What’s on this weekend
Another weekend arrives to fill our calendar with exciting outings, art and music. This weekend is one of festivals, parades and fire shows, Oktoberfest celebrations, artistic city walks and events that highlight the intersection of art, science and technology.
If you are in Ayia Napa, make sure to check out the fascinating Ayia Napa Medieval Festival that concludes this Saturday. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, a big, colourful parade will take place on Archbishop Makarios Avenue with percussion bands, stilt walkers in impressive costumes, fire dragons, folk bands and dancers, flag bearers and artists in medieval attire who have travelled from abroad to take part in the 19th festival. Both the parade and the concerts that follow it are free to attend.
Also in a medieval mood is the Renaissance Fair 2024 in Pyrga in the Larnaca district. On Saturday evening, the central square will fill with historical re-enactments, games, performances and activities that bring an air of a bygone era. Costumes, medieval archery, markets and more will entertain visitors as the festival doors open at 3pm.
In Nicosia, five different venues downtown will host this year’s WIP Arts & Technology Festival, with the events kicking off this Friday. Until October 27, a series of talks, workshops, art exhibitions, street parties, installations and performances will take place across CYENS Agora, Stoa (Thinker Maker Space), TMS Wood & Metal Workshop, the Dimarchou Lellou Demetriadi Square and Theatro Polis.
Over at the Nicosia Municipal Garden, Fork Food will be celebrating 10 years of street food markets. Once again, they will fill the garden with food from around the world, music as the Windcraft band performs live and refreshing cocktails. Other Nicosia events include the CVAR Book Bazaar this Friday to Sunday where the CVAR Severis Foundation will sell over 700 book titles for all ages and interests.
If in Limassol, be sure to join the Limassol Art Walks activities. In a casual stroll downtown, you will be able to discover the town’s vibrant cultural scene as the initiative brings contemporary art spaces, local institutions, art initiatives and guests from Cyprus and abroad. A total of 17 participating galleries, institutions, and pop-up projects will be on this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (with special opening hours) showcasing a plethora of exhibitions, talks, screenings and more to get to know Limassol’s arts community.
The weekend holds plenty more to do and enjoy. At the City of Dreams Mediterranean, an Oktoberfest fiesta will be on from Friday to Sunday with an authentic German band performing live, Bavarian delicacies and of course, German beer.
Finally, you can also browse local art and support the island’s small businesses at these two upcoming markets in Solea Valley and at Misfits Union in Engomi.
19th Ayia Napa Medieval Festival
Annual festival with medieval folk bands, performances, parades and concerts. Until October 19. 7pm. Central Ayia Napa. Free entrance
Renaissance Fair 2024
One-day festival with a medieval activities, games and performances. October 19. Central square, Pyrga village, Larnaca district. 3pm-10pm. Free. Tel: 7000-7102, 22-532811
WIP Work in Progress Festival
4th edition of festival connecting art, science and technology. October 18-27. Throughout old Nicosia. https://2024wip.cyens.org.cy/
10 years of Fork Food Markets
Celebratory street food market with food, live music and a DJ. October 18. Nicosia Municipal Gardens, Nicosia. 6pm onwards. www.forkfoodmarket.com
CVAR Book Bazaar
Book sale with over 700 titles. October 18-20. CVAR Severis Foundation, Nicosia. 10am-4.30pm. Tel: 22-300994
Limassol Art Walks
Three-day event bringing together Limassol’s contemporary art spaces, local institutions, art initiatives. October 18-20. Around Limassol. Friday: 5pm-10pm. Saturday: 11am-8pm. Sunday: 11am-6pm. www.limassolartwalks.com
Solea Valley Market
Pop-up market, DJs, wine tasting and kids’ games. October 20. The Mills, Solea Valley. 11am-5.30pm
Misfit Sundays
Pop-up market with handmade art, second-hand items, music, food and more. October 20. Misfit Union, Nicosia. 2pm-8pm. Tel: 99-338577
Oktoberfest at City of Dreams Mediterranean
Three-day festival celebrating Bavarian culture. October 18-20. Anaïs Lawn, City of Dreams Mediterranean, Limassol. 7pm-11.30pm. €20 including one beer and a souvenir mug. Tables of 8 persons: €40 including one beer, a souvenir mug, and a platter to share. Tel: 25-086686. ticketing@melco-resorts.com.cy