South Africa is a country that knows how to party. So it should come as no surprise that plenty of music festivals across this rainbow nation celebrate all sounds, from soothing jazz and enticing Afrobeats to the best on the EDM scene.
Whether you are a local visitor wanting to try something new or an international traveler hoping to broaden your horizon, remember all your festival must-haves, including proper clothing, plenty of provisions, and your favorite SMOK vape to enjoy every experience fully.
Ultra Music Festival, Cape Town/Joburg
Ultra South Africa is a famous EDM music festival that takes place over the span of two days, typically at the end of February or early March. Day one is always held in the mother city, Cape Town, while day two wraps up in the city of gold, Johannesburg.
The event draws in the biggest names both locally and internationally, with past line-ups including industry icons Steve Aoki, Tiesto, and Afrojack. If there is one music festival you don’t want to miss, this would be it.
AfrikaBurn, Tankwa Karoo
AfrikaBurn, which takes place at the end of April, is not strictly a music festival as it is built on the same principles as Burning Man. Regardless, the event perfectly combines incredible art and music, earning itself an honorary music festival title.
This week-long event includes multiple music performances, themed campsites, spectacular art installations, and a variety of workshops. Because the event organizers do not secure any DJs, live-music acts, or headliners, each camp is fully responsible for organizing its own events and shows. It can be an intense week of celebration, so it is vital to come well-prepared with all your necessities.
National Arts Festival, Makhanda
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is held every year from the end of June to early July, and it’s the ideal event for lovers of all things art who want the perfect space to immerse themselves fully in South African culture.
The entire event lasts a whopping 11 days, with a host of different performances to experience and enjoy, from live music and dance to theatre shows and comedy acts. For anyone traveling around the Eastern Cape at the time, it is well worth a stop on your way.
Cotton Fest, Cape Town/Joburg/Durban
The Cotton Fest is held across the three biggest cities in South Africa, with dates varying every year based on location. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the country that celebrates up-and-coming local talent, especially in the hip-hop and amapiano genres.
If you are ready to dance the day away to your favorite Afrobeats, then this is the festival for you. To ensure you don’t miss out on ticket sales and other important event information, be sure to follow them on their official social media platforms to stay well-informed.
Splashy Fen, Drakensberg
Splashy Fen, held in early to mid-April, has been a calendar fixture for over 30 years. Commonly referred to as the ‘friendliest music festival’ in South Africa, it has welcomed over 150,000 people since its inception. The festival typically lasts three to five days and is held on the Splashy Fen Farm in the Drakensberg National Heritage site, surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain ranges and fantastic hiking trails.
There are four stages to enjoy, which include a wide variety of different music genres and acts, keeping attendees well-entertained as they explore the festival grounds. Thanks to its location, there are plenty of different camping options from which to choose.
Rocking the Daisies, Cape Town/Joburg
Rocking the Daisies is another iconic South African music festival that brings the biggest names in music to the stage, covering more genres than just EDM. Held in early October, the event visits both Joburg and Cape Town, featuring music acts across a wide variety of music genres, including hip-hop, indie, electronic, and soul.
Past headline acts include Stormzy, Clean Bandit, and Shekhinah. This springtime event is the perfect way to kiss the gloomy winter weather behind and welcome the arrival of the summer heat.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, Cape Town
During the warm and sunny summer months, Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens holds its annual Summer Sunset Concerts. With almost weekly concerts spanning from November to April, including the holiday period, these evening shows are the perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather and breathtaking sunsets with friends and family.
With so much local talent on offer, you are guaranteed to experience a new act every time you attend.
Bloom Festival, Magaliesburg
The Bloom Festival, which takes place in late September, is one of the best festivals for those wanting to experience a transformational and creative experience. The three-day event showcases more than music, including additional practices like guided hikes, sound baths, reiki, and a powerful burn ceremony, to name a few.
You can bring your own camping gear or rent a more comfortable glamping tent, but ensure you pack your best intentions and willingness to immerse yourself in a spiritually moving festival designed to bring a stronger connection to yourself and others.
