| Event | When | Where | Dates status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauti za Busara | 19-21 March 2027 | Stone Town | Announced, to confirm |
| ZIFF (film) | June (24-28 June 2026) | Stone Town | 2027 not announced |
| Zanzibar Marathon | Sept. or Oct. (6th edition in 2026) | Stone Town | Sources differ, 2027 not announced |
| Mwaka Kogwa | July, Shirazi new year | Makunduchi | Date follows local calendar |
| Kendwa full moon | Every month | Kendwa Rocks | Follows the lunar calendar |
The Stone Town festivals
Sauti za Busara is three days of concerts at the Old Fort; see the festival page. Film is covered in the ZIFF guide. Book your hotel early: central rooms fill up before festivals.
Races and local celebrations
The marathon is described in the Zanzibar marathon guide. Mwaka Kogwa, in Makunduchi, marks the traditional new year with stick fights and a final bonfire (the page); its date changes every year, so confirm it locally.
Ramadan and the calendar
Ramadan 2027 falls roughly from early February to early March; some activities slow down. See Zanzibar during Ramadan. To sleep in town, compare addresses in boutique hotels in Stone Town.
FAQ
When is Sauti za Busara in 2027?
It is announced for 19 to 21 March 2027 in Stone Town; confirm on the official site before booking.
When is ZIFF?
In June or July depending on the year: the 2026 edition ran from 24 to 28 June.
Which festival is best for music?
Sauti za Busara, with artists from East Africa and around the world.
The Zanzibar Authority editorial team
