South Africans hoping for more from a festival other than just music this spring season will be excited by the upcoming Rooted Fest 2026, which will take place at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on Saturday, 26 September and combine live entertainment, food, culture and conscious living.
Produced in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment and in association with Kaya FM and TRACE Ngoma, the festival is designed around the theme “Leave No Trace” and invites the audiences to immerse into the celebration of South African culture in harmony with nature.
Headlining the first ever festival will be award-winning African superstar Makhadzi, whose live performance will be the highlight of the event. Known for her vibrant shows and unique style, Makhadzi will perform at the nature reserve at Suikerbosrand.
The full lineup of Rooted Fest 2026 will be announced on Friday, 4 September 2026 and is expected to be a vibrant celebration of South African music and culture.
However, the festival will not focus solely on music.
There will be a number of curated experiences in different areas of the nature reserve including the food section curated by Chef Mahlomola Thamae and Chef Anton Vermeulen, interactive bar curated by Matte and Soda, as well as spaces for green living, family, creativity and South African culture.
Environmental awareness is another crucial feature of the festival, as the “Leave No Trace” philosophy will be reflected in several aspects of the event.
Mr Andrew Mathabathe, spokesperson of the Corporate Communications at the Gauteng Department of Environment says that this festival opens great opportunities for bringing together audiences and the province’s natural surroundings in a responsible way.
“Rooted Fest creates a fantastic possibility to connect people with Gauteng’s natural environment in a relevant, meaningful and responsible manner. Through the ‘Leave No Trace’ theme, we want to show that large-scale cultural events can take place in our natural areas, without neglecting the importance of preserving them.”
Furthermore, he notes that the purpose of this festival is to make participants enjoy their stay in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve while being aware of the fact that they are responsible for the preservation of Gauteng’s natural heritage.
Moreover, this event will present a new audience to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, showing the nature reserve as a part of the overall Gauteng culture, lifestyle and tourism.
The identity of Rooted Festival is based on the places, sounds, flavors and memories that create a feeling of home in South Africa.
Ms Ayandamantombazanekayise Mhlongo, spokesperson of the Rooted Fest says that the concept of the festival is connected with celebrating that connection in a responsible way.
“Rooted is about home, celebrating where we come from while being mindful about what we leave behind. We wanted to create an experience where great South African music, food, culture and creativity can coexist with nature and environmental awareness.”
“The Leave No Trace theme is more than our theme. It is the philosophy behind how we would like to create Rooted. We would like people to come, celebrate, dance, enjoy the food and discover Suikerbosrand and leave it as beautiful as they found it.”
Music, food, nature and culture will be gathered around the Suikerbosrand, creating something that will differ the Rooted Fest from other South African festivals.
ROOTED FEST 2026
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Venue: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng
Time: 10:00–18:00
First Artist Announced: Makhadzi
Full Line-up Reveal: Friday, 4 September 2026
Theme: Leave No Trace
Presented in partnership with: Gauteng Department of Environment
In association with: Kaya FM and TRACE Ngoma
Ticketing information and further festival details will be announced across Rooted Fest’s official platforms.
