Lagos to host major circus and international theatre festivals in 2026

Lagos is set to host two major performing arts events in late 2026. The National Theatre will present ‘Circus in Motion: The Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival’ from October 3 to 4. This event marks Nigeria’s first major contemporary circus festival, focusing on story-driven acrobatics, aerial silks, and human athleticism rather than traditional animal acts. The program aims to blend West African performance art with global traditions, featuring live drumming, Afrobeat arrangements, and both local and international performers.

Following this, the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) will take place from November 14 to 15 at the MUSON Centre. Under the theme ‘The Masks We Wear,’ the festival will feature productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada, and Brazil. The event includes international highlights such as Canada’s ‘Under The Mango Tree’ and various masterclasses. Pre-festival activities include ‘Theatre Meets Food’ hosted by Hilda Baci and ‘Embassy Nights’ to foster cultural exchange among diplomats and artists.