Lagos Launches Three-Day Cultural Weekend to Enhance Tourism, Economic Growth

The Lagos State Government is set to ignite the city’s cultural landscape with the inaugural Lagos Cultural Weekend, a three-day festival running from November 14 to 16, 2025. The event aims to celebrate the state’s rich heritage while driving economic growth through tourism.

The festival will span iconic locations, including the J.K. Randle Centre, Freedom Park, the National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, and Tafawa Balewa Square, with each venue offering a unique program of curated cultural activities.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, described the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a cornerstone of the Lagos Cultural Mission, which seeks to redefine the state’s cultural identity on a global stage.

“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a horoscope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is. The three days will be a cultural baptism, an immersive introduction to who we are,” Aregbe said.

He emphasised that beyond the cultural exhibition, the weekend will serve as a platform for investment in the creative sector, supporting artisans, performers, historians, culinary experts, and other key stakeholders.

“This is not just about putting on a show. It’s about empowering the people who preserve our heritage and making culture a real engine of economic growth. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to collaboration and inclusiveness, and we are calling on Lagosians to be co-creators of this vision,” he said.

RELATED NEWS

• Nigerian Festive Calendar 2025: Key Cultural Festivals, Events & Celebrations
• Top 5 Cultural Tourism Experiences in Igbo Land for 2025
• Ogun Festival 2025: Ile-Oluji Kingdom Celebrates Heritage, Unity, & Divine Protection

The Lagos State Government’s creation of the “Lagos Cultural Weekend” is not just a new event on the calendar but a strategic and replicable blueprint for sustainable development that every state in the federation should closely observe and emulate. Scheduled for November 2025, this initiative crystallises a potent idea: that our culture is not merely a relic of the past to be preserved, but a dynamic, living asset capable of powering our future.

The most compelling argument for this model is its profound economic potential. For decades, states have been locked in a cycle of reliance on federal allocations, a system tied to the volatile fortunes of crude oil. A well-packaged annual cultural weekend offers a powerful antidote. It catalyzes a robust local tourism industry, attracting visitors not just from across Nigeria but from around the globe. This influx directly stimulates the hospitality sector; hotels, restaurants, and the initiative enhances transportation services and establishes a direct market specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Beyond tourism, the initiative consciously builds a “creative economy.” It provides a high-profile platform for artisans, fashion designers, musicians, filmmakers, culinary experts, and performers who are often part of the informal sector. By curating events at multiple venues, as Lagos plans to do, a state can transform its cultural practitioners from struggling artists into celebrated entrepreneurs. This formalisation channels talent into taxable revenue, creates jobs, and empowers communities from the grassroots up. Imagine the economic impact if every state harnessed its unique cultural assets, from the pottery traditions of Niger State and the leatherworks of Kano to the masquerade festivals of the South-East, into a signature annual event.

 

Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators

Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes.

Stay informed with the latest updates on Nigeria’s travel scene by visiting the Nigeria Tourism News section on Rex Clarke Adventures.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

What is the Lagos Cultural Weekend?

The Lagos Cultural Weekend is a new, three-day cultural festival initiated by the Lagos State Government. Its primary goal is to promote and celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage, showcase artistic excellence, and stimulate economic development through tourism.

When will the Lagos Cultural Weekend take place?

The inaugural event is scheduled to take place from Friday, November 14, to Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Where will the events be held?

The festival will be held across multiple iconic locations in Lagos, including:

• J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History
• Freedom Park
• National Theatre
• Badagry Heritage Museum
• Lekki Arts and Crafts Market
• Tafawa Balewa Square

What is the primary purpose of this festival?

The festival has two primary purposes: to celebrate and showcase Lagos’s diverse culture to a global audience and to serve as a platform for investment in the creative sector, thereby empowering local artisans, performers, and other cultural stakeholders and making culture an engine for economic growth.

Who is organising the event?

The event is being organised by the Lagos State Government, under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, leads the initiative.

How can residents and creatives get involved?

The government is calling on all Lagosians to be “co-creators” of the vision. While details on participation have not been released, interested individuals and groups should stay tuned for official announcements regarding opportunities for performers, vendors, artisans, and volunteers.