Lemo Fest 2026 takes over Bloemfontein this weekend. Here’s what to know before you go

Lemo Fest 2026 kicks off in Bloemfontein on Friday night, and the City of Roses is ready for a big weekend.

For years, October in Bloem meant one thing: the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe).

This October, Lemo Fest is filling that space.

But before you head out, there are a few rules you’ll want to know about.

Leave the cooler box and the snacks at home. And if you were planning to bring the kids, think again.

The festival takes place at Lemo Green Park in Heidedal, Bloemfontein, from 9-11 October.

WHY LEMO FEST MATTERS FOR BLOEMFONTEIN

Bloemfontein has a long history of October festivals.

For many years,Macufe was the city’s big October celebration of music and culture.

But Macufe has moved.

According to the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the 2026 edition was scheduled to run from 3 to 13 September, during Heritage Month, following its relaunch in 2025.

Lemo Fest has been part of that story. In 2024, while Macufe was suspended, Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ntombizanele Sifuba called on the public to support the Lemo Festival, which had been set during Macufe’s customary dates.

WHAT IS LEMO FEST?

According to its ticketing page, Lemo Fest was established in 2023, making this year’s festival its fourth.

It brings together music, art, fashion and community events. The organisers say they want to position Bloemfontein as a leading cultural destination.

LEMO FEST 2026 LINE-UP

Each day has its own theme.

Friday: Lovers & Friends. An all-male line-up of soul, R&B and house performers, aimed at women.

According to Lemo Fest’s and Radio Bloem’s social media posts, it features;

 Mi Casa, Sun-El Musician and DJ Ash.

Saturday: Afro Soul & Jazz. A blend of Afro-inspired soul and jazz.

According to Lemo Fest’s and Radio Bloem’s social media posts, it features;

 Judith Sephuma, Sihle Zulu, Maleh, Khuthala and Selimo Thabane, along with a tribute to the late Hugh Masekela.

Sunday: Gospel Experience. A day of praise and worship with live gospel performances.

According to Radio Bloem’s social media posts, it features;

Dr Rebecca Malope, Dr Lusanda Mcinga, Dr Winnie Mashaba, Sechaba Pali, Bucy Radebe, Sipho Makhabane, Mthunzi Namba, Takie Ndou, Ayanda Ntanzi, Minister Spokes Lusanda, Beja and Ncebakazi Msomi.

The organisers say they can change the line-up and schedule without prior notice.

TIMES AND TICKET PRICES

Friday: Doors open at 17:00. The show runs from 19:00 to 02:00. Tickets start at R350.

Saturday: Doors open at 12:00. The show runs from 14:00 to 00:00. Tickets start at R380.

Sunday: Doors open at 12:00. The show runs from 14:00 to 00:00. Tickets start at R380.

SAVE WITH A FESTIVAL PASS OR COMBO TICKET

Planning to go more than once? A multi-day ticket works out cheaper.

A festival pass for all three days starts at R950.

That’s R160 less than buying each day separately.

There are also three two-day combo tickets:

Friday and Saturday: from R650, saving R80.

Friday and Sunday: from R650, saving R80.

Saturday and Sunday: from R700, saving R60.

Tickets are sold through Ticketpro, via the official Lemo Fest website.

Bloemfontein locals can also buy them at the Kenworth Centre Lemo Mall ticket office.

WHAT YOU CAN’T BRING

The list of banned items is long.

You can’t bring your own food, drinks, snacks, tumblers or cooler boxes.

Hubbly, smoking, weapons, scissors and drugs are also banned.

All three days list no children aged 0 to 12. Any children who are allowed in must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

Tickets are non-refundable, but they can be transferred to someone else.

All patrons must also register with their full name and contact number, and may need to provide an email address and photo.

There will be security screening and ID checks at the entrance.

A WORD OF WARNING ABOUT TICKETS

Because tickets can be transferred, you may see people reselling them on social media.

Be careful. Fake tickets and resale scams are common before big events.

The safest option is to buy directly from the official ticketing platform. If someone asks you to pay into their personal account for a ticket, walk away.

MORE LEMO FEST EVENTS COMING TO BLOEMFONTEIN IN DECEMBER

This weekend isn’t the end of it.

Lemo Fest has two more events planned at Lemo Green Park: Hangout on 12 December and Spin Explosion on 13 December. Tickets aren’t on sale yet.

I love seeing Bloemfontein get its moment.

The City of Roses doesn’t always get the attention Joburg and Cape Town do.

But a whole weekend of R&B, jazz and gospel, right on its doorstep? That’s lekker.