By Ben Omwaka
For a long time, Nakuru has carried the nickname Naxvegas. It is a city that has always been associated with energy, nightlife, and endless weekends. Rugby tournaments like Prinsloo 7s and the Great Rift 10‑Aside, the Safari Rally spilling over from Naivasha and Elementaita, and of course Platinum 7D and other clubs. Nakuru has for long had a reputation as a place where the party never stops.
But in 2025, something new is happening. The party scene is maturing. It is no longer just about clubbing or park‑and‑chill hangouts which became very popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizers are now creating themed, personalized events that feel more like curated experiences than random nights out.
Attendees at the Indie by the Lake event at Duara Camp Elementaita enjoying a game of spike ball. Photo: Ben Omwaka.
Oldies & Soul Nakuru: Nostalgia as a Movement
Event organizer Stido from Starehe Entertainment
The clearest example of this transformation is Oldies & Soul. Organized by Starehe Entertainment, it began in 2023 as a small hangout with less than 50 people. Today, it attracts crowds of over 1,500, with each edition built around a theme that ties everything together. There was the Denim & Afro Chic edition, where people dressed in denim and afro‑inspired fashion, dancing to classics from the 80s and 90s. Then came Lovers & Friends, which leaned into nostalgia and intimacy, creating a space for couples and friendships to celebrate together. The Timeless Treasures edition, showed how far the event had come, blending retro décor, soulful playlists, and curated stalls into one unified experience. Oldies & Soul is more than a party; it is proof that audiences want events that tell a story and make them feel part of something bigger.
Naxouse and the Oonts Culture
But Oldies & Soul is not the only example. Nakuru’s themed event culture is spreading across genres and spaces. Naxouse has carved out a niche for electronic and house music lovers, tapping into the global “oonts” culture and giving younger audiences a place to lose themselves in beats that feel international yet rooted in local energy.
Indie by the Lake
Indie by the Lake, organized by Redpanda in collaboration with Twenderaundi brings something completely different: a lakeside celebration of indie music, camping, and art. It is not just about the performances but about the setting, the water, the tents, the conversations around bonfires. It represents the rise of alternative culture, showing that people want more than mainstream sounds.
Why Themed Events Work in Nakuru
What makes these themed events thrive is the way they engage people. A theme turns attendees into participants. Dressing up for Oldies & Soul or camping at Indie by the Lake makes you part of the narrative. The storytelling element gives cohesion. Personalization also matters. From menus to décor to activities, organizers are tailoring experiences to specific audiences, whether it is ladies fun events or wine‑and‑dine nights for targeted audiences. Beyond entertainment, these events are building community. They are spaces to network, bond, and create memories that go deeper than the music and entertainment.
Event organizer and founder Ticketbaze Jose Mras during a past event (2023) targeting car enthusiasts in Nakuru.
The Future of Nakuru Party Culture
Looking ahead, the potential for Nakuru’s party scene is huge. Organizers can explore cultural heritage nights that celebrate traditions through food, fashion, and music. Food festivals could highlight nyama choma or street food culture. Wellness retreats could blend yoga, hiking, and music for health‑conscious audiences. Art and craft markets could bring together décor, music, and vendors in themed pop‑ups. Even hybrid experiences that combine sport, music, and art could thrive. The demand is clear: Nakuru audiences want more than generic parties. They want experiences that reflect their identities and interests.
Balancing Niche and All‑in‑One Experiences
At the same time, it is important to recognize that not everyone is chasing niche experiences. There are still those who prefer all‑in‑one events, the kind of massive gatherings where you can find everything in one place, sports, music, food, and endless variety. Rugby tournaments, safari rallies, and big concerts continue to attract crowds who enjoy the scale and diversity of traditional Nakuru parties. The challenge for organizers is to balance these preferences, offering specialized experiences while still catering to audiences who want variety.
Beyond Parties: Hiking, Travel, and Social Hangouts in Nakuru
The shift in Nakuru is not confined to the party scene. It is part of a wider cultural transformation where people are seeking experiences that feel intentional, curated, and community‑driven. Hiking communities, for example, have grown rapidly. Groups that once organized casual treks to Menengai Crater or Lake Nakuru now design themed hikes with storytelling, photography, and wellness woven into the journey. These are not just physical challenges; they are social rituals where participants bond over shared goals and create memories that extend beyond the trail. Travel circles have also matured, with curated trips that emphasize culture and connection rather than just movement. Women‑only adventures, camping weekends, and indie travel collectives show that Nakuru residents want journeys that reflect identity and belonging.
A promotional poster for the Tipsy Talks event.
The same trend is visible in hangouts and intellectual spaces. Book clubs have multiplied, offering themed discussions that go beyond reading into lifestyle and networking. Events like Tipsy Talks blend casual socializing with structured conversation, creating spaces where people can engage deeply while still enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a night out. These hangouts show that Nakuru’s social scene is diversifying: entertainment is no longer just about music and dancing, but also about dialogue, ideas, and shared reflection. Whether it is themed parties, curated hikes, or book‑driven hangouts, the city is moving toward experiences that prioritize community, storytelling, and personalization. The appetite for meaningful engagement is reshaping every corner of the social landscape, making Nakuru not just a party capital but a cultural hub where different forms of gathering coexist and thrive.
Nakuru’s transformation from just Naxvegas to a hub of themed, personalized events marks a turning point in its cultural landscape. Oldies & Soul has proven that nostalgia and storytelling can draw massive crowds, while Naxhouse, Indie by the Lake, and other themed festivals and events show the diversity of demand. For organizers, the opportunity is immense. By curating immersive, personalized events, they can tap into Nakuru’s vibrant party culture and shape its future. The message is simple. don’t dilute the vibe. Keep it authentic, keep it memorable.
About the Author: Ben Omwaka is a communications practitioner and photographer with a deep interest in travel, adventure, nature, and community storytelling. My style blends artistry with the spirit of nature and the strength of community, creating narratives that connect journeys with people and places.
