Addis Ababa
This azmari bet rivals any in Addis. It’s littered with Ethiopian cultural items and always offers a good time (whether you understand what's going on or…
Must-see entertainment in Ethiopia
Alliance Éthio-Française d’Addis-Abeba
Addis Ababa
As is almost always the case with French cultural centres, this centre hosts an exciting and diverse range of art-house films, experimental theatre,…
Addis Ababa
This innovative social project trains young local dancers from underprivileged backgrounds (including some with disabilities) in traditional Ethiopian…
Addis Ababa
Thanks to some of the city’s best azmaris (local minstrels who improvise amusing poetry and songs) performing here, Yewedale is resoundingly popular and…
Bahir Dar
Unlike other more touristy places around town, this fine venue should do the trick. The focus here is more on live music and dance by well-known local…
Addis Ababa
This dark and moody bar has live jazz every night and it's far more mellow than most other Addis nightspots, even after the band finishes and a DJ takes…
Bahir Dar
If you’d like an entertaining cultural experience and a good laugh, visit this place. Various azmari (local minstrels who perform a mix of music and…
Gonder
Gonder produces Ethiopia’s best azmaris (local minstrels who perform a mix of music and humour). While many end up starring in Addis Ababa, there are…
Harar
This vast dance hall is the only place in Harar that has a resident DJ. The music is a mixture of Ethiopian pop and reggae, with some traditional tunes…
Harar
On weekend nights you can barely breathe for the crowds. Expect Ethiopian pop and international hits. This real earthy hang-out can become rough-and-ready…
Harar
This old-town place gets going early. Music kicks off around 8pm and dancing soon follows. It's popular with young Hararis. During the day it serves as a…
Addis Ababa
An institution, this central cinema puts on the usual diet of action-packed and slightly passé Hollywood movies. Films are shown daily in three sessions.
City Hall Theatre & Cultural Centre
Addis Ababa
A plush 1000-seat place in the Piazza, which shows productions on Tuesday and Friday. Sometimes there’s traditional Ethiopian music on public holidays.
Addis Ababa
This impressive building, with its massive marble and bronze entrance hall (and the odd pigeon), hosts theatre most weekends at 5pm.
Addis Ababa
The multiplex cinema inside the Edna Mall shows all the big-ticket Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood and local films, including those in 3D.
