When: October 18-19, 2025
Where: New Big Tree, Bamburi
Vibe: Beach meets beer festival
Our Rating: 8/10
So Tusker finally brought Oktobafest to the coast and honestly? They understood the assignment.
After Nairobi’s nostalgia trip at Carnivore (October 4) and Eldoret’s Tamasha madness (October 11), the Bamburi edition had one job: prove this wasn’t just a Nairobi thing. Mission accomplished.
Why This Mattered
Look, coast people are tired of everything being “come to Nairobi for the real experience.” Tusker gets it. Instead of making Mombasa residents plan weekend road trips, they brought the whole festival setup to Bamburi. Respect.
The 2025 plan was simple: five regions, five different vibes. Nairobi got the 2000s throwback (Nameless, Jua Cali, the whole genge crew). Eldoret got Iyanii and Mejja. The coast? Beach energy with that Swahili flavor.
The Setup
New Big Tree in Bamburi was the spot. Open-air, easy to access, close enough to the beach to feel coastal but far enough that you’re not dealing with sand in everything.
They transformed the place into what they called “beertopia”—photo booths, brand ambassadors in African print, beer challenges, merch giveaways. The usual festival setup but done properly.
The Beer Situation
Here’s what was flowing:
- Tusker (obviously)
- Tusker Malt
- Tusker Lite
- Tusker Cider
- Guinness
- White Cap
- Pilsner
- Balozi
- Manyatta
Plus Johnnie Walker had a whole lounge with free cocktails. Not bad for a beer festival.
The Crowd & Vibes
Mix of everyone—university students, young professionals, families who came early before things got too lit. That’s the thing about Oktobafest, it’s not a nightclub vibe. You can actually bring your parents and they won’t feel out of place.
The coastal crowd showed up ready. Different energy from Nairobi but same love for good beer and better music.
Music Lineup
While we didn’t get the full artist list like Nairobi’s star-studded throwback, Tusker kept the pattern: local coastal acts mixed with Nairobi artists, backed by solid DJs. If Eldoret got Mejja and Iyanii, Bamburi definitely got artists who understand that coastal vibe.
The DJs carried the energy between sets—mix of Kenyan classics, current hits, bit of bongo flava because coast + bongo = mandatory.
What Worked
Location, location, location. Beach towns hit different during festivals. The weather cooperated, the venue worked, and people actually showed up.
The regional approach. Instead of one massive Nairobi event that leaves everyone else out, spreading it across Kenya makes sense. Coast people get their moment, Kisumu gets theirs (Oct 25), Nanyuki closes it out (Nov 1).
Price point. Oktobafest isn’t trying to be an exclusive VIP thing. It’s accessible. Beer festival for actual beer drinkers, not just Instagram moments.
Organization. Gates opened smoothly, beer stations didn’t have crazy lines, and security was present but not excessive.
What Could Be Better
Artist announcements. Nairobi got weeks of “guess who’s performing” hype. Coast edition felt a bit under-promoted compared to the Carnivore lineup reveal.
More coastal flavor. While the regional setup is great, lean into it more. Give us more taarab fusion, more Swahili rap, more of what makes coast music different.
Food vendors. The beer selection was solid but food options could’ve been stronger. You’re drinking all day, people need more than chips and smokies.
Coast vs. Nairobi: The Honest Comparison
Nairobi had the nostalgia advantage—Nameless performing “Sinzia” live hits different. But the coast had something Carnivore didn’t: that beach town relaxation. Less rushed, less “I need to leave before traffic hits.” Different energy, not worse.
Carnivore Grounds can fit more people. Bamburi felt more intimate. Pick your preference.
The Bigger Oktobafest 2025 Tour
This was stop 3 of 5:
- Nairobi – “Kulture” throwback (Oct 4) ✅
- Eldoret – Tamasha (Oct 11) ✅
- Coast – Bamburi (Oct 18) ✅
- Lake – Kisumu, Atella Beach Resort (Oct 25)
- Mountain – Nanyuki, The Stinger Lounge (Nov 1)
Plus 200+ smaller events at bars across Kenya, flash sales, and discounts on KBL brands all October.
Should You Hit the Next Editions?
If you’re in Kisumu or Nanyuki, yes. Tusker proved with the coast edition that they can pull this off in different regions without dropping quality.
Kisumu (Oct 25) will probably have that lakeside vibe, local Luo artists, and Atella Beach Resort is a solid venue.
Nanyuki (Nov 1) closes the tour with that mountain town cool weather advantage. November in Nanyuki? Perfect festival weather.
Final Verdict: 8/10
Tusker brought Oktobafest to the coast and delivered a proper festival experience. Not just a watered-down version of Nairobi—a real regional celebration with its own identity.
What worked: Venue, beer selection, regional approach, organization
What needs work: Artist promotion, food options, lean more into coastal culture
Would we go again? Absolutely. And we’d recommend it to anyone tired of Nairobi being the only city that gets the good stuff.
Coast had its moment. Now Kisumu’s turn.
Next up: Tusker Oktobafest Lake Edition, Atella Beach Resort, Kisumu – October 25, 2025
Leave a Reply