Lagos can be anything you want it to be. If luxury is your language, rest assured that Lagos speaks it well. However, if you’re on a tight budget and want to experience this bustling Nigerian city without spending anything, you’ll be welcomed with open arms by the city’s creative arts community, whose vibrancy is attracting attention around the world.
Here’s a lineup of local activities that won’t break the bank: the top free things to do in Lagos.
1. Get Your Groove On at the New Afrika Shrine
The New Afrika Shrine is a must-visit destination in Lagos. Every Sunday night, Femi Kuti – son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti – performs with his band to a packed hall during “Sunday Jump,” with an admission fee of around N1000. Moreover, every Thursday evening, the rehearsal for the Sunday show is free.
Planning tip: If you’re around in mid-October, be sure to attend the nightly Felabration concerts, which run for a week in memory of Fela – all free of charge.
2. Engage With Local Literary Culture
A wave of creativity is blowing across Lagos. Authors are writing more fiction and nonfiction and hosting frequent readings and conversations. These gatherings are free to attend. Popular venues for literary events include PAGE Book Connoisseurs, Patabah Books, and Rovingheights Bookstore.
Planning tip: In October and November, you can mix and mingle with a bigger assembly of book lovers at the QFest and Lagos Books and Arts Festival, both also free to attend.
3. Experience the Nike Art Gallery
If you’re in the Lekki area, head to the Nike Art Gallery – possibly the biggest gallery space in Lagos. Staff will welcome you warmly and might even dress you up in local Yoruba costumes. It’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else.
Its four floors showcase beautiful paintings, beads, fabrics, handcrafts, and furniture, and the outdoor space features a collection of sculptures crafted from metal, tire, and stone.
Planning tip: Preschool and elementary school-age children are not allowed in the gallery. It’s open every day of the week, with shorter hours on Sundays.
4. Escape the Humid Weather in Public Parks
Thanks to more than 300 parks and gardens across Lagos, city dwellers have plenty of green outdoor spaces. A few charge around N500 for children and N1000 for adults, but many parks are free and open every day. Near every park, you will find benches, play areas, and kiosks enhancing your outdoor experience.
Planning tip: If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, head for the parks on weekdays. They are generally busy on weekends and packed during public holidays.
5. Creativity Workshops for Kids at Didi Museum
On at least one Saturday a month, the Didi Museum hosts creativity workshops for children. Led by experienced facilitators, these sessions help youngsters explore various subjects such as craft-making, sketching, and music. While the kids are engaged, you can enjoy the quiet corners of the gallery.
6. Attend Gallery Openings and Exhibitions
Artists in Lagos are busier than ever, with countless exhibitions launching every month. Gallery openings are lively events often enriched by hearty chatter and refreshments.
Planning tip: Check the social media feeds of local galleries for upcoming events and openings.
7. Go Birding in the Mangroves of Lekki
Once a month, local bird clubs organize bird-watching outings, providing opportunities to explore Lagos’ mangrove forests and wetlands. These outings allow you to spot various bird species while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Planning tip: Follow local birding groups on social media for announcements of upcoming trips, typically posted a week in advance.
8. Watch Outdoor Movies at Muri Okunola Park
Outdoor movies are gaining popularity in Lagos, with several locations offering frequent screenings. The “Movie in the Park” series at Muri Okunola Park on the last Saturday of the month is a great way to enjoy films under the stars.
9. Experience Classical Music at MUSON Center
The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Center has been the home of classical music in Lagos since 1995. The annual MUSON Festival in October features drama, jazz, art exhibitions, and opera performances, many of which are free.
