This weekend, Nakuru is gearing up for five back-to-back events that will cover everything from spiritual highs to dance floor chaos, football and barbecue smoke that will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

The fun officially kicks off today with The Unwind Festival, a backyard-style party for anyone who needs to relax.

There'll be food, including mshikaki, hot dogs and sausages, as well as music curated by a line-up of DJs who know exactly when to play your favourite tune. It's the kind of night where you dance with strangers, overshare with your friends, and convince yourself that you deserve that third cocktail. Because, really, you do.

While the Unwind crowd recovers from Friday's festivities, Saturday morning brings a whole new vibe. Over at the Eldorado Rustic Hotel & Gardens, something spiritual is brewing, but with a fashionable twist.

Kigosho Anthem Nakuru is not your average gospel event. It's old-school gospel turned up to eleven, the kind of celebration where people you wouldn't expect to be able to dance show off some impressive moves.

Expect performances from various gospel artistes, including Daddy Owen, Faith Nduhiu, Mimah Shaffie, Hush BK and more. The DJs performing include DJ Reignherd and DJ Willy, among others, and there will be MCs to hype up the atmosphere.

But if gospel isn't your Saturday groove, don't worry, Nakuru's nightlife will have you covered by sundown. Enter the Nax4Sary, the Amapiano celebration celebrating its fourth birthday with Gen Z confidence.

Rumour has it that they’re flying in South Africa’s Prechly and Danny for the night, and pairing them with a hot Kenyan line-up featuring Mista C, IV, Maureen Kings and DJs and dancers.

And, in between the praise and the party, something else is quietly drawing a crowd: football. A two-day tournament on August 9 and 10. It's not just any football tournament, but a 50-team showdown at Nakuru Boys High School.

The Bucks Kaizen Cup turns the school grounds into a buzzing stadium filled with chants and cheers, and showcasing enough teenage talent to make scouts nervous.

On Saturday, Nakuru City Football Academy will also be hosting the second edition of “Beyond the Sport" tournament for categories from under seven to under 17 teens.

If you have a child who is passionate about football, this is the place to be.

Then Sunday arrives, slower, softer and just a little more soulful. After all the hype and heat of the previous days, Jose Kaleson's The Twelve Disciples album launch offers a calm yet powerful end to the weekend. Hosted at the Kunste Hotel, this gospel event will feature some of the finest voices around: Mbuvi, Sammy G, Floyd Believer, 4Ever Band and, yes, Daddy Owen is back for a spiritual encore.

So, whether you're there to party, enjoy the music, or play football in the mud, Nakuru's weekend offers more than just events — it gives you stories to tell. Some are loud, some are soulful and some are hilariously unforgettable. Just make sure your phone is charged and your excuse for Monday is ready.

Because this weekend? The Nakuru folks might just be out sans shaka.

Beats, culture and Mashujaa energy: Nakuru's long weekend line-up is packed!

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Purity Kinuthia