Splashy Fen 2026 marks 35 years of music, mountains & memories

September 26, 2025Events, Local Artists, News, Press Release Comments (0)

Splashy Fen 2026 marks 35 years of music, mountains & memories

Photo credits: Al Nicoll.

South Africa’s longest-running and most beloved music festival is back! From 2–6 April 2026, Splashy Fen will once again transform the Drakensberg into a music lover’s paradise for its 35th anniversary celebration.

Following the overwhelming success of Splashy Fen 2025 which sold out,fans are urged to secure their tickets early for the 2026 edition. This milestone year promises a festival experience like no other, packed with music, community, and adventure in the mountains.

Otter Club Tickets: 22 September – 5 October

If you joined us in 2025, you’re officially part of the Otter Club – our insider crew who gets the first shot at Splashy Fen 2026 tickets. From 22 September to 5 October, Otter Club members enjoy exclusive early access to the lowest-priced tickets of the season. Emails with a secret link have gone out, so check your inbox (or ask your group’s ticket buyer to share it).

After 5 October, Phase 1 tickets open to the public – but don’t wait too long, as Splashy tickets move fast.

👉 View Ticket Options

What’s on the cards for 2026

● 6 stages of live music

● 300+ artists, including international acts

● More showers

● 30+ food trucks, stalls & artisan vendors

● Free activities: yoga, trail runs, art workshops & more

● Park by your campsite (no long treks with gear)

● Family-friendly atmosphere – kids welcome!

Whether you’re a riverside regular or prefer to glamp in luxury, there’s an option to suit your style. From powered campsites to glamping tents, you can secure your accommodation now and start planning the ultimate Easter weekend escape.

👉Check Out Accommodation

A Festival Like No Other

For 35 years, Splashy Fen has been more than just a music festival – it’s a gathering of friends, families, and music lovers in one of the most iconic festival locations in Mzansi. With breathtaking views, world-class acts, and an atmosphere like no other, Splashy Fen 2026 is set to be our biggest celebration yet.

Mark your calendars, dust off your camping gear, and fire up the group chats – the mountains are calling.

See you at Splashy Fen 2026!

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Underberg, KZN – 22 April 2025: Splashy Fen Music Festival has officially wrapped, and by all accounts, the 2025 edition was the most magical one yet. From the moment the gates opened on Thursday, 17 April to the last note played on Sunday night, 8,000 festival-goers soaked up four glorious days of sunshine, music, and connection in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.

After a few days of pre-festival rain, the weather turned just in time to welcome fans to South Africa’s friendliest music festival. The sunshine held strong throughout the weekend, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable Easter celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and community.

A SOLD-OUT FESTIVAL FROM DAY ONE

By Thursday evening, over 5,500 happy campers had already made their way into the scenic Splashy Fen farm, with the festival officially reaching full capacity the day before the gates even opened. The 2025 edition was officially opened by Cllr. T.N. Jojozi, Deputy Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality, who welcomed guests on behalf of the Harry Gwala Development Agency.

Thursday night kicked off with the first wave of live performances and set the tone for the weekend.

From there, the lineup only got hotter.

DAYS OF MUSIC AND MAGIC

Friday and Saturday were packed with showstopping performances across the multiple stages. Local heroes like Ard Matthews, Hot Water, Veranda Panda, and Prime Circle brought the heat, while the Main Stage turned electric with international artists including the UK’s Youngr, a surprise performance from Casey Lowery, Ireland’s Darren Kiely, and Canada’s Neon Dreams.

Mafikizolo delivered a legendary Saturday night set that brought thousands to their feet, and GoodLuck closed out the evening with a high-energy performance that had the whole crowd bouncing.

Away from the stages, festival-goers enjoyed the full Splashy experience: sunrise yoga, trail runs, live art, craft workshops, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The popular Kids Zone was buzzing with activity, and the Saturday afternoon Splashy Parade was a visual feast of stilt-walkers, dragons, fire breathers, and whimsical characters.

At the Corona River Stage, guests kicked back in the sun to chilled tunes by the water, while a bustling craft market and food court offered up everything from gourmet bites to handmade treasures.

A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER

Easter Sunday was pure joy. The day began with a peaceful morning service hosted by Red Frogs SA at the tranquil Treehouse Stage, followed by a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the little ones—complete with games, giggles, and surprise eggs from the Easter Bunny herself.

Music lovers made their way to the Acoustic Stage for the much-loved Legends of the Fen showcase. Featuring iconic acts like Cinema, Perez, and more, the session reminded everyone why Splashy Fen holds such a special place in South Africa’s music history.

As the sun dipped behind the Drakensberg mountains, the Main Stage roared to life for one final night of performances, closing out the weekend with soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and thunderous applause.

“Our legs are sore, our voices are gone, but our hearts? FULL,” read a Monday morning post from Splashy Fen’s official social media page. “Shoutout to every artist who brought the fire at Main Stage last night, and every fan who screamed every word. What a way to end #Splashy2025!”

THE BEST ONE YET

With four full days of world-class music, family-friendly fun, and community connection in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world, Splashy Fen 2025 has earned its title as the best one yet.

For more information and to stay up to date on 2026 tickets and artist announcements, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or follow @splashyfenfest on Instagram and Facebook.