events
You Know You’re at a South African Festival When…
By Thando Mokoena•July 29, 2025•5 min read
From boerie rolls to barefoot dancing and “just one more song,” South African festivals have their own flavour. Here’s what makes them unforgettable — and which type of festival fan you really are.
There’s a certain moment — as the sun sets behind a beer tent, barefoot strangers are doing interpretive dance to a DJ set, and someone offers you a homemade biltong stick from their moonbag — when it hits you: Yup, you’re at a South African festival.
Whether it’s a bushveld music bash, a coastal food fest, or a dusty arts-meets-techno gathering deep in the Karoo, our festivals have a vibe. And if you’ve been to even one, these signs will feel very familiar…
Whether it’s a bushveld music bash, a coastal food fest, or a dusty arts-meets-techno gathering deep in the Karoo, our festivals have a vibe. And if you’ve been to even one, these signs will feel very familiar…
1. There's Always That One Guy in a Leopard Print Onesie
…and no one’s sure if he’s part of the lineup or just really enthusiastic. SA festival fashion is a glorious mash-up of flower crowns, speedos, glitter, boots, and whatever was left in the dress-up box from New Year’s 2013. The weirder, the better.
2. You’ve Set Up Camp (Poorly) in the Dark
You arrived “early” but somehow still pitched your tent under a slope, next to the toilets, and forgot your mallet. Bonus points if you ended up sleeping in your car after your air mattress popped. Again.
3. You’ve Said “Just One More” Since 2PM
South African time is a real thing, and at festivals, it’s not measured in hours — it’s measured in vibes. “We’ll leave after this set” means you’re staying until the sunrise jam session… with someone playing a didgeridoo.
4. You Can Hear 3 Genres of Music at Once
A trance set, a jazz quartet, and someone beatboxing near the food trucks — all within earshot. Every SA festival is its own multi-sensory mixtape.
5. You’ve Had a Spiritual Experience Over a Boerie Roll
Because nothing tastes better than a boerie at 11:47pm, especially when made by someone’s uncle named Oom Hennie. Served with chakalaka, obviously.
6. Someone’s Dancing Like No One’s Watching (But Everyone Is)
Barefoot. Dust swirling. Arms flailing with purpose. Possibly holding a glow stick. Festival dancing is a freedom sport. And no one judges… unless you're wearing flip-flops on the dancefloor (rookie move).
7. There’s Always a Rumour Someone Brought a Snake
It’s not a real SA festival until someone casually says, “Did you see that guy with the snake?” You never find the snake, but you definitely check your tent twice that night.
8. Showers Are… Aspirational
You brought wet wipes. Whether you used them is another story. No one smells good by day three — and if they do, they're either rich or lying.
9. You’ve Lost Your Friends. And Found New Ones.
Phone died? No problem. You’ll make three new besties in the beer queue, two of whom will invite you to a drumming circle, and one will disappear mid-sentence never to be seen again. Classic.
10. You’ve Had a Deep Chat with a Stranger at Sunrise
You don't know their name. You’ll never see them again. But for one magical morning, you both agreed that music heals the world and that the universe is definitely listening.
🤔 So… What Kind of Festival Fan Are You?
Take the quiz below to find your festival alter ego. Are you:
🌈 The Festival Faerie
- Glitter? Always.
- Dance? Constant,
- Friends? Everyone.
You're not here to play. You're here to rave. You brought the good speakers, organised a group chat, and mapped the bathrooms in advance. Legend.
🔥 The Firestarter
- Said “I’m not really a festival person.”
- Showed up anyway.
- Had the best time.
You were peer-pressured into coming but now you’re plotting your next one. You’re the friend who always says no, then arrives in full costume with an esky full of pre-mixed drinks.
👑 The Low-Key Royalty
- Chairs. Snacks. Shade.
- Always has the best campsite.
- Somehow clean.
You’re the calm in the chaos. You packed sunscreen, bug spray, a fold-out table, and a perfectly curated playlist. Festival MVP.
🎟️ Festival Season is Calling
From jazz under the stars to beats in the bush, South African live entertainment is unmatched.
Because you haven’t truly lived until you’ve brushed your teeth next to a guy in a unicorn onesie while a DJ drops amapiano at 7am.
Because you haven’t truly lived until you’ve brushed your teeth next to a guy in a unicorn onesie while a DJ drops amapiano at 7am.
Share this article
Thando Mokoena
Event Specialist
Thando lives for the buzz of a live crowd, the soundcheck rumble, and the confetti drop at the final encore. As Computicket’s go-to event guru, she’s your inside track on the hottest shows, music festivals, comedy nights, and cultural happenings across South Africa. Whether it’s a local house party in Joburg or a secret set in Stellenbosch, Thando knows where the vibe is — and how to get tickets before they’re sold out.
Table of Contents
1. There's Always That One Guy in a Leopard Print Onesie2. You’ve Set Up Camp (Poorly) in the Dark3. You’ve Said “Just One More” Since 2PM4. You Can Hear 3 Genres of Music at Once5. You’ve Had a Spiritual Experience Over a Boerie Roll6. Someone’s Dancing Like No One’s Watching (But Everyone Is)7. There’s Always a Rumour Someone Brought a Snake8. Showers Are… Aspirational9. You’ve Lost Your Friends. And Found New Ones.10. You’ve Had a Deep Chat with a Stranger at Sunrise🤔 So… What Kind of Festival Fan Are You?🌈 The Festival Faerie🔥 The Firestarter👑 The Low-Key Royalty🎟️ Festival Season is Calling
Article Info
5 min read
July 29, 2025
595 words
Status: published