Soakers: Lagos’ Water Gun Festival Is Getting Bigger

What started as a spontaneous act of fun among friends has now become one of Lagos’ most anticipated alternative entertainment experiences. Soakers, the urban water gun community built for lovers of wild fun and nostalgic freedom, is open for this year’s experience.

First held on May 27, 2024, the very first Soakers was a pool party that was supposed to be “just vibes.” As it enters its sophomore year, Soakers is doubling down on its mission of creating a space where adults can play, connect, and remember the magic of being carefree. The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 30th at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, promising more water, more community, and more memories than ever before.

“This isn’t just about water guns. It’s about returning to the freedom of being yourself without judgment. That’s what Soakers has always been about,” Serbia Wilson, co-founder, said. “When we hosted the first edition, we had no idea it would spark such a powerful community. A year later, we’re proud to say we haven’t lost the essence: raw fun, creativity, and authenticity.”

Soakers didn’t start as a grand vision. Over the past year, we’ve faced setbacks: Instagram accounts have been taken down, venues have fallen through, and plans have shifted more times, but through it all, they’ve pushed forward, and the result of sheer hard work, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the vision. From that first event to now hosting a full-scale festival at Tafawa Balewa Square, one of Lagos’ most iconic venues, they’ve shown that even the biggest dreams are possible when you refuse to quit.

This year’s edition of Soakers promises to be the biggest, boldest, and most exhilarating yet. With over 5,000 expected attendees, the crowd will be a mix of Lagos’ coolest.

The event will feature specially designed themed zones tailored to different styles of soaking combat, and adding rhythm to the riot of water guns, some of Lagos’ most electrifying DJs will take the stage, joined by surprise performers guaranteed to elevate the mood, and to make the space even more playful, massive inflatable installations, giant castles, winding slides, foam machines, and bubble pits will transform Tafawa Balewa Square into a literal playground. It will be part music festival, part waterpark, and entirely unforgettable.

The choice of Tafawa Balewa Square is deliberate. From a quiet pool party to a national monument, the growth of Soakers reflects a shift in youth culture: a rebellion against routine, a refusal to conform, and a celebration of emotional freedom through play.

As Soakers looks beyond this anniversary, the vision is growing: year-round pop-ups, school tours, branded merch drops, and even regional editions across West Africa. But for now, the focus is clear: bring Lagos back to life, one splash at a time.