Calabash 2026: Muse to headline + full event details

The lineup for Calabash South Africa 2026 has officially landed, with multi-Grammy Award-winning alt-rock giants Muse set to headline one of the biggest live music events of the year.

The English rock band has celebrated over two decades of success for its genre-defying sound.

Across two decades, Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard have earned a global following with album releases including Origin of Symmetry, Absolution, Black Holes and Revelations, The Resistance and Drones.

Other powerhouse acts to look forward to at this year's event include international favourites A Day To Remember, Simple Plan, and Nothing But Thieves, alongside South African heavyweights Prime Circle, who will be performing at both shows.

Cape Town fans can also look forward to Die Heuwels Fantasties, while VAN PLETZEN joins the Johannesburg date.

The festival dates are as follows: 

• FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, on 7 February 2026
• DHL Stadium, Cape Town, on 11 February 2026.

 Ticket sales phases release on the following dates: 

• Mastercard Presale opens Thursday, 11 December at 9am
• Big Concerts Fan Club Presale on Friday, 12 December at 9am.
• General tickets go on sale Saturday, 13 December at 9am, via Ticketmaster South Africa only.

What else is in store for 2026?

The return of Calabash has already set the stadium scene in motion. With global touring schedules lining up and the city firmly on the international live music map, it feels less like a question of if major acts are coming, and more about whowill step into the spotlight next.   

Whispers around BTS and a possible return from Coldplay, hinted at during one of their recent onstage moments, have us on high alert!    

We're also not writing off potential grand standing from the likes of Linkin Park or Taylor Swift. See the full list of predictions here.  Otherwise, keep your finger on the pulse with our comprehensive guide to what’s on in Cape Town.