Traditional networking events often feel formal and intimidating, especially after a long workday. However, a new trend is emerging: weekend hangout spots hosting after-work events to make networking more enjoyable.
The concept of after-work gatherings originated in Anglo-Saxon culture, specifically in the City of London. After an intense workday, employees would meet in typical English pubs to unwind with a pint. This custom has since spread worldwide, and after-work events now encompass various team-building activities right after work, such as sharing an aperitif or engaging in simple activities.
These events encourage employees to interact, get to know each other, and have fun. The best part is discovering new affinities with colleagues that might go unnoticed due to daily stress and workloads.
While after-work events are planned, they often foster genuine relationships that extend beyond the office. Corporate event planners, who faced challenges organizing fall activities and weekend work-related functions after the COVID-19 pandemic, are optimistic that the trend is changing.
Aimed at boosting morale and enhancing team dynamics, SENS Magazine, fresh off co-hosting ‘the chillest after work’, is once again exploring the best venues for post work fun for our readers. Here are the five top hangout spots that Kigali’s working class should check out.
Quiz Night at Sole Luna
Wrap up your Tuesday evenings with friends, family, and even strangers by joining Quiz Night at Sole Luna. This popular event, dating back to 2011, offers a chance to test your knowledge while enjoying delicious Italian cuisine, including pizzas, fresh juices, wines, and local beers.
Open to everyone, Quiz Night encourages teams of up to six people to participate. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity; otherwise, you might find yourself seated far from the action.
Starting promptly at 7 pm and typically lasting until 9:30 pm, the quiz features a straightforward format. It begins with a visual round on your table, followed by the quiz masters posing questions across approximately 50-60 queries, interspersed with themed rounds every 5-10 questions. Be prepared for creative challenges like identifying quotes from Confucius or SpongeBob.
The stakes are high: If your team secures first place, your entire bill is covered. Second place earns complimentary local beers and wines. Moreover, the winning team earns the honour of hosting the quiz the following week. For those without a full team, individuals are welcome to join existing teams.
Since 2001, Sole Luna has been renowned for its authentic Italian specialties, including pizza, pasta, seafood, and meats prepared according to traditional recipes using the finest ingredients sourced both from Italy and local markets.
Open Mic Weno at Cocobean Kigali
In an interview with SENS, a member of Hottempah, a collective of nightlife entertainers and a co-founder of Open Mic Weno, explained the event’s purpose: “We’re an open community supporting all artists who are ready to share their talents with us.”
Every Wednesday night at Cocobean Kigali (KG 5 Ave, A), performers take the stage, captivating the audience with their poems, songs, and stories. This event has become the ultimate hub for artists of all kinds to hone their craft in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
“I hate the word ‘exposure,’ but this space allows creatives to be noticed and recognized for their work. And we’re fortunate to have the best audience ever,” said Uwase Belinda Ines, the host of Open Mic Weno.
Sports Fun at Kigali Universe
Atop the $1.5 million facility spanning over 6000 square metres at the CHIC building rooftop in Nyarugenge District’s outskirts, Kigali Universe offers an ideal spot for after-work sports with your friends.
Since its launch in May, Kigali Universe has welcomed amateur athletes to rent their football and basketball pitches for friendly and competitive matches. The basketball court rental costs approximately Rwf3,000 per person per hour, with a minimum requirement of 10 participants, and the pitch can be reserved from 5 pm until 2 am, depending on your playing duration.
Additionally, you can opt for the mini football pitch at Rwf50,000 per hour for a group of 15 players.
Apart from sports facilities, Kigali Universe boasts indoor golf, tennis, simulation lights, speed hockey, and a variety of arcade and video games, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy after work.
Networking and Entertainment at Norrsken House Kigali
Kigali has become a central player in the East African startup scene—a fact not lost on Norrsken House Kigali, which introduced three after-work events aimed at empowering attendees in their professional journeys: Lunch and Learn, Thursday Fusion Open Mic, and Founders Friday.
These events, held monthly on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings (typically from 5 pm onwards), cater to various interests and needs within the startup community.
One highlight is ‘Founder’s Friday,’ a premier networking mixer and pitch event designed for founders, investors, partners, and talent within Kigali’s burgeoning startup scene. This monthly event serves as a platform for rapid-fire pitches and presentations by some of the region’s top founders, showcasing tech innovations geared toward shaping the cities of tomorrow.
For those seeking a more culturally immersive experience, ‘Thursday Fusion Open Mic’ offers an evening where diverse cultures, rhythms, and creative expressions converge. This open mic session celebrates music, jokes, poetry, and more, often featuring surprise performances by local talents.
Norrsken House Kigali emphasises these events as invaluable opportunities to forge connections, gain insights, and access resources essential for product design and management.
To participate, visit Norrsken’s website, navigate to the events section, and RSVP early, as spots are limited to ensure a conducive networking environment.
Movie Night at Lavana
For 9-to-5ers who are movie buffs, finding time to catch a film can be a challenge. Luckily, Lavana offers a perfect after-work escape with its signature “Taco Tuesday & a Movie Night.”
Starting at 7:30 pm, this weekly event features free entry and discounted food and drinks, catering specifically to movie enthusiasts.
Located at KG 28 Ave, Lavana combines the love for Italian and Mexican cuisines with popular screenings of box office hits and selected local content. It’s a gathering spot where you can unwind after work and enjoy both food and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere.
