The National Arts Festival (NAF) is preparing to launch on 25 June 2026, welcoming audiences to one of the country’s foremost arts events. Running through until 5 July, the Festival will feature an expansive programme across multiple venues in its home town of Makhanda, including a new night time music space at the Great Hall and buzzing social hubs including the Black Power Station, Village Green, the Long Table pop-up restaurant and late night favourites like Oldies.
This year’s programming reflects the Festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse South African artistic voices and gives platform to both established and emerging artists. The music programme includes performances from luminaries like Thandiswa Mazwai, Msaki, Concord Nkabinde, the Soweto String Quartet, Standard Bank Young Artists Ndumiso Manana (Music) and Gabi Motuba (Jazz), gospel innovator Betusile Mcinga, the Eastern Cape’s popular Bala Family as well as rapidly rising stars Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize.
Theatre works include new works from Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre, Jason Jacobs, British artist Louise Orwin bringing FAMEHUNGRY, a show that happens simultaneously on Tik-Tok, Canadian work 2021 that explores the digital reconstruction of someone who has passed, the riveting, bold circus piece, Wolf from Australia and much more from SA’s edgiest and most exciting performing artists. On the Visual Arts programme, highlights include the Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Art Bronwen Katz with Ta a-b kebab ada kaxu-da, ti khoe-du’e and the MTN X UJ New Contemporaries Award (NCA) 2025/26 exhibition, curated by Amogelang Maledu. The winner of the Award will be announced at the Festival on 26 June.
Says National Arts Festival Artistic Director, Rucera Seethal, “Says National Arts Festival Artistic Director, Rucera Seethal, “This year’s Curated Programme is a selection of work that is resonant with the discordant themes of our times. As the global ground moves beneath our feet, coming to the National Arts Festival is a way to find ground – common ground and roots – but also a place to stand in creative unity with others, in real contact and real connection.”
Artistic and Cultural Development
The Fringe presents over 200 new works spanning theatre, comedy, dance and experimental forms, drawing artists from across all nine provinces. It continues to function as a launchpad for emerging South African artists, identifying excellence through the Ovation Awards and, thanks to a grant from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy programme, this year’s Fringe programme also offers artists workshops and professional networking as well as the benefit of exposure to local and international producers.
“The National Arts Festival remains one of the most important platforms for South African artists to claim ground, experiment and share new work,” says Zikhona Monaheng, NAF Associate Producer. “This year’s programming balances artistic ambition with accessibility, ensuring that exceptional cultural work reaches audiences across economic and geographic boundaries.”
Getting there for less and doing more
The Festival has partnered with CrabaRide, a lift-sharing platform that offers affordable trips to and from anywhere in South Africa by enabling people to sell seats in shared car trips. Artists and visitors can offer a lift to reduce their fuel costs and those looking to come to the Festival can book a low cost (e.g. under R400 from Gqeberha to Makhanda) ride – and meet some new people too!
The Festival has worked hard to keep ticket prices affordable at between R20 and R300 each. There are some new venues this year too, the Great Hall venue is a dedicated live music hub, with a bar and late-night DJ sets. There is also a new Festival Canteen in the Monument Restaurant. Open from 12 to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm daily from 26 June to 4 July, the Canteen will offer hearty and affordable menu including a soup of the day and a daily harvest table style menu as well a vegetarian option. Expect simple but delicious meals like spaghetti bolognese, chicken stew and samp and pap and wors. Check in every day to see what is on offer! Plates are paid by weight.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Festival generates significant economic activity within Makhanda and the Eastern Cape region with substantial local employment creation across hospitality, technical services and cultural sectors. The event continues to serve as a critical showcase for South African creativity on an international stage.
Dates: 25 June – 5 July 2026
Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape
Programme, Booking & Tickets Sales Platform: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
The National Arts Festival is South Africa’s largest multi-disciplinary arts event, operating continuously since 1974. Held annually in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), the Festival presents new and established work across theatre, music, dance, comedy, literature, visual art, and experimental forms. The Festival serves as a key platform for South African cultural production, artist development, and international cultural exchange.