Ramadan 2015: Things to Do in Cairo Other than Eat and Watch TV
If – after stuffing your face with every type of 2atayef under the sun while carefully avoiding your grandmother harassing you about your non-existent love life and dim job prospects – you don’t feel like going out with your friends just to have a less irritating variation of the same discussion, this list was practically made for you.
And us. And you thought you were alone…
CairoCats Exhibition Opening and K Project Space Launch
When: May 31 – July 17
Where: K Project Space
What: Since we all seem to be in a giving mood, why don’t you do your part for the felines of Cairo by attending this show/fundraiser for the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals (ESMA). The show is inspired by various posts from the blog “CairoCats” and is donating all proceeds to ESMA.
What are you doing, object?
When: June 2 – July 7
Where: Gypsum Gallery
What: For its season finale, Gypsum Gallery is hosting its first ever group exhibition by featuring 11 different artists curated by Nile Sunset Annex. This exhibition focuses on physical objects and their volatility despite our best attempts to define them. Don’t worry, it’s supposed to confuse you.
Cinemania Exhibition
When: June 13 – July 31
Where: Darb 1718
What: This exhibition features hand-painted recreations of vintage Egyptian movie posters. It includes the works of 11 various artists who have utilized different media to bring the posters to life.
Egyptian Classics
When: June 21 – July 21 (every Sunday)
Where: ROOM Art space
What: If a double dose of Haifa’a Wahbe isn’t exactly your cup of tea, then the ROOM might just have the right TV program for you. Check their Facebook page for their full schedule of screenings, featuring Egyptian film classics with English subtitles. Also, they have free popcorn. Just putting that out there.
Open Gates – Syrian Short Films
When: 23rd of June
Where: ROOM Art Space
What: This might be a little bit different than what you’d expect to be doing in Ramadan, but different might be good for your soul. ROOM Art space is showing 11 Syrian short films curated by Moviemiento e.V & Ettijahat Independent Culture. The screening starts at 9:30 pm and the entire program is only 55 minutes long. Very powerful and intense 55 minutes.
Ramadan Nights
When: June 24 – June 28
Where: Beit Hosn
What: Who says you can’t have it all? Beit Hosn has decided making one of the best sohours in town was not enough and has put together an exciting program for all its patrons. Be sure to check their Facebook page for a detailed schedule.
Iftar with Dina El Wedidy
When: 25th of June
Where: Al Azhar Park
What: Al Azhar Park is playing host to a massive dish party for a communal iftar and then a Dina El Wedidy concert. Meeting time is 5:30pm and the tables will be set at 6:30pm. After maghreb prayers and iftar, Dina will take the stage.
Mawaweel Festival 2015
When: June 25 – July 9 (every Thursday)
Where: Darb 1718
What: Pepsi and Darb have come together for this year’s Mawaweel Festival to create the ultimate Ramadan experience. With art exhibitions, huge musical performances, food and a bazaar, there’s a little something for everyone.
Eat & Barrel
When: June 25 – July 18 (every weekend)
Where: Eat & Barrel
What: If anything can get us to get out of bed and drive to the other size of town, it’s the promise of good music and proper food. Eat & Barrel has allegedly transformed its space into a “Ramadan Wonderland” complete with mini-tents. Every weekend they’ll be hosting some of the country’s biggest acts. We might just have to go check this out for ourselves.
Sufi Meditation – “Heal your mind, body, heart and spirit”
When: 26th of June
Where: Sufi Bookstore
What: There’s no denying that everyone and their mother has been interested in Sufi spiritual healing lately. Sufi Bookstore is hosting a night of Sufi meditation with Cheri Ayman. Sufi healing is designed to help us relax, stress less and connect with our minds, bodies, hearts and spirits. Who knows? Nothing else is working for us.
Hayy Festival
When: June 26 – July 11 (every Friday and Saturday)
Where: The GrEEK Campus
What: El Genaina Theater is hosting its Hayy Festival at the GrEEK Campus starting the 26th of June and features both local and international talent. Check their Facebook page for a full list of the music performances. Tickets are available at the GrEEK Campus and via TicketsMarche.
A Tale Of Two Nights
When: 26th of June
Where: The District
What: Global NGO MasterPeace is hosting a series of events this Ramadan at the District. Join El Sheikh Zein Mahmoud for sohour and a night of folkloric storytelling and Sufi singing. Limited tickets! (Tip: If you can’t make it, you can also catch Zein Mahmoud on the 4th of July at ROOM Art space)
El Leila El Kbera @ Layaly Ramadan
When: 26th of June
Where: Family Park, El Rehab City
What: Expand Business Development has enlisted the help of Egypt’s favorite marionette show to serve as the opening act for Layaly Ramadan. Go, feel nostalgic and indulge in some doughnuts.
Sharmoofers
When: 26th of June
Where: Westown Hub
What: Underground musical comedy favorites Sharmoofers are playing a special Ramadan show at SODIC’s Westown Hub. Finally, something nearby for all of you living in 6th of October.
Launch of Fabrikzeitung Magazine ft. Noha Mokhtar
When: 27th of June
Where: Townhouse Gallery
What: The newest issue of the experimental magazine features an excerpt of book project by Sahar Soliman and Noha Mokhtar aimed at exploring the parallels between the structure of the Egyptian family and the state. If the project title “hanefra7 bik emta?” doesn’t entice you, iftar is offered. We’re wherever the food is at.
Sohour with Massar Egbari
When: 27th of June
Where: Teatro El Maadi
What: The only thing that’s better than watching your favorite band preform live is having dinner with them. Or Sohour. Same thing. Make sure to call ahead to reserve your place!
Kayan Band
When: 27th of June
Where: ROOM Art space
What: They started at talent shows, but they’ve already preformed all over Egypt. For one night only, you can watch them preform at the ROOM. Limited tickets.
Aida El Ayoubi
When: 3rd of July
Where: The Music Tent, Cairo Festival City
What: If you didn’t grow up listening to Aida El Ayoubi, mostly because your mother was playing her on repeat, there might be something seriously wrong with you. Yes, you’ll have to drive all the way to Tagamoa and yes, you’ll spend half an hour trying to park at the mall, but it’ll be worth it.
Al Hezb El Comedy Presents: Ramadan Comedy Festival!
When: 12th of July
Where: Sakia El Sawy Culture Wheel
What: Al Hezb El Comedy is presenting the Ramadan Comedy Festival for the first time ever to promote a great cause. Not only will you enjoy a great lineup of comedians, but your money will go towards supporting Alwan Wa Awtar, an initiative that aims to help marginalized communities through art.
WE SAID THIS: Speaking of eating and watching TV, don’t miss Ramadan 2015: Where to Go for Sohour in Cairo, Vicious Ramadan Desserts in Egypt that Will Make You Lose It and Mosalsalat Ramadan 2015 TV Schedule.
