Reimagining the World at QUEERTOPIA.za 2026

Get ready to step into a “metaphorical country” where joy, art, and community intersect. QUEERTOPIA.za returns to Johannesburg this weekend for its fifth and most ambitious edition yet. Curated by the visionaries at Other Village People (OVP), this festival is a dedicated sanctuary for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies to connect, celebrate, and exist without judgment.

A Global and Local Sonic Journey

This year, QUEERTOPIA.za is scaling up by featuring two international headliners for the first time. On Saturday, attendees will be treated to the R&B soul of Newark’s own TheARTI$T, while Sunday features the South African debut of French-Ivorian artist wordsofAzia.

The international stars are joined by a powerhouse local lineup that spans generations, including:

• Zamajobe (The legendary Afro-soul songstress)

• Manana (Grammy-winning singer-songwriter)

• Buhlebendalo and Thando Nje

• ZuluMecca and giuliette price

What to Expect at QUEERTOPIA.za: More Than Just Music

The festival takes over the historic Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill, a venue chosen specifically for its transformation from a site of confinement to a space of liberation.

Beyond the main stage, the event offers a holistic experience designed for wellbeing and creativity. You can retreat to the Zen Room for a quiet moment, engage in conversation circles, or immerse yourself in experimental performance art. Furthermore, because safety is a core value of the festival, the organisers have partnered with Jägermeister’s Save The Night initiative and the SafeNow app to ensure a secure environment for all.

Ticket Information and Booking

If you are looking to secure your spot in this queer utopia, tickets are available exclusively online.

• Date: Saturday, 28 February to Sunday, 1 March 2026.

• Time: Gates open at 14:00 daily.

• Venue: Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein.

• Pricing: * Day Pass: From R450

  • Weekend Pass: From R800 – R850

• Where to Book: Official tickets are sold via Quicket.

Planning Your Festival Weekend

Because QUEERTOPIA.za is a community-focused event, attendees are encouraged to practice communal accountability. The festival maintains a strict code of conduct: respect pronouns, always ask for consent, and look out for one another.

In terms of logistics, Uber or Bolt is highly recommended for transport to Braamfontein. Additionally, while food and drinks will be available from curated vendors, please note that the event has a strict policy regarding outside items to ensure the safety and sustainability of the space. Consequently, tickets are expected to reach capacity by Saturday morning—don’t wait until the last minute to join the revolution of joy!

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Freshers 2026