The second weekend of 2026 has arrived, offering Lagos residents and visitors a vibrant mix of culture, music, and opportunities for renewal. How you choose to spend these early days of the year can subtly influence the months ahead. This comprehensive guide highlights key events, serene escapes, and resources to help you navigate the weekend and set a positive tone for the year.
Major Events and Live Performances in Lagos
This week, the city's calendar is packed with significant events. The spotlight shines on the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2026), scheduled for Sunday, January 11. The ceremony will be held at the Eko Convention Centre on Victoria Island, with the red carpet event commencing at 3:30 PM and the main awards show following at 7:00 PM.
Simultaneously, Creative Retail Week 2026 is taking place at the British Council in Ikoyi. This free, two-day event, running from January 10 to 11, is a convergence point for fashion, culture, retail innovation, and professional networking. For theatre enthusiasts, the production Fela and the Kalakuta continues its run, with performances available until January 11.
Serene Getaways for Renewal Within the City
If your goal for this second week of January is to slow down and find clarity, you don't need to embark on a long journey. Lagos offers several havens perfect for a quick reset. The Federal Palace Hotel provides a calm waterfront environment with dedicated leisure spaces, ideal for a day of relaxation or a short stay.
Alternatively, Lakowe Lakes offers an escape into open air and quiet surroundings, far from the city's notorious traffic and noise. Both locations serve as convenient retreats that require minimal travel effort but deliver maximum restorative benefits.
Outdoor Dining and Social Spots to Explore
For those preferring casual outings with good food and fresh air, Lagos boasts numerous laid-back venues. BamBoa Lounge is perfect for poolside ambiance accompanied by music and cocktails. OX Restaurant and Lounge remains a reliable choice for late-night dining and takeout.
Pitstop Village in Ikoyi uniquely combines fitness, food, and community. For authentic flavors in a calm setting, Salma’s Lebanese Cuisine is a top pick. Truck Central, celebrated as West Africa’s first food truck park, continues to draw crowds, while spots like Fiora Garden and Fired and Iced Lagos add garden dining and outdoor barbecue options to the city's vibrant social scene.
Books and Podcasts for Personal Growth in 2026
As routines solidify, cultivating the right mindset is crucial. For those targeting financial freedom this year, several books offer valuable perspectives. Zero to One by Peter Thiel focuses on building transformative ideas, while Napoleon Hill's classic Think and Grow Rich explores the psychology of wealth. David J. Schwartz's The Magic of Thinking Big argues that financial success often follows expansive belief and clear thinking.
For auditory learning, podcasts provide excellent tools for growth and reset. On Purpose with Jay Shetty delves into purpose and mindful living. The Rich Roll Podcast offers deep conversations on wellness and discipline. For actionable advice, The School of Greatness and The Mel Robbins Podcast are highly recommended, while The Mindset Mentor delivers short, direct lessons for daily accountability.
Key Global and National Dates for Your 2026 Calendar
Looking beyond the weekend, 2026 is filled with major international and local events. The GRAMMY Awards are set for February 1 in Los Angeles, followed by the fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris throughout February and March. The Academy Awards will be held on March 15.
The sporting highlight of the year will be the FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Spain's famous La Tomatina festival is scheduled for August 26.
For planning holidays and breaks, key Nigerian dates include Eid-el-Fitr (expected March 20/21), Good Friday (April 3), Easter (April 5-6), Workers’ Day (May 1), Eid-el-Kabir (expected May 27/28), Democracy Day (June 12), and Independence Day (October 1). The year concludes with Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
This guide, curated by Musa Adekunle for Guardian Life, is your essential companion for making the most of 2026, starting with this pivotal second weekend.
