With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your musical adventure! From iconic Cape Town festivals to more rural music gatherings, here are the best music festivals in South Africa to experience in 2023.
*We will be updating this page with fresh events and information throughout the year.
JAZZ FESTIVAL 2023
Get ready to experience the jazz celebration of a lifetime! After three years, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is coming back in 2023 for its 21st-anniversary celebration. With an amazing mix of jazz and its related genres, as well as loads of time to spend with your favorite artists, this event is not to be missed by any fans. Three stages will host more than twenty-one music performances, while a new audience engagement platform and Festinio experience app are being launched. Through the app, users can stay updated on all relevant features and news of the festival. Get your tickets today at the official CTIJF website for a unique experience!
Ultra Music Festival 2023
Mark your calendar, because Ultra Music Festival is back in South Africa! After a short break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s time to resume one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the country. On Friday 10 March 2023, the Cape Town leg will begin at Kenilworth Racecourse followed by Saturday 11 March 2023 show at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. With numerous local and international talents taking stage and an eye-catching fireworks display in store, this isn’t an event you’ll want to miss! For tickets and more details on Ultra Music Festival 2023, visit their website for more information.
Cotton Fest 2023
Fans of new music, fashion and lifestyle can expect a star-studded event with performances from top artists from Cape Town and Johannesburg on the Cotton Stage and amapiano musicians at the Second Stage. Additional attractions include ‘The Tuckshop,’ showing off unique branded fashion items and accessories, sports areas boasting a half-court & skateboard ramp, photo booths and lounge areas. Keep in mind that this is an 18+ event only and more information or tickets can be found through the Cotton Fest website.
LYFE Event 2023
This event is all about living life to the fullest; with colorful backdrops, food stalls, trucks and drinks, you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself in this outdoor experience. Don’t miss out – book tickets ahead of time with general admission costing R200 per person or VIP tickets costing R600. The festival runs from 8am – 5pm with parking facilities at the venue. Unfortunately no under 18s are allowed at this event. For more information and bookings please visit their website.
LYFE Event 2023 is coming to Carnival City Lawns DATES HAVENT BEEN CONFIMERED! With an array of different categories, from lifestyle and fashion to entertainment, this is sure to be a spectacular event. Fans will have the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s best musical acts, such as Grammy Award-winning artist and DJ Black Coffee as the headliner. There will also be performances by Focalistic, DBN Gogo, Nasty C and AKA for all the hip hop fans
UNDER THE AFRICAN SKY
Have you ever wanted to experience African culture and trance music at the same time? Now you can at Under The African Sky – a full-day event that takes place near Cape Town, South Africa. Brought to you by Funktion-One sound and held at Hillcrest Quarry venue, this exclusive festival features various elements inspired by African heritage such as stage design, visual mapping, live performers, and more! So don’t miss out and join us for a unique celebration of music and culture at the start of September.
Rocking The Daisies
With milder temperatures in the months of October, Rocking The Daisies takes full advantage of the cooler season at the Cloof Wine Estate. Guests are invited to take a dip in the lake as they enjoy various activities and live music. Alongside amazing music acts, impressive art sculptures also adorn the estate and usually reflect the overall theme of this spring festival!
Splashy Fen
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s biggest and longest-running festival. Held in a breathtaking location in the Drakensberg mountains, this friendly festivity offers attendees a unique way to experience music, art, and celebration with fellow festivalgoers. Tickets for next year have yet to be released but keep an eye on the website or join their newsletter so you can grab one when they become available! And if you’re looking to save some money, camping at the site is allowed – so there’s no need to worry about accommodation expenses!
Bushfire Festival
ach year, in the stunning Kingdom of Swaziland (although it is situated within South Africa), the Bushfire Music Festival takes place. Sponsored by MTN (a cell phone company across the continent) over three days, and consisting of four stages –the Amphitheatre, the Barn, the Firefly and the Main Stage – this festival brings together local arts and crafts vendors with a more international line-up of performers. If you’re a solo traveler feeling lonely – don’t worry! Visit Once in Joburg to help you attend festivals and events in Southern Africa, making sure your trip is full of amazing experiences meeting locals and exploring new cultures.
conclusion
South Africa is the perfect destination for festival-goers who want to experience a wide variety of music genres from all over the world. With its rich cultural heritage, South Africa has an amazing selection of festivals that cater to different types of listeners. From traditional African sounds to international electronic music artists, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste and style!
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