By Marley
It’s not just another festival, it is Misty Waters. A way of life, an event you plan for a year. The place you expect to find friends, form a festival family and be yourself.
I’m heading to Misty Waters again from Thursday, 30 April till Sunday, 3 May 2026. It’s truly smack on the border between Mpumalanga and Gauteng, in the not-so-old town of Secunda. If you have been following Small Town Music, you’ll know we’ve talked about Misty Waters before. Last year was really amazing, and I’m sure this year will be even better.
Along Lake Umuzi, where beautiful green grass meets water birds and festival birds, you can find your spot in front of a stage, with a fire pit that never stops burning during the night. Bars with a purpose and no one who cares what was worn to Coachella. At Misty Waters, you come as you are — just remember it’s cold at night.
And here’s the thing about Misty Waters — it just hits different when it comes to people. From the security teams to the medics, the cleaners working through the night, bar staff, stall owners and organisers — everyone is kind, friendly and easy to talk to. It’s got that family feel, that real human touch. You’re not just another wristband here.
What I love about Misty Waters is their range of accommodation available. If you are car camping, tent camping, RV camping — aka camping — sorted. One of the best camping terrains for a music festival I’ve ever experienced. Well-maintained ablutions and no porta-potty mense. You get campsites with a braai and light. You can even go glamping this year.
Self-catering — Umuzi Lodge will get you sorted. Want to save yourself from the camping grounds and sleep like a rock star?
Try The Merchant Hotel. It comes with breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Are you a Captain Planet fan? Then the Green Inn Hotel is also available for you. Just remember to book and buy your tickets.
Let’s talk music.
Okay, this year’s line-up is nuts. From the USA to Cape Town, music is represented in full form this year. Your known bands like Fokofpolisiekar, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Taxi Violence (when last?!), The Black Cat Bones, Tidal Waves, Van Pletzen, Zaan Sonnekus and Doom Fairy (what a killer set last year). Absolute Silence is from Nashville, USA, and I have no idea who they are. That’s why you go to festivals — to watch bands you’ve never seen before. Other familiar faces are Court Gibson (from Graskop, now Cape Town), Reets, SA Blues Project, Black Water, Apple Glue, Max & Love, Crash The Void, Sossi, Miss Heidi Band — and I can go on.
But the main stage is not the only one shining this year. Meet the Fringe Theatre, taking place at the Umuzi Theatre, and part of Misty Waters. Weekend ticket holders have access to both, but there are day passes for sale for Misty’s main stage and separate tickets for the Fringe Fest. Who can you expect at the Fringe Theatre? Rich Man Blue, Ningi, Feed The Flame, Stan, Dusty Jack, Van Meer, Blues Society Project and much more. Check out Misty Waters’ website for full ticket details.
Drink with a purpose.
It’s exactly what it means. Every year, the bars at Misty Waters are run by amazing volunteers and staff, and every sip goes somewhere meaningful. This year it’s Little Paws Big Hearts and MarshCup, which supports kids in need.
When was the last time you could say you had a sip of your favourite drink and did something for charity at the same time? Hardly ever. Also, if you’re on team non-alcohol but still like to vibe, then find some no-alcoholic drinks at the Wilge Lapa Bar. The drink prices are super reasonable — in fact, I have not seen it this low in years.
Do I have your attention yet?
Good.
Now you’re asking yourself what you need to enjoy such a wonderful, delightful and massively awesome festival. It’s pretty simple — be yourself and don’t be a doos. Always.
Be the weird one, the crazy one, the hippy one, the fashion one, the influencer — but just be yourself.
Also, a few other things that I have found work best:
- A good warm jacket for the cold evenings. Lowvelder blood is thinner than Gauteng, but it does drop, especially towards the end of the night.
- Shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy. Remember it’s at a lake — there is mud. A few hundred feet later and it’s mud everywhere. I used my old CAT boots (safety shoes), which worked wonderfully. No slops. Don’t do slops.
- A flashlight — works well when walking back to your accommodation. Yes, it is well lit, but there are a few dark spots. Also helps with not tripping over tent poles and lines.
- A power bank for your phone. We are pretty much in a cashless situation, so we use our phones to pay — which drains batteries. So if you want to party like you have a zillion rand, your phone needs to stay charged. And of course, capturing all the moments in between the sets.
- Be respectful. It’s something you must always have on you. Respect your neighbours, the environment (clean up after yourself), the music and the staff. We are all there for a reason, and that reason should be fun.
But is this realistic in today’s economy for the average and humble festival-goer? Yes, it is.
If you compare it to Innibos 2026 and the international acts we’ve been seeing in the country, then yes — this is pretty affordable. Carpool with friends and drive together. If you self-cater, you can plan around R100 a meal per person. The food stalls at Misty Waters never disappoint either, so you are sorted.
If you stay in the hotel, your breakfast is really, really filling and well worth it. Plus, remember — your drinks support not only your vibe but also two charities at once. And your ticket supports some of the best darn music you’ll hear this side of the planet.
All the info you need can be found on Misty Waters’ website, and follow their social media — it’s informative and a cool vibe.
See you on the left side of the stage at Misty Waters.
