The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), widely regarded as the country’s Culture Olympics, will return to Enugu from November 21 to 28, 2026, following the postponement of last year’s edition.

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), in partnership with the Enugu State Government, said yesterday that the festival, themed “Connected Culture,” would bring together delegations from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for eight days of cultural competitions, performances, exhibitions, training and entertainment.

The 2026 edition will retain the refreshed competition formats introduced at NAFEST 2024, including Swag Show, Dance Off Naija, Sing Off Naija, Naija Home Makeover and Jollof War.

Dambe boxing will also feature alongside other indigenous games, while audiences will be introduced to video games developed by Nigerian studios, incorporating locally created characters, stories and cultural references.

According to the NCAC, the new formats are designed to connect Nigeria’s cultural heritage with contemporary creative expression, particularly among younger audiences.

The festival will also feature capacity-building programmes and masterclasses in film, music, fashion, performing arts and the creator economy, in collaboration with partners including the British Council’s Creative Hustle and the National Theatre.

Director-General of NCAC, Obi Asika, said the festival must go beyond celebrating talent to creating opportunities for young creatives.

“NAFEST must not only celebrate talent; it must help develop that talent and connect it to sustainable opportunities,” he said.

For Enugu, the festival marks a return after nearly two decades. The state last hosted NAFEST in 2007, while the inaugural national festival was held in Lagos in 1970 and won by the then East Central State.

Governor Peter Mbah said Enugu was preparing to showcase its cultural heritage, hospitality and creative economy, while the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the festival would provide opportunities for young people in the state to connect with Nigeria’s creative industries.

Activities will be staged at major venues, including the International Conference Centre and Michael Okpara Square, with traditional and contemporary music, drama, crafts, film, literature, visual arts, exhibitions and major opening and closing concerts also scheduled.

The NCAC said the festival is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, commerce and employment in Enugu while providing a national platform for artists, designers, chefs, game developers, craftspeople and other cultural entrepreneurs.

The council has also invited corporate sponsors, development partners, cultural institutions, media organisations, technology companies and other creative-industry stakeholders to participate in the festival.