You don’t need to travel out of the country to feel immersed in arts and culture. Whether you crave the thrill of adventure or cultural time-travel, these local events hold the same potential as the likes of<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coachella"> Coachella</a>, Cannes Film Festival, and Mardi Gras–among other popular international festivals–to entertain you with creativity and authenticity.

What’s more, you do not need to undergo the rigours and expenses of international travel just for an opportunity to cool off. Here are five budget-friendly and culturally rich Nigerian events that should be considered the next time you’re looking for a cultural getaway within the country:

<a href="https://www.felabration.net/">Felabration</a> is an annual music and cultural festival in Lagos that celebrates the life and legacy of the infamous afrobeat pioneer and activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The festival was conceived by Fela’s eldest daughter, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, in 1998.&nbsp; It comprises musical performances, dance competitions, art exhibitions, street parades, and symposia that honour the entirety of Fela's contributions to society throughout his career. The festival is held annually during the week of his birthday—which is 15th October, 1938—in New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, and despite attracting a lot of international visitors, is accessible to the public.

&nbsp;&nbsp;	2. Ake Arts &amp; Book Festival (Abeokuta/Lagos):

Founded in 2013 by Lola Shoneyin,<a href="https://akefestival.org/"> Ake Arts &amp; Book Festival</a> is an annual festival that unites creatives such as writers, poets, musicians, actors, and artists to celebrate indigenous creativity and promote African original innovations. The Festival is an example of a vibrant atmosphere that promotes African intellect and imagination by gathering some of the continent’s brightest creative minds. It's been scheduled to hold from the 20th to the 22nd of November, this year, in the city of Lagos.

This is a pan-African festival that showcases talents from experimental theatre, music, and visual arts.&nbsp; During Afropolis, the city of Lagos is transformed into an intriguing parade of both local and international talents that captivate and truly entertain audiences. It's an event for everyone and is held in partnership with the Lagos state government.<a href="https://www.afropolis.org/event-details/afropolis2025"> Afropolis</a> is significant for the city's cultural and economic development.

Hosted in Lagos—the heartbeat of the creative industry in Nigeria—<a href="https://www.lagosphotofestival.com/festival-information.html">Lagos Photo</a> Festival is streamlined to photography. It's an avenue for upcoming photographers to network and express themselves by providing mentorship opportunities and connecting them with global networks.&nbsp; It is currently transitioning from annual to biennale, to give participants more time to prepare for the exhibitions, streamlined to strong themes that blend politics with society and photography.

Held in Edo State, historically known to preserve ancient culture, the festival commemorates the enduring role of art in preserving memory, influencing cultural narratives, and sustaining the future of our culture. This soulful event features live demonstrations, interactive installations, and workshops that provide insight into Edo’s past and present cultural expressions. <a href="https://www.angelsandmuse.org/black-muse-art-festival/#:~:text=Angels%20and%20Muse%20is%20proud,theme%20Let%20the%20Forest%20Dance.">Black Muse Art</a> Festival is free to attend, but indeed priceless to experience.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead, mark the dates on your calendar and plan to attend at least one of these!&nbsp;

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