South Africa’s festival scene continues to grow stronger each year, turning things up on a whole new level.
And just like 2025, this year is also packed with a bunch of festivals that’ll have you clearing your calendar and making sure you save up some coins for those tickets.
From iconic music blowouts and family-friendly spectacles to wine-soaked weekends and comic book conventions, there’s literally something for every flavor of fun.
The best part? These festivals aren’t just about the headliners; they’re about community, creativity, and those “you had to be there” moments that live rent-free in your memory.
So, if you’re looking to make 2026 and early 2027 your most unforgettable festival season yet, here’s our ultimate list of what’s hot, what’s new, and what you absolutely can’t miss.
KUNYE – CAPE TOWN
Date: 07 February 2026
KUNYE is where South Africa’s Afro-house and electronic music scene comes together… literally! The name means “together as one” in isiXhosa, and that’s exactly the vibe: unity, energy, and a deep celebration of African sound. Founded by the legendary DJ Shimza, KUNYE isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement that’s been shaking up the local and global dance scene, putting African producers and DJs front and center.
Moving across Joburg, Cape Town, and other parts of Africa, each edition is a carefully curated journey through Afro-house, deep house, and electronic grooves, with lineups that always deliver.
MAHINDRA FUSION FEST
Date: 07 March 2026
Mahindra Fusion Fest isn’t just another music festival; it’s a full-blown pop culture spectacle that fuses everything Mzansi does best. Launched in 2025 to mark Mahindra’s 20th anniversary in South Africa, the festival instantly made waves at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, drawing over 7,000 fans for a night of genre-bending performances, fashion-forward moments, and live art that had everyone talking.
KUNYE – JOBURG
Date: 07 March 2026
KUNYE is where South Africa’s Afro-house and electronic music scene comes together… literally! The name means “together as one” in isiXhosa, and that’s exactly the vibe: unity, energy, and a deep celebration of African sound. Founded by the legendary DJ Shimza, KUNYE isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement that’s been shaking up the local and global dance scene, putting African producers and DJs front and center.
Moving across Joburg, Cape Town, and other parts of Africa, each edition is a carefully curated journey through Afro-house, deep house, and electronic grooves, with lineups that always deliver.
CORONA SUNSETS FESTIVAL
Date: Cape Town – 21 March 2026
Corona Sunsets is the ultimate beach party, switching between Cape Town and Joburg for double the fun. Think sunsets, live DJs, and a crowd that’s all about good vibes and golden hour selfies. It’s summer in a bottle.
But there’s more to this festival than just the party. Since its South African debut, Corona Sunsets has become a go-to for lovers of music, Corona, and good vibes. The festival is part of a global movement celebrating that magical sunset hour when the sky turns gold, the music gets deeper, and everyone’s just living in the moment. Every year, the fest brings together thousands of people for a day of pure escapism, with Cape Town’s coastline and Joburg’s lush venues as the perfect backdrop.
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (CTIJF)
Date: 27-28 March 2026
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now rebranded as CTIJF, is the gold standard for jazz in Africa. CTIJF brings together jazz legends and rising stars from across the globe for a weekend of pure musical magic. If you want to experience Cape Town at its most soulful, this is the ticket. But CTIJF is so much more than just a concert; it’s “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” a cultural phenomenon that’s been lighting up the Mother City since 2000.
Every year, thousands of music lovers, locals, tourists, and jazz heads descend on Cape Town for a lineup that’s as diverse as the city itself. The 2025 edition was a masterclass in musical fusion, with icons like Black Coffee teaming up with jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini, Thandiswa Mazwai blending Xhosa heritage with Afro-futurism, and global stars like Nubya Garcia and Gotts Street Park sharing the stage with homegrown heroes.
RAND SHOW
Date: 2 to 6 April 2026
The Rand Show is a Joburg institution, part expo, part carnival, all fun. With everything from rides and games to food stalls and live demos, it’s the ultimate family day out.
ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Date: April 25 (Johannesburg), April 26 (Cape Town), 2026
Ultra is the king of EDM festivals in Africa. With massive stages, world-class production, and a lineup that always includes the biggest names in electronic music, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. Whether you’re a die-hard raver or just want to experience the spectacle, Ultra is a must.
COMIC CON AFRICA CAPE TOWN
Date: Cape Town (30 Apr – 3 May 2026)
Comic Con Africa is the continent’s ultimate playground for geeks, gamers, and pop culture obsessives. If you’re into comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, or just want to vibe with thousands of like-minded fans, this is the event that turns Johannesburg + Cape Town into a real-life multiverse. The gaming zones are next-level, with free-to-play setups, live tournaments, and eSports showdowns for both pros and button-mashers.
And don’t worry, it’s not just for grown-ups. The KidsCon Zone is packed with drawing workshops, interactive games, and activities that’ll keep the little ones entertained all day. It’s a family-friendly space where everyone can geek out together.
THE MAGICAL MARBLE FAMILY FEST
Date: 9 and 10 May 2026
From the masterminds behind the Luxurious Marble Circus, this fest is all about family. It’s a playground for all ages, with creative zones, live shows, and activities that’ll keep everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, hooked.
FESTIVAL OF MOTORING
Date: 28-30 August 2026
Car lovers, this one’s for you. Festival of Motoring is a high-octane celebration of all things automotive, with test drives, showcases, and the latest in car tech.
