Cape Town - The festival and trance party season in South Africa has finally arrived, kicking off as usual with the iconic Sunflower Festival in Cape Town. This year, unlike 2013, the festival was pure fun in the sun, as Spring decided to come right on time for this year's festival season!
Whether you’re a religious festival-goer that never misses one, or just a tag-along to some of the big festival names, we’ll sort you out with what you need to know.
Here you go with a handy line-up of 7 of the major festivals right around sunny South Africa:
Earthdance Cape Town & Johannesburg
What: Uber-transers get together for some outerworldy stomping in the name of charity. Yes, 50% of the proceeds go to a various array of NGO’s, so be at ease that you’ll be dancing for good. The line-up include international acts from Germany, Sweden and Greece and plenty of South African artists, too.
Where: Nekkies, Worcester & Woodland Garden, North West, Magaliesberg
When: 19 – 21 September
Info: http://www.earthdancecapetown.co.za/earthdance-2014/
White Mountain Festival
What: A festival celebrating the art of acoustic with an excellent line-up of great South African artists. The Parletones’ lead singer, Kahn, is one of the big favourites as he would be performing some brand new stuff. New upcoming artist are also well supported and there is even a few open mic opportunities.
Where: Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
When: 24 – 28 September
Info: http://www.c-weed.com/wmf/
TribeOne Dinokeng Festival
What: It’s surprising that no one is making a bigger deal out of this particular festival, as Nicky Minaj will be headlining it. Also, Ryan Lewis, Macklemore and many more will be shaking the ground with their music at this ‘must-go’ event in SA.
Where: Cullinan, Gauteng
When: 26 – 28 September
Info: http://www.tribeonefestival.com/#&panel1-1
Rocking the Daisies
What: Probably the most mainstream and more popular of the festivals in South Africa at the moment. If you haven’t been a big festival goer and what to start, go to RTD first. If you enjoy the vibe, you’ll probably enjoy the others too. The festival grows almost exponentially every year, and this year big international and national names like Rudimental, Taxi Violence and Jeremy Loops will be performing.
Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
When: 2 – 5 October
Info: http://rockingthedaisies.com/
Fish River Canoe Marathon & Music Festival
What: This festival combines the annual canoe rowing race on the Great Fish River with an incredible music festival held in the heart of the midland Karoo. This year the line-up includes international names like Gangs of Ballet, LCNVL and Shortstraw performing live on a stage right next to the river.
Where: Along the Great Fish River, Cradock, Eastern Cape
When: 10 – 11 October
Info: http://fishmarathon.org.za/
Oxbraai
What: If you’re a vegan, stay clear. Massive bonfires are lit in order to ‘braai’ more than 70 beef hindquarters to feed the partying masses – exceeding the 10 000 mark. This festival not only celebrate good South African artists, but also South African Beef farmers. Don’t forget to go check out The Big Pineapple located on the R67 just outside Bathurst.
Where: Bathurst, Eastern Cape
When: 27 December
Info: https://www.facebook.com/oxbraai
Rezonance NYE Festival
What: This New Year’s Eve festival has become an iconic ritual for festival goers to welcome the New Year. This time of year is perfect for camping under the stars, or even dancing right through the night. Bring along your oldest boot for ‘stomping’ in the mud! Fun.
Where: Durbanville’s Contermanskloof Farm
When: 31 December 2014 – 3 January 2015
Info: http://rezonancefestival.com/
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