Events in Juba

Events & Festivals in Juba

Your complete guide to what's happening throughout the year

Juba's event calendar mirrors its expanding role as a national capital, mixing official ceremonies with grassroots cultural gatherings. Large international festivals remain rare. The city instead pulses with community events celebrating South Sudanese music, dance, and sports. Major public holidays anchor the schedule, listed separately, alongside local performances, religious observances, and commercial fairs. Plan around the dry season. Many outdoor events cluster in these months to dodge the heavy rains.

Peak event periods
  • Independence Day celebrations in early July
  • Christmas and New Year festive period
  • Juba International Trade Fair in May
  • Dry season cultural and sports events
Public holidays in Juba: 27 September 2026 to 26 September 2027
  • 24 December 2026 Christmas Eve
  • 25 December 2026 Christmas Day
  • 26 December 2026 Second Day of Christmas
  • 1 January 2027 New Year's Day
  • 26 March 2027 Good Friday
  • 27 March 2027 Holy Saturday
  • 28 March 2027 Easter Sunday
  • 29 March 2027 Easter Monday
  • 1 May 2027 Labour Day
  • 16 May 2027 SPLA Day
  • 9 July 2027 Independence Day
  • 30 July 2027 Martyrs' Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close, and transport and prices can change around these dates.

January

🎉Juba New Year's Eve Street Party

Dates vary yearly Around John Garang Mausoleum area
Free festival

Held the evening before New Year's Day, this informal gathering packs streets and public squares in central Juba. Local DJs and musicians perform. Street vendors sell snacks and drinks. The mood starts celebratory and family-friendly, then builds energy as midnight nears. Visitors seeking a local communal celebration will find it here.

Tip: Arrive by late afternoon. Good spots disappear fast. Street parking fills quickly, so walk from nearby accommodations or grab a boda-boda instead.

⚽Juba City Marathon

Dates vary yearly Start/Finish near Buluk Park
Book Ahead sports

This annual road race pulls local athletes and international runners through a course looping from the city center toward the Juba Bridge and back. Categories include full marathon, half marathon, and shorter fun-runs. The event promotes fitness and national unity. Community support lines the entire route.

Tip: Registration opens months ahead. It closes early. Train in Juba's heat. Start very hydrated.

February

🎭South Sudanese Cultural Week

Dates vary yearly Nyakuron Cultural Centre
Free cultural

A week-long exhibition of South Sudan's varied cultures develops at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre. Events span traditional dance performances from different states, craft demonstrations, poetry readings, and panel discussions. Participants wear traditional dress. Those interested in national heritage will find this immersive.

Tip: The schedule is packed. Grab a program at the entrance. Plan your day. The craft market section offers authentic souvenirs.

March

🛒Juba Agricultural Show

Dates vary yearly Juba Showground
Free market

This multi-day exhibition at the Juba Showground displays produce, livestock, and agricultural technology from across South Sudan. Farmers' cooperatives and agribusinesses run stalls. Cooking competitions using local ingredients add energy. Families and professionals interested in the farming sector will learn plenty here.

Tip: Wear a hat and sunscreen. Most of the show is outdoors. Go early. Avoid the peak afternoon heat.

April

🙏Archdiocese of Juba Easter Choir Festival

Dates vary yearly St. Theresa's Cathedral, Kator
Free religious

In the lead-up to Easter, church choirs from across the Juba Archdiocese compete at St. Theresa's Cathedral in a friendly festival of sacred music. Performances feature hymns and songs in various local languages plus English. Large congregations attend. The atmosphere is joyful and communal.

Tip: Seating inside the cathedral is limited. Arrive at least an hour early. The event often airs on local radio.

May

🛒Juba International Trade Fair

Dates vary yearly Juba Showground
Free market

A major commercial event drawing businesses from across East Africa and beyond, held at the Juba Showground. Exhibitors span construction, telecom, and consumer goods. Business-to-business meetings run throughout. The public can attend. The event captures the regional economy in miniature.

Tip: Business visitors need ample business cards. Public visitors should check dates. Some days are trade professionals only.

June

⚽Juba Youth Soccer Tournament

Dates vary yearly Buluk Football Field, Juba Stadium
Free sports

This month-long tournament pits neighborhood and club teams from across Juba at several city pitches. Matches are energetic. Local supporters bring passion. The final draws local officials. Sports fans wanting grassroots football talent should attend.

Tip: Final match tickets are sometimes required for seating areas. General viewing remains free. Matches often run late afternoon. This avoids the midday sun.

July

🎉Juba Independence Day Cultural Gala

Dates vary yearly Dr. John Garang Mausoleum grounds
Book Ahead festival

Held around the national holiday, this gala celebrates South Sudanese artistry. The lineup features the country's most popular musicians, dancers, and comedians in a large outdoor concert. The atmosphere is festive and patriotic. The event runs late.

Tip: Tickets sell out fast. VIP tickets include shaded seating and separate facilities. Worth it in this heat. Secure transport home early.

