The curtains rise today, 30 May, as the Bulawayo Arts Festival officially begins with the Extra-Pre Festival running until 31 May. The main festival will follow from 1 to 7 June under the theme “Celebrating Royalties Through Arts.”

Hosted in the City of Kings and Queens, the festival shines a spotlight on Bulawayo’s role as the heart of Zimbabwean arts and culture. This year’s theme song, “City of Kings” by award-winning artist Guluva7, perfectly captures the spirit and setting of the event.

Opening the celebrations is Comedy Meets Poetry at the historic Stanley Hall. A Family Fun Fair and Kasi to Kasi Talent Search will take over the City Hall Car Park and Amphitheatre on 31 May. Gospel lovers are in for a treat on Sunday, 1 June, with performances from Pastor Barak, Vocal X, and Family Voices at Large City Hall, with Senzo Nyathi as MC.

Bulawayo Day will be marked on 2 June as residents honour the city’s legacy. The week will also feature headline concerts, including Imbokodo for women, with Novuyo Seagirl, Lemoniq, and Luchi Shiki, and the Amakhosi concert, led by the city’s musical kings Asaph, Guluva7, Msiz’kay, Luminous, and more, hosted by MC Calvin Madula.

The festival promises a full week of activities across the city — from theatre, music, and poetry to community lectures and Kasi-based performances — celebrating the soul of Bulawayo through art.