Bloemfontein and the entire Mangaung region are poised for an electrifying transformation as the 2026 MACUFE edition gears up to take center stage from September 3 to 13. This festival promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dance, theatre, and entertainment that will attract multitudes of visitors from across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
The official launch of the 2026 MACUFE took place on 31 July in Bloemfontein, following the success of the previous year’s edition. The 2025 Festival drew impressive crowds, and anticipation is high for the 2026 event, which aims to exceed those numbers and build on last year’s achievements. People are eager to gather with loved ones to enjoy performances from their favourite artists and partake in the festival.
In her keynote address, the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Zanele Sifuba, highlighted an expanded program for this year’s festival, introducing a variety of platforms such as the MACUFE Divas Music Festival, and a professional-level MACUFE Comedy and Poetry.
The MACUFE Cultural Village will also enhance the festival experience, featuring the Basotho Cultural Village as a living museum, alongside exhibitions of African arts and crafts, storytelling, and bushfire activations.
MEC Sifuba emphasized that this expansion aligns with the government’s goal to solidify the festival’s status while addressing the economic realities of the times.
“Moving forward, efforts will be intensified to ensure that the festival continues to grow from strength to strength. The festival must continue to live up to expectations and realize its objectives of promoting cultural tourism, local economic development, social cohesion, and nation-building,” she stated.
The Festival will be hosted as follows:
MACUFE Arts and Craft Village 3-12 September
Dance Fiesta: 7-10 September
Film Festival: 7-10 September
Dramatist Against GBV: 7-10 Septmber
Theatre Programme: 9-10 September
Comedy and Poetry 9-10 September
Visual Arts, Craft and Literature Exhibition: 9-12
Divas Music Festival: 11 September
Amapiano vs Hip Hop Music Festival: 11 September
Main Festival: 12 September
Gospel Music Festival: 13 September
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