South Africa's diverse population is a melting pot of people from every corner of the continent and all over the globe. Mzansi is home not only to breathtaking landscapes and natural splendour, but also a kaleidoscope of vibrant cultures, boasting a huge variety of art forms and artists. Music is an important part of everybody's heritage, and a shared love of rhythms and tunes is a great way to connect with fellow South Africans, no matter how different their backgrounds.

It's not surprising, then, that SA is also a hotspot for music festivals celebrating our rich cultural history. Vibrant festivals of jazz, gospel, amapiano, contemporary youth dance music, and a host of others return every year to bring people together, create memories, and showcase the soul of Mzansi.

Here's a list of 7 great South African music festivals. There are lots more – new music and arts fests pop up all the time – but these are some of the most popular, with successful track records, many going back decades.

1. Splashy Fen – Splashy Fen Farm, Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal

Usually held over the Easter long weekend

Splashy turned 35 in April 2025, so it has a strong claim to be South Africa's oldest, longest running music festival. It still attracts plenty of nature and music lovers every year, to brave the chilly Drakensberg autumn, camp under the stars, jam around the fire, enjoy the breath-taking scenery, and sample all the food and merchandise stalls. In between, they have 6 stages to choose from, presenting a massive range of South African acoustic and electronic styles and talent. Fans of feel-good Afropop say it's our friendliest festival.

2. YouthX YX25 – Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg, Gauteng

A series of YouthX events leading up to YX25 in October

YouthX events celebrate youth culture, blending music, art, fashion, and sport. Sponsored by Nedbank, YouthX will host a series of smaller events around the country this year, leading up to the big bash at Constitutional Hill on 4 October. YX25 will feature both top artists and emerging talent to entertain a crowd of 2,000 young people while we celebrate 10 youth entrepreneurs making waves in their relevant fields. You'll find more details on the YouthX page as they become available.

3. Rocking the Daisies – Cloof Wine Estate, Darling, Western Cape

Usually held in October

No set genres, just good music – that's what Rocking the Daisies regulars enjoy. It's also renowned as one of SA's most environmentally friendly festivals, with strict rules that prohibit many disposable camping extras – waste that too often gets left behind at outdoor events. When you see the spectacular unspoilt surroundings, you'll understand why responsibility and sustainability matter so much. The vibe is 'Be lekker!' – and at the start of summer in Western Cape, why would you want to be anything else?

4. Hey Neighbour Festival – Legends Adventure Farm, Tshwane, Gauteng

August 2025

The new kids on the block are back to thrill contemporary music and pop culture enthusiasts in Gauteng. More than 60,000 fans attended the first Hey Neighbour Festival in 2023, which featured the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Tyla. The idea is to bring top international and local acts together, along with their fans, to foster more connections between all the neighbours in the global village. British rapper Central Cee and Grammy-winning US artists Doja Cat and Leon Thomas will be joining other top acts for the 2025 festival.

5. Cape Town International Jazz Festival – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Western Cape

Generally held between March and April

In 2000, when it started as part of the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival immediately drew a crowd with stars like Hugh Masekela, Herbie Hancock, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, Busi Mhlongo, and Youssou N'Dour. It has grown into a grand gathering that attracts more than 37,000 patrons every year, making it the largest jazz festival in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Along the way, it has given audiences some priceless memories – like Hugh Masekela's surprise duet with Abdullah Ibrahim in 2019, and the 2025 collaboration between Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini.

6. Up the Creek – Up the Creek Camp, Swellendam, Western Cape

Generally held in February

Up the Creek is another old faithful on the local festival circuit – a laid-back 4 days of music, nature, and fun music next to the Breede River (and often in it). It's also been going since 1990, although it recently took a few years' break, before roaring back to life in February 2025. The line-ups cover a variety of music styles, from rock and R&B to dance music and folk rock – and there's usually a stand-up comedy stage too.

7. AfrikaBurn – Quaggafontein, Tankwa Karoo, Western Cape

Generally held in April

AfrikaBurn is a regional offshoot of Burning Man, the famous counterculture festival held every year in the USA. It's more than a music festival – it blends art, music, and self-expression to encourage participants to reinvent themselves and their communities. This is not glamping – it's for adventurous souls who enjoy roughing it in the desert and live by the Burning Man principles. These include radical inclusion, leaving no trace, radical self-reliance, and a culture of volunteering and gifting instead of jobs and commerce. Festival-goers can watch and participate in performance art, symbolic art, burning sculptures, music, and dance.

Safety tips

Music festivals are all about fun and celebration, but you should always make safety your priority.

• Drink lots of fluids: Keep cool and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Know your surroundings: Familiarise yourself with the venue layout and emergency points. A unique flag next to your campsite can be helpful when you're trying to find your way back to your mates.
• Protect your hearing: Use earplugs to safeguard your ears from loud music – especially if you like to spend the whole show right in front of the stage.
• Plan ahead: Know what you're allowed to take into the festival, and put everything you need together in 1 place the day before you leave. Remember to pack essentials like medication and sunscreen.
• Use the buddy system: Stick with friends and look out for each other.
• Pack smart: Your essentials should include comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing. If you're camping, comfort is more important than making a fashion statement.
• Stay connected: Download festival apps or follow their social media pages for real-time updates and schedules.

Keep it green

Increasingly, South African music festivals focus on sustainability. Take these steps to become a more environmentally friendly festival-goer:

• Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, and bags to minimise waste.
• Discard recyclables in the designated recycling bins at the festival grounds.
• Some festivals, like Rocking the Daisies, encourage attendees to hike or cycle to the venue to reduce emissions.
• Support green initiatives. Look out for festivals that use solar-powered stages or partner with environmental organisations.

Music festivals are more than just events – they're cultural landmarks that bring people together. And in the case of YouthX, they're the entertainment cherry on top of the Nedbank project to support, mentor, and empower youthful entrepreneurs. So, mark your calendars, gather your tribe, book your tickets – with your Greenbacks-linked Nedbank card for more rewards! – and get ready to groove, celebrate, and create memories that will last a lifetime.