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📍Benin City, Nigeria

This week in Benin City is buzzing with activities, and I’ve got the inside scoop so you don’t miss out. Let me break it down by day and location, straight from the ground.

**Tuesday Evening: Open Mic at The Spot on Airport Road**
If you’re into spoken word, comedy, or live acoustic sets, head to The Spot opposite the old Benin Airport terminal. It kicks off around 6 PM and runs till late. The garden out back is lit with fairy lights, and they serve cold zobo and grilled fish from Mama Uyi’s joint next door. Entry is free but they pass a bowl for donations. I was there last week and saw a 17-year-old girl from Ugbowo drop a poetry piece that left everyone silent.

**Wednesday Morning: Artisan Market Pop-Up at Ogbe Stadium**
From 9 AM to 2 PM, the car park near the stadium gate turns into a mini market. Local tailors, beaders, and soap makers from Upper Mission Road and Ekiosa set up tables. Look out for Aunty Grace’s shea butter stall - she’s been doing this since the 90s and her mix is unbeatable for dry skin. Cash only, but prices are fair. Grab some moi moi from the woman by the red umbrella.

**Thursday Night: Heritage Film Screening at Oba Market Junction**
The Benin Film Collective is showing a documentary on the history of the Benin Kingdom at the community hall on Akpakpava Street, right by the Oba Market junction. Doors open at 5:30 PM, screening starts 6:30 PM. It’s about the lost bronze artifacts and oral traditions. There will be a Q&A afterward with a local historian from the National Museum. Free entry, but they ask you bring a bottled water to donate to the school behind the hall.

**Friday Evening: Reggae Night at De Bull’s Bar on Mission Road**
De Bull’s is tucked behind the old Kingsway building on Mission Road. Every Friday they host a live band that plays reggae and afrobeat fusion. Starts around 8 PM. Parking is tight so come early or take a keke from the Ring Road junction. Their pepper soup with catfish is the best in town - ask for extra ginger. Cover charge is 1000 naira.

**Saturday Morning: Jogging and Clean-Up at Ogba Zoo**
Meet at the Ogba Zoo main gate by 6:30 AM. A group of residents from Ogor Hill and Uselu organize a light jog through the zoo compound, followed by a cleanup of the pathways. It’s not competitive, just community fitness. Bring your own gloves and water. They end with a small breakfast gist session under the big iroko tree.

**Sunday Afternoon: Food Bazaar at the New Benin Market Car Park**
After church, the car park on Akere Road transforms into a food street. Vendors from Oliha and Ibiwe offer everything from banga soup with starch to fresh pepper soup snails. I’m going for the grilled plantains with groundnut sauce from Madam Bola’s spot - she’s near the blue canopy. Best to go around 2 PM before things sell out.

That’s your week, Benin. Get out, connect with neighbors, and support local hands. If you see me at any of these events, come say hi.

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