Moulid of Sayyidna al-Hussein
Date changes annually according to the lunar calendar
A Sufi celebration remembering the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, this festival takes place beside the Mosque of al-Hussein and attracts massive crowds.
Ramadan
July-August
Ramadan (the Muslim month of fasting) is Islam's most holy month but it's also a time of celebration. By day the city sleeps, but every evening the post-fast party bursts out across the streets of Downtown. It's Cairo at its most atmospheric.
Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre
October
A brilliant mishmash of experimental theatre hosted at venues across Cairo. The program boasts productions from across the Arab world and Europe, as well as home-grown talent.
Arab Music Festival
November
This 10-day event hosts some of the Arab world's biggest names in classical and traditional music at the Cairo Opera House.
Cairo International Film Festival
December
The only chance Cairene cinema-goers get to see uncensored movies on the big screen. This 10-day event screens the latest releases from across the world.