By Marley
Thanks to Toyota Innibos Nasionale Kunstefees, everyone wants to be IN at one of the biggest arts and music festivals in South Africa, all taking place in humble Nelsparta. Well, Nelspartans will tell you it takes centre stage.
We are packing the Toyota Cruiser to the brim with all the information you could possibly need to have the best time at Innibos. We can’t tell you about a budget (we are not Budget Speech people or planners, for that matter), or how to get festival dust out of your hair (or nose), or what to wear (this is not Coachella). What we will share with you is info about parking, music, some more music and a few other little hints.
Local is INdeed lekker
We can talk about the amazing national talent on the stages like Fokofpolisiekar, Refentse, Riaan Benadé, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Francois van Coke and the rest. But can we brag a bit about some Lowveld guys who will be on the stages and that you, the awesome Inniboser, need to watch?
Radio Kalahari Orkes – Ian Roberts (lead vocalist and guitarist) stays in Lydenburg. Get rocking with Coenie Naudé on the Alternatief Stage, get your rap game on with Ruan Bester, while songbird Tiffany Steyn and singer Kris Ray entertain you on the Cell C and kykNET stages (check the Innibos Guide for more info).
One of STM’s oldest friends, DJ Jaydon Mark, will be pumping the good vibes and good times on the Cell C Stage. We promise you, your Saturday night will end on a high when Jaydon is on the decks.
Also look out for the Lowveld’s best social media influencer (for real), Jacques Lombaard, as he dazzles and frazzles on the Mopani Pharmacy Stage (In Die Wingerd Kuiertuin). Also find Mathew Gold, Thapelo Lekoane, Bia and Plain Jane on this stage. Great wines on the tables for tasting as well. South Africa only produces good wine. The Lowveld produces the best talent.
Make a stop at the Jacaranda FM regional team, RSG and the Radio Laeveld 100.5FM team as they broadcast live from the festival terrain. See what you only hear and hear what you see with a little behind-the-mic action. Honestly, we can’t wait to see what band shirt Barney Simon is going to wear.
ParkINg is a Cruiser
Or a Hilux or a sedan or a skedonk – simply put, there is just one thing you need to know about the City of Mbombela: there is no Uber. Yip, no Uber. We are not really sure why, but there is a solution to this problem.
Yes, in this economy, it helps. You park for free (yes, we don’t know what parking meters are) at Ilanga Mall. You catch the City Bug bus from Ilanga mall, and it goes straight to the main festival grounds. A little awkward with jackets and kids’ bags, but it’s free, safe and warm, and you can’t miss it. The buses run even after the main stage has closed, the busses leaves every 30 minutes. Attending a theatre/production show? No problem either, catch the Bossewaens (charges are applicable) to and from Ilanga Mall. No GPS or wrong turns.
There is another alternative – private paid parking at Nelspruit Primary School, which is situated right across from the main festival grounds. You can get in contact with Nelspruit Primary by sending an email to zena@nelspruitprimary.co.za.
We do not recommend parking in front of someone’s gate or driveway. For emergencies (medical and otherwise), it’s not safe, and we are cool people, so just don’t park in front of the gate. There will be “car guards” popping up like mushrooms after the summer rains, promising you the world for R50. Use this with caution, especially at night. It is dark in some spots, and a few brandewyne later can cause a little involuntary exploration.
First rule: be safe.
Second rule: be visible.
Alternatief is back!
We are so freaking happy, like a kid at the Innibos rides.
Last year, the absence of the Alternatief Stage was felt all over, and we are happy to let you know that on Saturday, 4 July 2026, it’s back at the kykNET Stage.
Remember, this stage is located next to the Innibos Mall (the stalls).
We already mentioned Coenie Naudé and Ruan Bester, but you can also gear up to watch GSTRING, Saxby Twins and Droomsindroom. This stage on a Saturday night is always a jol, and for most of these bands it will be their first Innibos. But you’ve got to talk to them to find out which ones are first-timers and which are old-timers.
If you enjoyed the kykNET Country Stage last year, don’t lose your hat. This is still taking place at the same kykNET Stage, but only on Friday, 3 July 2026, and features Sean Mills, Pieter Rischmüller (another Lowvelder), Franja du Plessis and Armand Hofmeyr.
So you can still line dance and have your gin too.
In-expecting the fun
The great news is that primary school-aged kids and younger still have free entry. Woelwaters is still active and still offers a range of kids’ entertainment. Pure, non-screen entertainment and stories. Who doesn’t like stories? Babysitting is sorted while you stroll at your own pace.
Okay, so the teenagers are rolling their eyes and scrolling on their TikTok (follow Innibos on TikTok while you’re at it). What can teenagers do? Hallo? Do you remember that you are there with the sole purpose of having a good time with your family and friends? Don’t miss the biggest thing you’ve known your whole life while being alive. Besides the music, make sure to make a turn at the AKTV Boeke-Oase or the Boma Kuiertuin for some laughs and more.
And the food? Sorted. There are options. Lots of them.
Joyland (that’s the rides) is always a hit with everyone, from small-kid-friendly rides to adults screaming with joy on the thrill rides. Remember, this is not part of your festival entry ticket. You still need to buy your actual Joyland tickets from their friendly booth staff. Just a hint for parents with smaller kids – write your name and telephone number on their arm so that if someone gets lost, they can be found by calling your number. No parent wants to worry about that. AirTag tags work as well. Teenagers are a different species, so good luck, parents.
We can sit and tell you about the food for a good hour, but everyone has their favourite. It’s no secret that ours is the pizza cone, and only one stall makes them. A close second is the panini stand (try their avo, biltong and cheese), and we are still looking for a third runner-up. But ask yourself this: when last did you have candyfloss at the rides? Or caramel popcorn? Yum! Remember to stay hydrated. There is even a water stand, a few coffee stands and, of course, all the bars. Just remember you must be 18 and older to buy and consume alcohol, anders jy gaan poef kry by die police.
Alles Wat IN Is
All in all, the Innibos website and social media pages have more information than you can shake a stick at. We highly recommend that you buy your tickets beforehand just to make things smoother. VIP parking, which was on sale, has now sold out (last we checked, Thursday still had a few available). There are kuiertafels and Golden Circle (Bespreekte Stoele) tickets available too, but they are also very limited.
Besides all of that what we mentioned there is just so much more for everyone – VIBE at Innibos, Kuns at Innibos (amazing art in display, the Feeskunstenaar Expo, Karoo-Keur (Coenie de Villiers and Deon Meyer) the ever popular Boeke Crawl, visit a real working citrus farm or be part of the architecture tour. Truly, there is too much to write in one paragraph!
We posted about it a few weeks ago to make things easier. The stages on the main festival grounds are included in your ticket. It’s really rare to find that. We will be at Innibos, as always, so come find us during the main stage events in the pit or at Alternatief.
We love meeting our readers.
