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It’s almost time to haul that inflatable flamingo out from the back of the cupboard. Up The Creek is on the horizon, and has just dropped another impressive batch of artists for its 2027 festival. KONGOS, GoodLuck and Boo! are now confirmed among the latest names heading for the banks of the Breede River.
The long-running Western Cape music festival returns from 11-14 February, 2027, promising four stages and more than 50 acts over four days. And with attendance capped at just 2500 people, Up The Creek remains a considerably more intimate affair than most big South African music festivals.
The biggest new addition is KONGOS, the South African-born band of brothers now based in the United States. Best known internationally for the stomping accordion-driven hit ‘Come With Me Now’, the group will return to home soil for a run of South African shows in February, including Up The Creek on 12 February.
They'll also be joined by GoodLuck, the Cape Town electronic duo of Jules Harding and Ben Peters. Since forming in 2011, GoodLuck have become festival regulars both at home and abroad – they shared their favourite Cape Town places with us too! – blending pop songwriting and a live show designed with the dancefloor in mind. You can also catch them at the Get Lucky Summer festival this festive season.
Another new addition is Boo!, the cult South African alternative outfit fronted by Chris Chameleon. Known for an eccentric collision of rock, pop, funk and theatrical performance, the group adds a rather different flavour to the increasingly eclectic bill.
The latest announcement also brings US act Dirty Texans, alongside Dave Ferguson, Tanner Wareham, Abby Nurock, Pink & Yellow, Tomas Kranenburg, The Groove Missionaries, The Saxby Twins, Dirty Disco Records, Teagan and VOLK.
They join the first wave of artists revealed in October, featuring Arno Carstens, aKING, BCUC, Booshle G, Keanan Eksteen, Magé, SUGARBIRD, Dierbaar, Barto Swiegers, Pedro Barbosa, Georgetown and MaxX & Love.
More than just the music
Up The Creek has occupied its spot on the Breede River, about 23 kilometres outside Swellendam, since 1990 and is hailed as one of South Africa's running outdoor music festivals.
The location is as much of a draw as the line-up. Days at the Creek involve as much time floating in the river as standing in front of a stage, with swimming, chilling on ever-more-ambitious inflatable craft and campsite gatherings all part of the experience.
There’s also no VIP section, an Up The Creek tradition that means musicians and festival-goers share the same festival spaces throughout the weekend.
How much are Up The Creek 2027 tickets?
Right now (3 November 2026) Early Creeker tickets are sold out, but Phase 1 tickets priced at R1995 are on sale, giving access from Thursday, 11 February until Sunday, 14 February. When those are gone Phase 2 tickets will cost R2195.
There are also Friday-to-Sunday tickets for R1795 and a Saturday day pass for R995. Camping is booked – and paid for – separately, and the festival is strictly for over-18s.
Up The Creek 2027
When: 11-14 February, 2027
Where: Breede River, outside Swellendam, Western Cape
What: Four days, four stages and 50+ artists
Tickets: Are on sale now via Howler.
Tempted? here's a taste of what 2026 had to offer!
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