Stone Town Festival

About

The Stone Town Festival transforms Zanzibar's UNESCO World Heritage Site into a vibrant celebration of Swahili culture, music, and arts each June. Families can immerse themselves in traditional dhow races, acrobatic performances, live music concerts, and colorful street parades that bring history alive for curious young minds. This cultural extravaganza offers children a unique window into East African heritage through interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and hands-on craft activities in one of Africa's most enchanting historic settings.

What to Expect

The festival spans several days with events scattered throughout Stone Town's narrow alleyways, historic plazas, and waterfront areas. Families will encounter live performances ranging from taarab music to contemporary African artists, traditional dance demonstrations, film screenings at the Old Fort, and art exhibitions. Children can participate in henna painting workshops, watch dhow boat races from the seafront, enjoy acrobatic shows, and explore the maze-like streets filled with market stalls selling local crafts. The atmosphere is festive yet relaxed, with locals and international visitors mingling in the car-free historic quarter. Most events are outdoors, so expect warm tropical weather and bring sun protection.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching traditional dhow sailing boats race along the turquoise waterfront with their distinctive triangular sails
• Getting intricate henna designs painted on hands at interactive cultural workshops
• Exploring the atmospheric Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) with its historic walls, craft stalls, and open-air performance space
• Tasting Zanzibar's famous spice-infused street food like urojo soup, mandazi donuts, and fresh coconut water
• Seeing colorful acrobatic performances and traditional ngoma dance troupes with elaborate costumes and drums

Pro Tips for Families

1. Note that Stone Town is actually in Zanzibar (not Dar es Salaam) - you'll need to take a ferry or short flight from Dar es Salaam to reach the festival, so plan extra travel time and book tickets in advance
2. Download the official festival program ahead of time as many events happen simultaneously in different locations; prioritize the family-friendly workshops and daytime performances which are less crowded
3. Stone Town's narrow streets are largely car-free but very uneven - baby carriers work much better than strollers for young children
4. Stay hydrated and bring refillable water bottles, hats, and sunscreen as most events are outdoors in tropical heat; plan indoor museum or restaurant breaks during the hottest midday hours

Best Time to Visit

Attend daytime events and early evening performances (before 7 PM) which are most family-friendly. Mornings from 9-11 AM offer cooler temperatures perfect for exploring the outdoor markets and craft workshops. The dhow races typically occur in late afternoon and are spectacular for families. Weekend days tend to feature more children's programming, while some evening concerts run late and cater to adult audiences. If visiting for multiple days, check the schedule for designated family days or children's performance times.

Food & Drinks

Stone Town offers abundant food options from street vendors selling Zanzibari pizza (a local crepe-like specialty), grilled mishkaki skewers, fresh tropical fruits, and sugarcane juice. Forodhani Gardens night market becomes a food hub during the festival with family-friendly options, though food safety standards vary - stick to hot, freshly cooked items. Restaurants around the main festival venues offer seafood, biryanis, and Indian-influenced dishes; many can accommodate requests for milder, less spicy versions for children. Always carry bottled water as tap water isn't safe for drinking. Popular kid-friendly spots include Lukmaan Restaurant for reliable hygiene standards and simple rice dishes.

Parking & Access

Stone Town is car-free in most areas, making private vehicle parking irrelevant - most visitors arrive by ferry from Dar es Salaam (2 hours) or fly to Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (10 minutes from Stone Town). Taxis and dala-dala minibuses connect the airport to town. Once in Stone Town, everything is walkable though the cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and stepped passages make stroller navigation extremely difficult - baby carriers or hiking backpacks for young children are essential. Many accommodations are located within walking distance of festival venues. Book ferry tickets in advance during festival period as they sell out quickly.