BAGAMOYO, Tanzania — Tanzania is preparing for one of its biggest upcoming arts events, with the 44th Bagamoyo International Arts and Culture Festival scheduled for October 28–31, 2026.

Organisers at the Taasisi ya Sanaa na Utamaduni Bagamoyo (TaSUBa) say 146 groups have already applied to participate, including 104 from Tanzania and 42 international groups.

The festival will bring together artists working across traditional and contemporary dance, music, theatre, poetry, comedy, acrobatics and magic, alongside exhibitions of crafts and visual arts.

The scale of international participation could give Tanzanian artists a major opportunity to exchange skills, build creative networks and reach new audiences.

Organisers also plan workshops and training sessions aimed at developing artistic skills, while visitors will have opportunities to explore Bagamoyo’s historic tourism attractions.

The festival is being positioned not only as an entertainment event but also as a platform for professional development and promotion of Tanzania’s creative industry.

With artists from across Tanzania, Zanzibar and other countries expected to converge in Bagamoyo, the 2026 edition could become an important meeting point for East African and international creative talent.

The event is scheduled to take place at TaSUBa facilities in the historic coastal town of Bagamoyo.

The growing number of participating groups signals strong interest in Tanzania’s arts sector and sets the stage for a major creative showcase later this year.