Art & Entertainment

This October, give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing at OppiDam Music Festival

The best of all? You have the freedom to "kuier 'n hond uit 'n vaal bos uit" if you decide to spend the weekend, so there is no chance of driving under the influence. The only influence you will have to deal with is the bandwagon of "lekkerness" that will come rolling through the gates of OppiDam.

by Anchen Coetzee

Updated June 23, 2026

"Afrikaners is plesierig, dit kan jy my glo
Hulle hou van partytjies, en dan maak hulle só..."

Although traditionally an Afrikaans folksong, this is true of most peeps in this rainbow nation. We are a plesierige lot and what better reason to bring that vibe to the forefront than a down-to-earth, true South African music festival? The fact that it is next to an amazing body of water is also a huge plus because under these African skies water, music, fire, eating, playing, laughing and, for some, just sitting, is the best thing since sliced bread. Sitting and doing absolutely nothing but looking, because we humans, in general, are also a curious species.

And the best of all? You have the freedom to kuier 'n hond uit 'n vaal bos uit if you decide to spend the weekend, so there is no chance of driving under the influence. The only influence you will have to deal with is the bandwagon of lekkerness that will come rolling through the gates of OppiDam when they open at 10:00 on Friday, October 2.

That, perhaps, is what makes OppiDam different. It is not simply about who performs on stage. It is about families arriving with caravans and camping chairs, children disappearing into the play park, the unmistakable smell of potjiekos drifting through the air, conversations around campfires, and music becoming the soundtrack to a weekend that asks very little of you other than to relax and enjoy yourself.

Speaking of potjiekos... if ever there was an excuse to dust off Ouma's secret recipe and put your culinary skills to the test, this is it. Friday's potjiekos competition is expected to add another layer of fun to the festivities. It is, after all, South Africa. Put a few people around a fire with a cast-iron pot and a wooden spoon, and friendly competition is almost guaranteed. At its heart, however, the weekend belongs to the music.

Against the backdrop of the beautiful Vygeboom Dam, this year's festival once again brings together artists from different generations, genres and musical styles. From 80s nostalgia and Afrikaans pop-rock to country, southern rock, acoustic storytelling, Afro-pop and rhythm-driven live performances, the programme has been carefully put together to ensure there is something for almost every musical taste.

Friday eases festival goers into the weekend. Freckled Elvis gets the music underway with a versatile performance that comfortably moves between decades and genres, before Narboth Mathole introduces audiences to his thoughtful blend of contemporary folk, Afro-pop and acoustic influences.

As evening settles over the water, Cinema takes the stage, returning with songs that became part of a generation's soundtrack while continuing to write a new chapter in the band's story.

Closing the first evening is Drommedaris, whose energetic, rhythm-driven performance has become one of the most distinctive live acts on the South African festival circuit.

Saturday simply picks up where Friday left off. While families continue enjoying the relaxed atmosphere around the dam, browsing the festival stalls, discovering local products and treasures, and simply soaking up the atmosphere, while the OppiDam talent competition gives emerging performers the opportunity to showcase their abilities before the established artists once again take over the stage.

Festival favourites Kris Ray and Coenie Naudé, Drommedaris, Nicholis Louw, Pieter Rischmüller and Band, Ivan Roux and Freckled Elvis ensure the momentum continues well into the evening.

Nicholis Louw remains one of Afrikaans music's most recognisable performers, while Pieter Rischmüller brings decades of experience, humour and musical versatility. Ivan Roux, whose career has taken him from local stages to international audiences, rounds off a line-up that celebrates not only established names but also the diversity of South African music.

Perhaps that is the real appeal of OppiDam. Long after the final encore has faded and the last campfire has burned low, most people won't remember the exact running order or what time a particular artist walked onto the stage. They'll remember the laughter, the conversations, the people they met, the music that unexpectedly became their favourite, and the feeling of spending a weekend exactly as weekends were meant to be spent. And yes... they'll probably remember the sitting too, because sometimes doing absolutely nothing is one of life's greatest lekkertes.

Accommodation at OppiDam is limited, and early booking is recommended.

Tickets are available through Quicket, while accommodation enquiries can be directed via WhatsApp or by email. For more information, visit the OppiDam website or follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.