This December, the parties are hot and happening. We bring you 10 of the biggest events you should be attending. Try not to burn out though.

Calabar Carnival

The month-long Calabar Carnival has become an annual pilgrimage for the thousands of people who throng the Cross River state capital from far-flung corners of the world every December. Presently in its 12^th year, the tourism booster will continue to explore climate change as its theme with attractions like the street walk, bikers parade and the carnival bands.

 

Afropolitan Vibes

After four years, 43 editions, and over 150 guest artists, Afropolitan Vibes, the country’s premier urbane monthly gathering is stepping it up a notch with the Afropolitan Vibes Music Festival, a 2 day marathon of acoustic sessions, music workshops, games, art exhibitions and more live music than you can handle. Venue will as usual be Freedom Park, Lagos Island on the 16^th and 17^th of December. 20 live acts and 6 guest DJs are expected to perform.

The Future Awards Africa

The Future Awards Africa usually rounds out the social year, and in style too as the biggest stars on the continent usually show up for a night of inspiration and entertainment. This year, the awards’ Central Working Committee announced a change of strategy (the awards will be franchised across countries), as well as plans for the next 10 years. Come 18, December, expect the brightest and most promising of young Nigerians to be rewarded in a lavish ceremony.

Rhythm Unplugged

It is not quite December until the Rhythm Unplugged train comes to town and this year, on 23, December the Eko Hotel Convention Centre will play host to all of the biggest names in Nigerian pop music. Comedian/actor Bovi is set to host and Psquare, Wizkid, Omawumi, Seyi Shay, Tekno are just some of the big names confirmed to participate in this year’s music extravaganza. Produced by Flytime Promotions and Rhythm 93.7, Rhythm Unplugged is in its 12^th year.

Bez Live

Bez Idakula who has bravely staked a career in alternative soul is one of contemporary music’s most vital voices. He just released his sophomore album Gbagyi Child, almost 5 years after his debut and to promote the record, Bez will be hosting a live concert at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island on the 24^th of December. Bez Live has promised to announce supporting acts as soon as they are confirmed.

OLIC 3

Another year, another Olamide album, and how we’ve come to anticipate them. The Glory is Olamide’s sixth studio album and it coincides with the 3^rd edition of his annual shutdown Lagos celebration, Olamide Live In Concert. Titled Beast mode, Olamide and his team promise not just more of the same, but a splendid evolution of his annual end of year staple. OLIC 3 is scheduled for 26, December at the Eko Convention Centre.

Eat Drink Festival

On 27, December, all roads lead to Eko Atlantic for the Eat Drink Festival curated by the Eat Drink Lagos team. From 12pm diners and food enthusiasts can have a sample of the finest delicacies and choicest drinks as the biannual food fair returns for another merry go round. For this edition, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers comes along as sponsor.

Wizkid’s Homecoming Concert

The original Starboy Wizkid spent the better part of the year globetrotting, recording new music and becoming the first Nigerian to score a Billboard Hot 100 number one, thanks to his guest appearance on Drake’s One Dance. The little time he spent at home was expended battling Linda Ikeji over her blog’s coverage on him. He is now all set to make a grand return with the homecoming concert, scheduled for 30, December and a celebration at the New Afrika Shrine on New Year’s day.

Miss Nigeria

The Miss Nigeria beauty pageant returns this year and with it another opportunity for us to indulge one of our favourite pastimes, ogling various beauties as they vie for the opportunity to be crowned Miss Nigeria. The pageant has a storied history. Franchise owners Daily Times Nigeria have struggled of recent to bring the pageant back to cultural reckoning this edition, the 40^th edition should continue the highly visible presence of the last few years.

And we just had to add this…

The Lagos Street Party

The Lagos state government ushered in the 2016 yuletide season by hosting about 500,000 guests on the 3^rd and 4^th December in and around Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island for the Lagos Street Party. The carnival-like event is designed to showcase and celebrate the renaissance of Lagos as the country’s commercial nerve centre. The party featured choreography, art exhibitions, gladiator challenge, paint balling, bubble soccer, children’s games, acrobatics, food tasting, and more.