Kathmandu this week: Bachata dance workshop, theatrical adaptation, multiple art exhibitions, and more

Beyond The City,

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its deadliest Ebola outbreak yet with more than 2,000 lives lost so far. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. While researchers continue to look for solutions, two experimental vaccines are being tested and possible treatments are under study. 

With so much happening around the world, the city continues to serve its people with an exciting line up of events. 

Here’s what’s happening in the arts and culture scene this week.

5 Days Bachata Dance Workshop 

Over the years, Nepal has embraced dance forms around the world from Indian classical styles like Kathak to Western forms like Salsa. No matter the style, dancing has a way of bringing people together and lifting their spirits. 

This week, roll yourself into a five-day beginner friendly workshop and discover Bachata, a social dance form that originated in the Dominican Republic. Known for its hip movements and taps, Bachata is usually danced in pairs. But you can absolutely come on your own!

The workshop starts August 24 at The Salsa School.

Event Details:
Date: August 24 onwards 
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: The Salsa School
Entry: Paid (NRs 3,500)

Summer Love

Meet Atit and Saaya on stage. Summer Love, the popular novel by Subin Bhattarai was one of Nepal's best-selling books in 2012. The story follows two environmental science students at Tribhuvan University who fall in love. 

Told from Atit’s perspective, the story begins when the writer meets him on a ship. Saaya, the sequel released in 2014, tells the story from Saaya’s perspective. 

Directed by Samrat Bhujel, Summer Love has been running since August 14 and will continue until September 5 at Kantipur Theatre. 

Event Details:
Date: August 14-September 5
Time: 5:15 onwards
Location: Kantipur Theatre, Gairidhara
Entry: Paid

From the private collection

Remember to stop by Matan Gallery if you’re around Bhaktapur. Some of the original works in this exhibition will be shown to the public for the first time. 

As the name suggests, this exhibition features works from the private collection of Manish Bhoju, along with his artworks loaned by private collectors for a limited period.  This will mark the first edition of the exhibition. Dhoju, a Bhaktapur-based artist is known for hyperrealism as his core style. 

The exhibition opens on August 25 and will run until September 15.

Event Details:
Date: August 25-15 September
Time: 11: 00 AM-7:00 PM 
Location: Matan Gallery, Bhaktapur
Entry: Free

Voices from Himalayas

Yet another art exhibition awaits you with the Himalayas taking centre stage. Voices from the Himalayas brings together 11 artists who share their stories and perspectives through works exploring identity, memory, tradition and transformation.

From paintings to mixed media, the exhibition looks at the Himalayas as something constantly evolving and shaped by different forces. ‘Voices from the Himalayas’ goes beyond the physical landscape, presenting it as a living story.

The exhibition began on August 22 and will continue until September 19. 

Event Details:
Date: August 22-September 19
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Monday Closed)
Location: Takpa Gallery, Lazimpat
Entry: Free

What Empire Took, What Empire Left 

Haven’t we all heard of the beautiful ancient sculptures and monuments from South Asia taken away from us and now displayed in museums in the West? What Empire Took, What Empire Left explores this very idea. Except it also questions and reclaims what was lost. 

The exhibition looks at how removing objects from temples and communities separated them from their religious meaning, traditions and histories. Focusing on countries including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, the exhibition explores what colonialism took from South Asia, how it changed the meaning of culture and how communities can reclaim their history. 

Curated by Dr Arshiya Mansoor Lokhandwala for Saraf Foundation, this thought provoking exhibition will be out for you till October 31st. 

Event Details:
Date: August 23-October 31
Time: 10: 00 AM - 5: 30 PM
Location: Taragaon Next, Boudhha 
Entry: Free

THE WEEK’S LITTLE EXTRAS:

Outdoor Movie Night

If you’ve watched the film Obsession, you now get a chance to revisit. But if you’ve not, wait no more. Eden at Sanepa brings you an outdoor horror movie night on Monday, the 24th. The entry is free and time, quite feasible for nine to fivers. 

Event Details:
Date: August 24
Time: 6:30 onwards
Location: EDEN, Sanepa
Entry: Free

NADA Auto Show 2026

After the second edition of NAIMA expo, NADA, which once had a monopoly in the auto show, and for over 14 editions, is set to host its 18th grand exhibition. NADA, with a 50 years standing legacy, is bringing the latest cars, motorcycles, EVs, commercial vehicles, auto accessories, as well as cutting edge solutions from national and international brands. 

The show features 23 passenger vehicle brands, 25 four wheeler brands, 17 light commercial vehicle brands and 13 two-wheeler brands. Discover more at the exhibition held from 25th August to 30th August.

Event Details:
Date: August 25-30
Time: 10:30 AM onwards
Location: Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Entry: Paid