festival features film screenings, workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions. These activities aim to support African filmmaking and connect local stories with international audiences.
Its accompanying Africa Film and Content Market also provides a platform for discussions about film financing, distribution and industry partnerships.
3. GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026
Date: November 7–8, 2026
Venue: GTCentre, Oniru, Victoria Island
Fashion takes centre stage as GTCO Fashion Weekend returns under the theme Fashion Is Timeless.
The two-day event celebrates African fashion and provides a platform for designers, entrepreneurs and industry professionals to showcase their work. Attendees can look forward to runway presentations, fashion and beauty masterclasses, industry discussions and opportunities to discover emerging designers.
4. Lagos Fringe Festival
Date: November 3–8, 2026
Venues: Multiple locations across Lagos
The Lagos Fringe Festival brings performers and audiences together for a celebration of theatre, dance, spoken word, music and other creative expressions.
It provides a platform for established and emerging artists to present their work. Audiences can also experience different performance styles and engage with creative talent.
The programme includes workshops and learning opportunities for artists seeking to develop their skills.
5. CANEX WKND 2026
Date: November 5–8, 2026
Venue: Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Theatre, Lagos
CANEX WKND, also known as Creative Africa Nexus Weekend, brings together participants from across Africa’s creative industries.
The four-day gathering features conversations, exhibitions, masterclasses, fashion showcases, live music, film and food experiences. It also connects creative entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders interested in growing Africa’s creative economy.
The event offers opportunities for people working in entertainment, media, fashion, design and other creative fields to exchange ideas and build partnerships.
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6. NECLive 2026
Date: November 12, 2026
Venue: Alliance Française de Lagos, Ikoyi
NECLive brings together professionals and stakeholders from Nigeria’s entertainment industry to discuss its growth, challenges and business opportunities.
The conference provides a platform for conversations about music, film, media, technology and the wider creative economy. It also offers networking opportunities for industry professionals, entrepreneurs and emerging creatives seeking new connections and ideas.
7. Lagos International Theatre Festival 2026
Date: November 14–15, 2026
Venue: MUSON Centre, Onikan
The Lagos International Theatre Festival celebrates live performance and storytelling. It brings together theatre practitioners, playwrights, actors and audiences.
The festival showcases stage productions and other creative performances. It also gives established and emerging talents opportunities to present their work.
Through its programme, the festival highlights theatre’s role in exploring social issues, human experiences and African stories.
8. Entertainment Week Africa 2026
Date: November 17–22, 2026
Location: Lagos
Entertainment Week Africa focuses on the continent’s creative industries. It brings together established professionals and emerging talents from music, film, fashion, technology and digital media.
Under the theme Closing the Gap, the event is expected to feature masterclasses, industry discussions, creative showcases and networking sessions.
It aims to connect creatives with investors, businesses and other stakeholders. It will also encourage conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s entertainment industry.
9. Aké Arts and Book Festival 2026
Date: November 19–21, 2026
Location: Lagos
The Aké Arts and Book Festival brings together writers, readers, poets, artists and other cultural figures to celebrate African literature and creative expression.
Its programme features literary discussions, author sessions and activities exploring African stories, ideas and experiences. The festival also gives readers opportunities to engage with writers and discover new voices in literature.
Lagos Offers Something for Every Creative Interest
From art fairs and film screenings to fashion showcases, theatre productions and literary gatherings, November’s calendar reflects Lagos’s diverse cultural scene.
These events offer more than entertainment. They give artists platforms to showcase their work and professionals opportunities to build connections. They also allow audiences to engage with the people and ideas shaping Africa’s creative industries.
Anyone planning to attend should check the organisers’ official channels for updated schedules, ticket availability, registration requirements and venue information before making plans.
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Story written by Aramide Okunboh, edited by Sola Sanusi.
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