Milk + Cookies Festival has finalised its 2026 line-up with Odeal and Elmiene joining headliners Gunna and Majid Jordan across Cape Town and Johannesburg. The month-long programme blends performances, community initiatives, and creative industry events. Don Julio and Johnnie Walker return as partners, shaping elevated hospitality and immersive brand experiences.
Milk + Cookies Festival Confirms Final 2026 Line-Up Across Two Cities
Milk + Cookies Festival has confirmed the final additions to its 2026 South African line-up, with Odeal and Elmiene joining the multiday programme that spans Cape Town and Johannesburg. Their inclusion completes a roster led by headliners Gunna and Majid Jordan, marking the festival’s most expansive edition to date.
Odeal will perform on the Cape Town main stage, bringing a blend of alt-soul, Afrobeats, and UK contemporary influences to the event. Elmiene will make his Johannesburg debut, introducing his textured R&B sound to local audiences. Together, they contribute to a bill that reflects the increasing cultural exchange between South Africa and global creative communities.
Full Event Details
Date: Saturday, 03 January 2026
Venue: Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town, South Africa
Tickets: From R799 available via Howler
Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
Venue: Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tickets: From R799 available via Howler
The festival follows its 2025 debut, which drew more than 20,000 attendees. The 2026 return expands into a month-long programme from 17 December 2025 to 13 January 2026, combining music, fashion, community initiatives, and industry-focused events across both cities. Highlights include Writing Camps, Dot Connector panels, and a broad mix of creative and community-driven activities.
Cape Town’s event on 3 January at Kenilworth Racecourse will feature Gunna, Majid Jordan, Odeal, Nasty C, Dlala Thukzin, YoungstaCPT, Vigro Deep, and others, alongside the Move Mzansi Stage powered by Extreme. Johannesburg’s edition on 10 January at Nasrec Expo Centre mirrors the multi-stage format with performances from Gunna, Majid Jordan, Elmiene, A-Reece, Blxckie, DJ Kent, and additional acts.
Don Julio and Johnnie Walker return as co-presenting partners, shaping hospitality and experiential elements of the festival. Don Julio will introduce “The Don’s Table,” an elevated VVIP experience featuring masterclasses and premium showcases. Johnnie Walker will launch an interactive activation rooted in Afro-exchange storytelling, emphasising movement, discovery, and African creativity.
Milk + Cookies Music Week
Milk + Cookies Music Week returns from 17 December 2025 to 13 January 2026 with a month-long celebration of South Africa’s creative scene. More than a music festival, it’s a full cultural programme built with local creatives, industry leaders, and communities to engage, educate, empower, and celebrate South African talent. The experience spans Cape Town and Johannesburg, combining community givebacks, creative workshops, thought-leadership panels, brand activations, and major festival stages headlined by Gunna and Majid Jordan.
Why It Matters
- A platform connecting SA creatives with global networks.
- Designed to uplift communities, spotlight local talent, and spark career growth.
- Blends Atlanta’s creative influence with South Africa’s cultural excellence.
- Features music, fashion, tech, wellness, panels, parties, writing camps, and more.
CAPE TOWN: 17 Dec 2025 – 3 Jan 2026
Key Events You Can Attend
Out the Oven: Merch Pop-Up
17 Dec – One Park
Exclusive drops, designers, creators, live sets.
Tickets on Howler.
Special Delivery: Community Giveback
24 Dec – Thembisa Ratanga
A Christmas celebration for families with music, games, and youth upliftment.
HO! HO! HO! Christmas Party
25 Dec – Hearty Collective
A festive warehouse party featuring CPT + JHB DJs.
Tickets on Howler.
STEM Wars: Producer Beat Battle
27 Dec – Private
Eight producers face off in a high-intensity beat battle.
Writing Camp
28 Dec – Private
A collaborative creative camp for artists, writers, and producers.
Dot Connector Music Panel (MCMW + Rap Plug)
29 Dec – InUWell Waterfront
Industry conversations with leaders across music, fashion, tech, and media.
Tickets on Howler.
Honorary Brunch + Yacht Party
2 Jan – Private
Invite-only mixer and sunset sail for cultural leaders and partners.
Cape Town Festival
3 Jan – Kenilworth Racetrack
Major showcase: Gunna, Majid Jordan, Nasty C, Dlala Thukzin, YoungstaCPT, Vigro Deep and more.
Official After Party
3 Jan – TBC
JOHANNESBURG: 6 Jan – 13 Jan 2026
Key Events You Can Attend
Special Delivery: Community Giveback
6 Jan – Lion of Judah
A youth-focused creative upliftment event.
Dot Connector Music Panel (MCMW + Rap Plug)
7 Jan – ALX
Global and SA industry professionals bridging insight and opportunity.
Tickets on Howler.
Out the Oven: Merch Pop-Up
7 Jan – Neighbarhood
Exclusive merch drops and live sets.
Tickets on Howler.
Honorary Brunch
8 Jan – Private
Wunna Run Club: 5K Race
9 Jan – Location TBC
A fitness-meets-culture run for creatives and community.
Johannesburg Festival
10 Jan
Massive lineup: Gunna, Majid Jordan, A-Reece, Blxckie, DJ Speedsta, DJ Kent, Jazzwrld, Dwson, and more.
After Party
10 Jan – TBC
Soundset Sundays
11 Jan – TBC
A social music-driven finale celebrating local talent.
Writing Camp
12–13 Jan – Private
Coming soon
Coming soon
Follow @milkcookiesfest for the latest updates.
Featured Image(s): Supplied
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