It’s official: MTN Bushfire 2026 is completely sold out across all ticketing platforms, marking the festival’s remarkable 14th consecutive sold-out edition.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the global community of loyal Fire Starters whose continued belief in the MTN Bushfire experience continues to fuel one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural gatherings. From 29–31 May 2026, thousands of festivalgoers from across the continent and beyond will once again unite at the iconic House On Fire in Malkerns, Eswatini for a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, connection and conscious living.
More than a festival, MTN Bushfire remains a powerful gathering at the Juncture of Hum, a space where arts, culture and social awareness intersect through a dynamic multidisciplinary programme of music, theatre, dance, spoken word, film, interactive workshops and family-friendly experiences.
Globally recognised for its commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability, MTN Bushfire continues to champion creative expression alongside meaningful social and environmental advocacy. The festival was awarded the Most Responsible Event Award at the WTM African Responsible Tourism Awards and has been recognised by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you really have to see.”
Festival Weekend Information
Thursday, 28 May — Camping & Opening Activities
- Camping Check-In opens: 11:00
- Festival grounds open: 16:00 – 22:00
- Early campers are invited to attend the Vuts’Umlilo Opening Ceremony Performance Showcase at the House On Fire Amphitheatre Stage from 19:00 – 22:00
Main Festival Hours
- Friday, 29 May: 16:00 – 02:00
- Saturday, 30 May: 10:00 – 02:30
- Sunday, 31 May: 10:00 – 22:00
Please note: Festival entry closes one hour before the daily cut-off time.
Ticket Safety & Official Resale Platform
MTN Bushfire urges all ticketholders to follow strict ticket safety procedures. Fire Starters are advised not to share ticket barcodes or purchase tickets from unofficial third-party sellers, as the festival cannot guarantee the legitimacy of duplicated or resold tickets obtained outside official channels.
Fans looking to safely buy or sell tickets are encouraged to make use of the official and secure Howler Ticket Resale Platform, available at:
https://mtnbushfire.howler.co.za/ticket_exchange/mtn-bushfire-2026-7e1b
Ticket Downloads
For safety and security purposes, MTN Bushfire tickets will only be available for download from Monday, 25 May 2026 via:
Early Wrist Banding
Beat the queues and get festival-ready early. MTN Bushfire wrist banding officially begins on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at selected MTN Service Centres in Mbabane, Ezulwini, Gables and Manzini.
Wrist banding will also be available at House On Fire, Malkerns ahead of the festival weekend.
Fire Starters are encouraged to follow MTN Bushfire social media platforms for updated wrist banding times and announcements.
Go Cashless — Preload Your Festival Funds
MTN Bushfire is a fully cashless festival experience, making spending quicker, safer and more convenient for all attendees.
Your festival wristband becomes your wallet, allowing you to spend less time in queues and more time enjoying the music, art and energy of Bushfire.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to preload funds via Howler before arriving or top up at on-site cashless stations throughout the festival grounds.
Mobile Money (MoMo)
Eswatini-based Fire Starters can also make use of Mobile Money (MoMo) services throughout the festival. Wristbands can be topped up at designated MoMo stations across the grounds for seamless, cashless convenience.
Selected traders across the festival will also accept MoMo payments, making it easier than ever to support local businesses and vendors.
Travel Packages & Flight Discounts
Travel packages are available from selected locations in South Africa and Mozambique, along with a 15% discount on Air Eswatini direct return flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Harare.
For travel package information, visit: https://www.bush-fire.com/plan/travel-packages/
For all festival information, visit: https://www.bush-fire.com/
Stay connected and follow @mtnbushfire on Facebook, Instagram and X for festival updates, announcements and behind-the-scenes moments as the countdown to MTN Bushfire 2026 continues. Be sure to check out the official Survival Guide on the ‘Plan’ page of the website, www.bush-fire.com, to help you navigate a memorable journey to and around the festival.
