Delicious Festival announces 2026 dates amid DStv sponsorship drop

Since 2013, Joburgers and visitors from across the country, have flocked to the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival, held annually in Kyalami, Johannesburg. Known for drawing thousands of attendees, the multi-day experience blends world-class music, food, and lifestyle into one unforgettable weekend.

What sets the festival apart, and has led to its popularity, is its lineup of A-list performers, with an international headliner each year. 

Apart from the music, Delicious has always been more than just a music festival. Over the years, it has become a powerful platform for local businesses and creatives. Food vendors showcase a rich variety of local flavours, giving attendees a taste of South Africa’s diverse culinary scene. In last year's edition, the festival featured graduates from the Delicious Festival Traders Academy who served food on the main stage - bringing fresh talent directly to the public.

Beyond food, the festival celebrates local fashion and design. Attendees can explore proudly South African clothing, accessories, and jewellery, many of which are produced with sustainability in mind. This focus on conscious consumption and local craftsmanship has helped position Delicious as a key driver of the local creative economy.

For more than a decade, the festival’s biggest backer has been DStv, with the event widely known as the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival. However, DStv will no longer sponsor the festival, citing financial constraints following recent changes within parent company MultiChoice and its new ownership under Canal+. This brings an end to a 12-year partnership.

Despite this development, organisers have reassured fans that the festival will continue.

The 2026 edition is set to take place over Heritage Weekend, from 19 to 20 September, at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. The timing aligns closely with the festival’s celebration of local culture, food, and creativity.

While questions remain about whether international acts will still feature as prominently as before, organisers have confirmed a two-day lineup focused on soul, funk, and groove, genres that have become synonymous with the Delicious experience.

Even without its headline sponsor, Delicious Festival remains a cultural highlight in Gauteng. Its ability to spotlight local talent, support small businesses, and bring people together through music and food ensures that it continues to play a vital role in South Africa’s events scene.