Top live music events happening across SA this February
Summer is far from over, so we’ve compiled a list of incredible live music events happening this February to prove it. From day festivals in Joburg, Pretoria and Durban to weekend-long events in Cape Town, the local live music scene is truly thriving. If international superstars like Milky Chance and Xavier Rudd love South Africa enough to keep returning, what else can we do but to welcome them back, ready to soak up every second of song?
Top live music events in Cape Town
Up the Creek
For three decades, Up the Creek has made it their mission to feature strong, strictly-South-African lineups only. They’ve capped attendance at 3000 people and subsequently curated an intimate, controlled festival that easily ranks among South Africa’s best and favourite. This year marks their first festival since 2020 and, quite frankly, the reunion couldn’t come sooner. Festival-goers can expect four days, four stages, 50 bands and a picturesque setting in the beautiful town of Swellendam.
Date: 8 – 11 February
Time: 11:00 (8 Feb) – 16:00 (11 Feb)
Tickets: R1380 – Weekend passes available here. An extra R200 gives you access from Thursday (8 February).
Venue: Swellendam
Small Town Beat
Readying to host their fourth edition, Small Town Beat Festival is a boutique music festival like no other. From their warehouse series to losing their venue and finally laying roots at Vadersberg Farm, every edition has presented a different iteration of the festival. Uniquely, the festival is a celebration of House music, Techno, Blues and Jazz – an accommodating combination of electronic and live music genres. Furthermore, their focus is on unearthing local talent and complementing them with top-flight international bookings.
Date: 9 – 12 February
Time: 12:00 (9 Feb) – 11:00 (12 Feb)
Tickets: R1550 – R5250 depending on camping/glamping selection. Tickets available here.
Venue: Vadersberg Farm, Napier
Milky Chance "Living in a Haze" Tour
It’s been nearly a decade since German pop-rock duo, Milky Chance performed in South Africa for the first time. Consequently, they couldn’t be more ready to return and fans couldn’t be more ready to welcome them back. Joining the lineup for their three-date, cross-country tour is the Canadian pop duo, Neon Dreams, who have made South Africa their stomping ground for the past three years. Additionally, Cape Town-hailing international alt-folk sensation, Sean Koch will also join in on what’s shaping up to be a very attractive lineup. This information applies to Joburg and Durban as well.
Date: 15 February
Time: 16:00
Tickets: R595 – General Admission available here.
Venue: Green Point Track
Xavier Rudd Tour
Award-winning Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Xavier Rudd is preparing to perform his third South African tour. In effect, Rudd is just as in love with South Africa as we are in love with him. Alt-folk singer, songwriter Sean Koch will also join this lineup, with more artists to be announced soon. This information applies to Joburg and Durban as well.
Date: 23 February
Time: 18:00
Tickets: R795 – Last Phase tickets available here.
Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Top live music events in Pretoria
15th UNISA International Piano Competition
The 15th UNISA International Piano Competition commenced on the 22nd of January. Regarded as one of the most gruelling piano competitions globally, virtuosic players of both classical and jazz styles gathered from all over the world to compete for the prestigious honour. The competition draws to a close this weekend with the Jazz final taking place on Friday and the Classical final, as well as the prize-giving ceremony, taking place on Saturday.
Date: 2 & 3 February
Time: 18:00 both nights
Tickets: R120 – R160 depending on seat selection. Tickets are available here.
Venue: ZK Matthews Hall, Muckleneuck
Somer Fees
Not to be confused with an event in Mossel Bay of the same name, Somer Fees makes a grand return. The event details are sparse but if last year’s event is anything to go by, it’s going to be an epic day festival in celebration of the hottest young stars in Afrikaans pop and rock.
Date: 24 February
Time: 10:00 – 21:00
Tickets: R200 – General Access available here.
Venue: Loftus Park
Top live music events in Joburg
Calabash
Presented by Big Concerts in association with Discovery Bank and Heineken, Calabash South Africa is being billed as “SA’s Hottest Summer Concert” and it’s easy to see why. Firstly, the concert will be headlined by GRAMMY Award-winning pop-rock royalty, Maroon 5. Secondly, English alt-rock legends, Keane, appear on the lineup as second headliners. They’re also joined by Italian superstar Meduza and Ava Max. Local artists on the lineup vary depending on the city.
Date: 3 February
Time: 15:00
Tickets: R395 – R5700 depending on ticket tier. Tickets available here.
Venue: FNB Stadium
Milky Chance "Living in a Haze" Tour
The Joburg leg of this tour marks the second date, and the same tour info and lineup as the Cape Town show listed above apply here. According to an interview from 2019, Joburg was Milky Chance’s favourite South African city to perform in. Consequently, Joburgers can certainly expect their A-game!
Date: 17 February
Time: 11:00 – 19:00
Tickets: R595 – General Admission available here.
Venue: Marks Park Fields, Emmarentia
Xavier Rudd Tour
The same tour info and lineup as for his Cape Town show listed above apply. The Joburg leg will serve as the grand finale of his South African tour.
Date: 25 February
Time: 11:00 – 18:30
Tickets: R595 General Admission available here
Venue: Marks Park Fields, Emmarentia
Top live music events in Durban
Milky Chance "Living in a Haze" Tour
The same tour info and lineup as their Cape Town show listed above apply, with the Durban leg of their tour marking their third and final date.
Date: 18 February
Time: 12:00 – 18:30
Tickets: R495 – Early birds still available here.
Place: Durban Botanic Gardens, Umphafa Field
Xavier Rudd Tour
The same tour info and lineup as for his Cape Town show listed above apply. However, Rudd will be kicking off his SA tour in Durban with this particular show.
Date: 21 February
Time: 18:00
Tickets: R295 – R795 depending on which seats you select. Available here.
Place: Playhouse Company – Opera House
For more things to do, check out our constantly updated events calendar.
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