March

Freetown Music Festival

The hottest ticket in town since 2016, the Freetown Music Festival is held over two nights on the north end of Lumley Beach in March/April and seeks to celebrate local talent and showcases a long list of up-and-coming Salone musicians, all backed by live licks from the Freetown Uncut band. 

April

The Lantern Festival

Freetown’s neighbourhoods compete against each other to create the most colourful and fantastical floats with inspiration drawn from both past and present.

Easter Monday

Dancing devil Easter in Sierra Leone by Katrina MansonAt Easter celebrations, traditional ‘dancing devils’ take to the streets accompanied by a menagerie of dancers and musicians © Katrina Manson 

Whenever Easter may fall, if you’re in the country look out for the eclectic spiritual celebrations. Religious bands chant through streets while downtown a series of ‘dancing devils’ in elaborate masks and costumes come out to parade with musicians.

May

Sierra Leone Marathon

Organised by NGO Street Child Sierra Leone, the marathon is held in Makeni every May. 

August

Eid al-Fitr

August marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the annual arrival of Eid al-Fitr. After a long month of fasting, Eid ceremonies are also held at mosques across the country.

October

Fishing season

October marks the start of fishing season on Sherbro Island with sports anglers coming from all over the world to fish in the waters around the island. 

November

When to go

Visit Sierra Leone in November and December for the welcome combination of very little rain and less fearsome heat. 

December

Tangains Festival

A lively festival of traditional music, dress and food.

Ma Dengn Festival

A raucous celebration of Sierra Leonean music and culture, this mega beach party has quickly become a mainstay on the Freetown festival scene. 

Back to the top