Weekend guide: Rugby showdown, Sh529K pool battle and a city festival

Nakuru is stepping into the weekend with an unstoppable, vibrant energy that sweeps through the streets and lights up conversations, reminding everyone why this city is one of Kenya’s most dynamic cultural and sporting hubs.

With a packed schedule of festivals, high-stakes tournaments and rugby showdowns, residents have every reason to step out and soak up the excitement.

The action starts at Wave XO, which will host the Wave XO Pool Tournament on Friday and Saturday. This isn’t your average pool event; it’s a competitive showdown where pool players battle it out for glory and a share of the impressive Sh529,000 prize pool.

The Men’s category champion will walk away with Sh120,000, while the Ladies’ and Seniors’ category champions will each pocket Sh50,000.

Those finishing in the top positions also receive generous rewards, ensuring the tables are packed with intensity from morning until night. There's also the added thrill of a Speed Pool Challenge, with players travelling in from across the region.

On Friday evening, the weekend gets underway with a different kind of night-out energy as Tipsy Talks takes over Kijani Kafe, bringing a timely conversation under the 16 Days of Activism banner. With the theme 'When Privacy Becomes Protection', the session explores the realities of cybercrime and digital safety — something with which every smartphone-tapping resident can identify.

Entry is free, and the session runs from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, making it an ideal way to unwind after work. It sets the tone for a weekend that promises not only fun, but also meaningful experiences.  

Next, it's off to Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC) grounds, which is preparing for a rugby-filled Saturday that will draw fans from all corners of Nakuru. The day kicks off with the Age-Grade Rugby Festival, a heartwarming and energetic event showcasing the city’s rising young talents, from 9am to 2pm.

The rivalry intensifies at 2pm as Nakuru II take on Menengai Oilers II in a home derby for the Eric Shirley Shield. These matches never disappoint: the teams know each other well, the fans are ready to cheer their teams on, and every tackle carries the weight of local pride. Expect speed, grit and a hard-fought battle that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.

The excitement builds further at 4 pm, when Nakuru RFC welcomes KU Blak Blad for a Kenya Cup clash. Backed by their home crowd, Nakuru RFC will be determined to deliver a strong performance, but Blak Blad’s agility and unpredictability mean this clash will be anything but straightforward.

However, this weekend is not just about competitions; it is also a celebration of culture and colour.
The Nakuru City Festival 2025, which began on 26 November, is transforming the city into a giant creative, cultural and culinary playground for six days. Nyayo Gardens, Cyprus Park, Maasai Market and the surrounding streets will be filled with music, art, food, fashion and exhibitions, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Nakuru.

Even better, entry is absolutely free — just show up and dive into the experience! The third edition of the Nakuru Food Festival will also take place from December 29 to 30, giving food lovers the chance to sample a variety of cuisines.

And just as you get into the foodie mood, prepare to laugh it all off as the Standup Collective hits Nakuru on 29 December with a comedy showcase at the Baraza Media Lab. The show starts at 6.30 pm and features a star-studded line-up that is sure to have the audience in stitches. It's the kind of night that reminds you why live comedy is so special: raw, energetic, and absolutely unmissable.  

The grand finale of the weekend will take place on November 30, 2025 at the Nakuru Colour Festival at the luxurious Hotel & Resort Lanet. With swimming, skating, horse riding, merry-go-rounds, colour powder blasts, dancing and laughter filling the air, it's the perfect way to end a vibrant weekend. Gates open at 9am and tickets are priced at Sh590 for adults and Sh300 for children.