GALAXY 947 JOBURG DAY
Date: September 2026
Held every September at the Crocodile Creek Polo Club in Lanseria, Galaxy 947 Joburg Day is where the city’s heartbeat comes alive. The festival has evolved into a full-on celebration of Mzansi’s musical talent, blending the best of established icons and the freshest new voices. Over the years, the lineup has been stacked with legends like Mango Groove, DJ Maphorisa, K.O., GoodLuck, Jeremy Loops, Shekhinah, Mi Casa, Prince Kaybee, Mafikizolo, and Nasty C.
COMIC CON AFRICA JOHANNESBURG
Date: Johannesburg (24 Sep – 27 Sep 2026)
Comic Con Africa is the continent’s ultimate playground for geeks, gamers, and pop culture obsessives. If you’re into comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, or just want to vibe with thousands of like-minded fans, this is the event that turns Johannesburg + Cape Town into a real-life multiverse. The gaming zones are next-level, with free-to-play setups, live tournaments, and eSports showdowns for both pros and button-mashers.
And don’t worry, it’s not just for grown-ups. The KidsCon Zone is packed with drawing workshops, interactive games, and activities that’ll keep the little ones entertained all day. It’s a family-friendly space where everyone can geek out together.
SPRING FIESTA
Date: October 2026
Spring Fiesta is the blueprint for South African music festivals. Every October, the Wild Waters Complex in Boksburg transforms into a multi-stage playground, with over 100 artists and DJs throwing down everything from House and Amapiano to Hip Hop and AfroTech.
COTTON FEST
Date: Canceled
Let’s pour one out for Cotton Fest. Founded by the late, legendary Riky Rick, this festival was more than just a party; it was a huge movement for the culture. Cotton Fest mashed up music, fashion, art, and sport, giving a platform to both the icons and the up-and-comers. It was the place to spot the freshest fits and feel the heartbeat of Joburg’s youth culture. But in December 2025, the organizers called it quits, citing shareholder drama.
CAPITEC FRANSCHHOEK CAP CLASSIQUE & CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
If you’re all about the finer things, this festival is your dream come true. Set in Franschhoek, it’s a celebration of bubbly, think endless tastings, gourmet food, and a crowd that knows how to dress up. It’s the perfect excuse to sip, socialize, and soak up the good life.
LUXURIOUS MARBLE CIRCUS
Date: TBC
Now for something totally different… This isn’t just a festival, it’s a fashion-music-style-food-luxury all in one weekend. Hosted at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift, this fest is all about opulence and curiosity, think gourmet food, live performances, and DJs. It’s not just a festival, it’s an experience.
DSTV DELICIOUS INTERNATIONAL FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
This fest is a feast for all the senses. With a lineup that’s brought legends like Maxwell, Burna Boy, Tems, Ms Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Jill Scott, plus world-class chefs serving up global flavors, it’s where music and food lovers unite. But DStv Delicious is so much more than just a concert or a food market, serving as a full-blown cultural celebration that’s been lighting up Joburg since 2013. Every Heritage Day weekend, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit transforms into a playground for thousands of festival-goers, all ready to vibe out to international headliners and the best of local talent.
STANDARD BANK JOY OF JAZZ
Date: TBC
Joy of Jazz is where legends are made. With a lineup that spans classic jazz to contemporary fusion, it’s a celebration of rhythm, soul, and the timeless power of live music.
HENNESSY BACK TO THE CITY FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
This is Joburg’s hip-hop headquarters. Back to the City brings together MCs, DJs, graffiti artists, and fans for a day of pure culture. It’s raw, real, and always unforgettable.
BMW M FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
BMW M Festival is where speed meets style. It’s a showcase of the brand’s most iconic cars, with live music, food, and a crowd that loves the thrill of the drive.
MOTHERLAND FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
Motherland is all about celebrating African roots—music, art, and culture in one vibrant, inclusive space. The festival honours Africa’s legacy as the birthplace of humanity, blending the continent’s ancient rhythms with the freshest sounds in the game. The 2024 edition brought together the likes of Kabza De Small, Oscar Mbo, Kelvin Momo, KMAT, Black Motion B2B Soul Nativez, DJ Lag, Shamiso, Mawhoo, Sun-El Musician, Lelowhatsgood, and Maria McCloy. From Amapiano and deep house to Gqom and Afro-house, the festival is a sonic journey through the genres that define and push African music forward.
MILK + COOKIES FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
Milk + Cookies is like the new kid on the block, but it’s already becoming legendary. With just two years under its belt, this festival has pulled off what most can only dream of: bringing global stars like Kaytranada and Gunna to South Ah and packing out venues in both Cape Town and Joburg.
WAV FESTIVAL
Date: TBC
Wav Festival made its debut in Cape Town and instantly became a must-attend. With international acts like Mariah the Scientist, Wale, and Sasha Keable, it’s a genre-blending, boundary-pushing party that’s all about the music. If you want to catch the next big thing before everyone else, this is your spot.
HEINEKEN POLO
Date: TBC
Heineken Polo is where classic sport meets modern style, and Sandton’s Inanda Club becomes the epicenter of luxury, culture, and serious fashion flex. This isn’t your granddad’s polo match. Heineken Polo has rebranded the game, blending the timeless prestige of polo with the energy of streetwear and the buzz of Joburg’s social scene.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
The post Here’s what’s on our 2026 Festival calendar appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
