This September, the breathtaking landscapes of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve will transform into the backdrop for a brand-new South African festival experience as Rooted Fest 2026 makes its official debut on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
Presented in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment and in association with Kaya FM and TRACE Ngoma, Rooted Fest is a celebration of South African music, food, culture, creativity, and conscious living.
Guided by the overarching theme “Leave No Trace,” the festival is built around a simple principle: South Africans can celebrate their heritage and culture while remaining conscious of the natural environment that sustains them. More than a standard music festival, Rooted Fest offers an immersive day in nature designed to prove that major entertainment and environmental responsibility can comfortably coexist.
Makhadzi Leads the Festival Experience
Award-winning African superstar Makhadzi is the first artist confirmed to perform at the inaugural festival, bringing her high-energy stage presence to the Suikerbosrand landscape.
The full Rooted Fest 2026 line-up will be officially unveiled on Friday, 4 September 2026, promising a diverse celebration of South African sounds. Beyond the Main Stage, festivalgoers can look forward to curated experiences across the reserve, including:
- Culinary Showcase: A food experience curated by Chef Mahlomola Thamae and Chef Anton Vermeulen.
- Interactive Mixology: A dedicated bar experience curated by Matte and Soda.
- Lifestyle Hubs: Spaces dedicated to green living, family, creativity, and local culture.
Commitment to “Leave No Trace”
Sustainability is built into the foundation of Rooted Fest. Working alongside the Gauteng Department of Environment, organizers are implementing strict eco-conscious planning across infrastructure, waste management, vendor operations, and guest guidelines.
“Rooted Fest presents an exciting opportunity to connect people with Gauteng’s natural environment in a way that is engaging, relevant and responsible,” says Andrew Mathabathe, Corporate Communications spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Environment. “Through the ‘Leave No Trace’ theme, we want to demonstrate that major cultural experiences can take place in our natural spaces while still prioritising their protection.”
Echoing those sentiments, Rooted Fest spokesperson Ayandamantombazanekayise Mhlongo shared: “Rooted is about home, celebrating where we come from while being intentional about what we leave behind… We want people to come, celebrate, dance, eat, discover and experience Suikerbosrand, and leave it as beautiful as they found it.”
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Venue: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng
- Time: 10:00 – 18:00
- First Headliner: Makhadzi
- Full Line-up Reveal: Friday, 4 September 2026
- Theme: Leave No Trace
- Partners: Gauteng Department of Environment, Kaya FM, and TRACE Ngoma
Ticketing details and further festival updates will be released across Rooted Fest’s official digital platforms.