The Milk + Cookies Festival 2026 is officially returning to South Africa, and it’s promising to be one of the biggest summer parties of the year.
The highly anticipated music and culture festival will host two major events: one in Cape Town on 3 January 2026 and another in Johannesburg on 10 January 2026, bringing together local and international artists for an unforgettable experience.
This festival forms part of Milk + Cookies Music Week South Africa, an 11-day celebration of music, creativity, and culture that runs from 24 December 2025 to 14 January 2026.
The broader event includes concerts, immersive art experiences, and artist development workshops, all designed to showcase South Africa’s vibrant creative scene.
Last year’s edition saw massive success, with Canadian DJ Kaytranada thrilling audiences across the country.
For 2026, organisers have confirmed that American rapper Gunna — known for hits like “Fukumean” and “Drip Too Hard” — will headline the festival as part of his Wun World Tour.
Organisers also confirmed returning local favourites DJ Kent and Vigro Deep, both of whom are expected to bring high-energy performances to the stage. More artists are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
In a social media statement, festival organisers teased fans by writing:
Where and when to catch the festival
- Cape Town: Saturday, 3 January 2026, at The Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia.
- Johannesburg: Saturday, 10 January 2026. The exact venue will be confirmed soon.
The Cape Town venue is wheelchair accessible, though organisers have advised that some sections of the terrain are sandy.
Milk + Cookies Festival 2026: How to buy tickets
Tickets officially go on sale Friday, 10 October 2025, at 08:30 (SAST) through Howler.co.za.
Prices start at R550 for general admission and R900 for VIP access. The event is open to attendees aged 18 and overonly.
Festival operations director Tebogo Mokoena said the 2026 edition aims to “blend international talent with South Africa’s most exciting homegrown sounds” and reaffirm the country’s growing reputation as a global music destination.
He added:
“Milk + Cookies has always been more than just a music event — it’s a space where culture, fashion, and creativity come together. We want this to be a reflection of Mzansi’s energy and its influence on global music.”
Fans can expect multiple stages, food and drink stalls, and interactive installations celebrating art and fashion. The festival’s signature mix of genres — from hip-hop and R&B to amapiano and house — ensures something for every music lover.
The Cape Town show will kick off the summer festival season, while the Johannesburg edition will close out Milk + Cookies Music Week with a bang, wrapping up three weeks of cultural festivities.
Tickets for the 2025 festival sold out within days, and organisers are urging fans to secure their spots early this year.