August

🎭Juba Fashion and Design Week

Dates vary yearly Crown Hotel or similar venue
Book Ahead cultural

A show for South Sudanese and regional fashion designers, held at a major hotel conference center. Runway shows, pop-up shops for local brands, and workshops fill the schedule. A stylish, professional crowd attends. Traditional fabrics fuse with contemporary design here.

Tip: Runway tickets are tiered. Later shows with established designers cost more. The pop-up market needs no ticket.

September

🍽️Juba Restaurant Week

Dates vary yearly Various restaurants across Juba
Book Ahead food

Participating restaurants across Juba offer special prix-fixe menus showing local and international cuisines. Higher-end establishments become accessible. The event encourages exploration of the dining scene, including Ethiopian, Lebanese, and South Sudanese venues.

Tip: Reservations are essential. Popular spots fill fast. Check the official participant list. It changes yearly.

October

🎭Juba International Film Festival

Dates vary yearly University of Juba, Nyakuron Cultural Centre
Free cultural

Screenings of short films, documentaries, and features from South Sudan and across Africa develop at cultural centers and university halls. Q&A sessions with filmmakers and workshops accompany the films. The audience is thoughtful. African storytelling and contemporary issues drive the programming.

Tip: The schedule releases shortly before opening. Evening university screenings are popular. Arrive early. Seats go fast.

November

🙏All Saints' Day Mass and Procession

Dates vary yearly St. Theresa's Cathedral, Kator
Free religious

Juba's Catholic community marks this major observance with thousands gathering across the city. The day begins with mass at St. Theresa's Cathedral. A solemn procession follows to the cemetery. Participants carry flowers and candles to honor the deceased. The mood stays respectful throughout. This draws faithful from every corner of Juba.

Tip: Road closures hit Kator during the procession. Dress modestly. Expect to stand for hours.

🛒Juba Business Expo

Dates vary yearly Juba Landmark Hotel Convention Center
Free market

This expo zeroes in on entrepreneurship and SMEs at a city convention center. Local startups share floor space with service providers and financial institutions. Networking sessions run throughout. Business development talks fill the schedule. Professionals attend. So do aspiring entrepreneurs. The focus stays practical for anyone building something in Juba.

Tip: Register online first. This unlocks exclusive networking events. Pack a notebook. Bring business cards. Lots of them.

December

🎵Juba Christmas Carols by Candlelight

Dates vary yearly Buluk Park
Free music

A central park hosts this outdoor community concert each year. Church choirs perform. School choirs join in. Together they sing Christmas carols while attendees hold candles. The effect is serene. Families come in groups. This marks Juba's holiday season officially.

Tip: Bring a mat or blanket for the grass. The timing matters. Sunset starts the show. This maximizes the candlelight.

🎵End of Year Music Bash

Dates vary yearly Juba Stadium or similar large grounds
Book Ahead music

South Sudanese and East African artists headline this high-energy concert at a large outdoor venue. It ranks among Juba's biggest music events. The crowd skews young. The night stretches long. Food stalls line the perimeter. Drink stalls do too.

Tip: Gold and VIP tickets buy distance from the crush. They also buy access. The aftermath is brutal. Traffic jams for hours. Stay nearby instead. Or arrange a pickup point within walking distance.

Tips for Attending Events

Practical advice to help you get the most out of local events and festivals.

1

December through April delivers the best conditions. Heavy rains stay away. Most large outdoor events cluster in this window. This is Juba's peak period for activities. Plan accordingly.

2

Daytime outdoor events demand preparation. Wear a hat. Apply sunscreen. Carry water. Find shade when you can.

3

Transport needs advance planning. Taxis serve the city. Boda-bodas do too. Both disappear near large events ending late. Fix a pickup location with your driver beforehand. This saves hours of waiting.

4

Details shift. Dates move. Venues change. Check local radio. Check hotel noticeboards. Check social media. Do this one or two days before.

5

Cards fail often. Markets and festivals run on cash. Small denominations work best. Carry them.

6

Religious events demand respect. Cover your shoulders. Cover your knees. This applies to church services. This applies to processions too.

Event Categories

Browse events by type to find what interests you.

🎉
festival

These are the major public celebrations. Holiday gatherings draw crowds. Performances happen. The atmosphere turns festive.

🎭
cultural

Arts take center stage here. So do heritage, film, fashion, and theater. Local creativity appears. Regional creativity appears too.

⚽
sports

Athletic competitions fill this category. Tournaments do too. Races as well. Participants come. Spectators come too.

🛒
market

Temporary markets pop up. Trade fairs appear. Exhibitions open. Expos run for commerce, agriculture, or shopping.

🙏
religious

Faith drives these observances. Ceremonies follow. Festivals follow. Community participation is typical.

🎵
music

Concerts, live performances, and festivals primarily centered on musical acts.

🍽️
food

Cuisine dominates here. Dining does too. Culinary arts get their moment. Restaurant promotions happen. Food festivals happen.

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