8 things to do in Cairo this week, 13 to 17 October
Contemporary dance in Downtown, concerts and a puppet tribute to Abdel Halim and Farid in Zamalek, stand-up comedy and a free rooftop performance: our pick for the week, with prices.
Two Cairo venues carry most of this week: the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF), now in its second week, and El Sawy Culturewheel in Zamalek. Here are eight evenings from Tuesday to Saturday, with starting prices from the organisers' own listings. Concert tickets at El Sawy require a full ticket for children aged six and over.
D-CAF double dance bill
Two contemporary dance works, "Tá Brón Orm", choreographed by Michael McEvoy to music by the Irish band ØXN, and "The Fallen", about the last fairy of Ireland. Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October at 8pm, Rawabet Art Space, Downtown. 200 pounds, one ticket for both works, through Ticketsmarche.
Zeina Akef
A concert in El Sawy's Wisdom Hall on Wednesday 14 October at 8pm. From 250 pounds.
Abdel Halim and Farid puppet show
El Sawy's puppet theatre pays tribute to Abdel Halim Hafez and Farid Al Atrash. Thursday 15 October at 8pm, Wisdom Hall. From 120 pounds.
Mahmoud Akram
A concert in El Sawy's River Hall on Thursday 15 October at 8pm. From 300 pounds.
Ali Quandil
Stand-up comedy on Friday 16 October at 8pm, River Hall. From 400 pounds. Phones are not allowed inside.
Reading The Room
A free site-specific dance piece by Hungarian choreographer Imre Vass, part of D-CAF. Saturday 17 October, 8pm to 9pm (doors 7:30pm), Villa Victoria rooftop, Shourbagy Building, Downtown. Free, but registration through the festival's form is required.
Hu
A concert by the band Hu on Saturday 17 October at 8pm, Wisdom Hall. From 200 pounds.
Strawberry Swing
A standing concert in El Sawy's River Hall on Saturday 17 October at 8pm. From 250 pounds.
Book El Sawy shows at culturewheel.com and D-CAF events at d-caf.org. Prices are starting prices as listed on 11 October 2026 and can change.
