Browse shows

2024 Festival

A highlight on South Africa’s cultural calendar, the National Arts Festival has been an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival, taking place in its Eastern Cape hometown of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), South Africa, since its inception in 1974.

The NAF was a critical space for protest during apartheid; has hosted numerous groundbreaking artists; survived the pandemic by going digital; and back to live again, and is evolving and shaping the arts as we head toward our 50th anniversary. The NAF is defined by the idea that the arts help us understand our world, connect within it, find meaning and drive transformation.

No two Festivals have ever been the same – whether you are a first-time visitor or have been coming to Makhanda every year here are some key points to keep in mind when planning your visit:

  • Online Tickets sales will open in early May with in-person sales in Makhanda available from early June
  • We no longer produce a printed programme. All information regarding Performances and Exhibitions will be available on the website
  • Water resources across the Eastern Cape are under severe pressure. The water supply to Makhanda has stabilised but we encourage visitors to the city to use this precious resource sparingly and speak to your accommodation provider about what measures they have in place to manage water on their premises.
  • Loadshedding will be a reality over the Festival period. All Festival venues will have an alternative power supply

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS